Water leaks in your home are always very concerning. But they are inevitable because everything wears out eventually, even your plumbing pipes. But when that leak is concealed under the concrete foundation of your slab home, the issue is far more severe. And the biggest reason for this added level of worry is that slab leaks are challenging to detect. And there can be a significant amount of water damage to your home before you even realize there is a problem.
What Is A Slab Leak?
If you live in a home built on a concrete slab foundation, rather than a house with a basement, you need to be very aware of the potential damage from a slab leak. These are leaks in the water lines that are running under the slab foundation of your home. With no basement under your home to house your water lines, the pipes are laid in the ground and stubbed up before the concrete foundation of your home is poured. Then the pipes are run through your home’s interior after the concrete foundation cures, and the interior walls are built.
How Common Are Slab Leaks?
The frequency of slab leaks varies from region to region. The most significant factor in the occurrence is the shifting of the soil in your area. In places like California, the ground can move frequently, and a considerable amount due to earthquakes. This means that those areas are more prone to slab leaks.
Older homes can also begin to experience more frequent slab leaks because of the piping material used for the water lines. Copper piping is more susceptible to corrosion than modern-day pipes. So if your supply lines were installed using copper piping, it is good to remain on the lookout for signs of a slab leak in your home.
Warning Signs Of A Slab Leak
Living in a slab home anywhere in the country, it is wise to know the slab leak indications to be on the safe side. Some of the most common signs of a slab leak are listed below.
WARM SPOTS ON THE FLOOR – If a hot water line is leaking under the slab of your home, you will notice a distinct warm area on the concrete flooring.
A RAISED DOME ON THE FLOOR OR A MOUND – If the leak is severe, you might notice a dome or mound appearing under a linoleum or wood floor. This is caused when the leaking water forces the flooring up off of the concrete. The dome is also a good indication of the location of the leak. But the bad news is that there is already significant damage to the foundation of your home if it has allowed a considerable amount of water to leak through the concrete and under the flooring.
FOUNDATION HEAVING – Water is a very powerful force and can cause the ground under and around your home’s foundation to swell. As the ground swells, the concrete cannot expand as much as the expansion of the soil. Your foundation will heave or move slightly, and then it will begin to crack. As soon as the foundation moves, even slightly, you will start to discover cracks in your home’s interior and exterior walls.
WATER BILL SPIKE – Most homeowners can estimate their water bill each month. And when a bill arrives that is substantially over the expected amount, it is time to start looking for a slab leak. The water could be washing away the soil supporting your home’s foundation, but you might not be able to notice it from inside your home or even in your yard. But know that damage is occurring and you need professional help quickly.
Slab Leak Detection
Licensed plumbers use several pieces of technology to locate slab leaks under your home. From moisture sensors to thermal imaging and sound amplification, our team has the tools and expertise needed to quickly find hidden leaks to minimize the damage to your home and the cost to repair the leak. Call (318) 202-9144 at the first sign of a slab leak and know that the Metroplex Leak & Line professionals will have cost-effective solutions for you quickly.
