Signs of a Slab Leak

Homes with a concrete foundation have the potential for a slab leak to develop beneath it. Slab leaks are one of those things like a root canal or a transmission leak in the car: unpleasant to deal with but the consequences of not dealing with them are much more unpleasant, especially if they’ve been put off for a while. A slab leak can compromise the integrity of your slab, resulting in a significant water loss, and cause health problems due to secondary issues.

But, as a homeowner, how are you supposed to know if you have a slab leak?  Today, we’re going to teach you some ways you can learn if you might have a slab leak.  If you read this and suspect you have a slab leak, or think you have another kind of leak, even if you can’t identify where the source of the leak is, we can help. 

A spike in the water bill https://www.srpnet.com/

If your water bill comes in high, check your meter, don’t use any water for a couple of hours, and then go back and check your meter again. (If you have an auto-fill for the pool or an ice maker, you’re going to have to shut those off by hand.) If your meter has moved, either you didn’t shut something off, or you have a leak.

The sound of water

Do you hear water running? Running water when no one is using the water, especially in a place where there shouldn’t be running water is a sure sign something is up. It might not be a slab leak. It could be a plumbing leak, an irrigation leak, or even the condensate pump for your HVAC unit, but if you can’t figure it out, a pro can.

Puddles or damp spots

If you see something weird, like a big damp spot or puddle in an incongruous location, such as the flooring or baseboard, it could be caused by a slab leak. There is certainly a leak somewhere, and it needs to be repaired. Even a warm spot in the floor could be caused by a hot water leak.

Another obvious anomaly is the appearance of a crack in your foundation. Maybe your house has just settled from age or other factors. Finding the cause is essential. Any crack is bad, but a crack caused by a continuous leak can cause major shifts in the foundation, which can further compromise the structural integrity of the home.

Mold

Mold growing anywhere in or around the home is always caused by something which is amiss. Mold in the home is a health risk and black mold can cause significant respiratory issues. An unrepaired leak will almost always cause mold.

For most people, their home is their biggest investment. It requires care and protection from hazards such as leaks and plumbing mishaps. The resulting foundation degradation, water bills, and mold growth as a result of a slab leak can be serious enough to warrant immediate action in the event a leak is suspected.

Need reliable and affordable faucet repairs, replacement, and installation, toilet plumbing repair, backflow plumbing, and slab leaks services in the Phoenix and AZ Greater Metro Area? Contact MNS Plumbing at 602-362-4524.