If your home is built with a slab foundation, you may have a water leak you can’t see underneath it. Slab foundations have plumbing under them, and where there is plumbing, naturally leaks will eventually occur.
Unfortunately, detecting a slab leak is difficult for homeowners. By the time you discover leaks, the damage usually has already been done. Learning the early warning signs will prevent larger plumbing problems.
Below, we discuss the 10 common signs that your home has a slab leak. If you notice one of these warning signs, contact Al Bourgeois Plumbing & Heating for a comprehensive inspection. It’s better to act immediately than to have to deal with expensive repairs in the future!
Look Out for These 10 Warning Signs of a Possible Slab Leak
Did you know that 65% of homes built since 2020 have slab foundations? If your home is one of them, it’s crucial to know the early signs of a possible water leak. The sooner you catch a slab leak, the less damage it can cause.
Here are the top 10 common indicators of slab leaks.
High Water Bills
High water bills can indicate a severe water leak under your slab foundation. There could be many reasons for excessive water bills. A professional plumber like the plumbers at Al Bourgeois Plumbing can inspect your slab for leaks.
Damp Areas on your Floors
Damp spots on your floors could indicate a slab leak. Take this possibility seriously and have the area inspected. Since the leak has likely already caused damage, it’s crucial to act fast to prevent further issues.
Sound of a Dripping Water
One of the common signs of leaky plumbing is the sound of running water, regardless of whether water is being used. If this happens, locate the source of the sound and determine if it is consistent or intermittent. If the sound is constant, it’s a possible sign of a slab leak.
Presence of Hot or Cold Spots on Your Floor
Depending on your flooring material, you may notice unusual temperature changes in the case of a slab leak. Hot spots signify a hot water leak, and cold spots indicate a cold water leak. The good thing about these signs is that they help you determine the exact location of the leak. Acting quickly can help you save on expensive floor repairs.
Musty or Mildew Smell
High moisture areas are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. These areas might smell a musty and moldy odor. If you notice such a smell, check for small leaks.
Poor Water Pressure
Water pressure problems can be the result of leaking pipes. Unfortunately, this issue is difficult to detect. However, if the water pressure in your house drops over time, it could be due to a significant water leak problem. The best course of action is to call a plumber to come out to your home and inspect the water lines.
Cracks on Slab Foundation and Walls
Small cracks can appear in many places in your home. However, if you notice cracks getting bigger or feel moisture when touching them, you almost certainly have a water leak.
Warps or Domes on the Floor
When a leak occurs long enough, it can damage your flooring, causing buckles and domes under the flooring. The “dome” may signify the exact location of the leak. However, it may also indicate that your foundation has been compromised and you may need a slab leak repair.
Water Pooling in or Around your Home
Puddles of water or moisture around your house may be the result of a leak underneath your slab foundation. This is a sign of a major leak — pooling means that water has been leaking for an extended period.
Water Stains or Discoloration on your Walls
A slab leak causes water to seep through the walls and around baseboards, resulting in stains or discoloration. The stains on your home’s wood floors, walls, and furniture can indicate water damage. Most importantly, the leaks can cause structural damage, increasing the cost of repairs.
How Al Bourgeois Plumbing & Heating Can Help Homeowners
A leak coming from your home’s foundation can be destructive to your household and finances. That’s why it is essential to act quickly by calling a professional plumbing company. We help homeowners by responding swiftly and effectively to minimize damage.
We are experts in our industry. We use cutting-edge technologies, leak detection tools, and deep knowledge of slab foundations to achieve our goals. When you contact us, we come to your home to conduct a thorough inspection of your plumbing system and slab. We ensure the stability of both factors to ensure a firm foundation.
Plumbers Near Me: Get Your Slab Foundations Inspected and Repaired Today
A slab foundation can be easily overlooked, as it is typically covered to blend seamlessly with the rest of the house. However, if you think that you have a leaky foundation under your home, consider having your slab inspected and leaks repaired immediately.
If you notice the signs described above, schedule regular inspections with us at Al Bourgeois Plumbing & Heating. We can help keep your home in the best possible condition!