Slab Leaks: Warning Signs to Look Out For

When it comes to slab leaks, most homeowners agree it is bad news. A concrete slab acts as the foundation of the house you live in. Typically, a slab foundation is used in place of a basement or crawl space. If your house is built on a slab foundation, the plumbing pipes that supply water to your home are located beneath it.

Unfortunately, there are instances when the pipes below the surface can leak. This is known as a slab leak. One of the most distressing things about slab leaks is they can be difficult to detect. If anything, early slab leak detection can make a world of difference. The sooner you spot a leak, the better!

Common Warning Signs of a Slab Leak

Below are some of the most common signs that point to a slab leak:

High Water Bills

If you notice a significant spike in your water bills but won't be able to justify them through your usage, you may have a slab leak. At times, there are valid reasons for the increase in water bills. 

Perhaps you have run your lawn sprinklers, filled your swimming pool, or hosted overnight guests. However, if you are certain there's no change in your actual water consumption, you likely have an undetected slab leak.

Hearing Running Water

The sound of a leak from the toilet is noticeable since most homeowners are familiar with it. However, if you pay close attention, you can also hear the sound of running water if you have a slab leak. If you suspect you have a slab leak, turn off all your taps at home and try to listen for sounds of running water.

However, it can be difficult to really know for sure as the sound can be deceiving. At times, it can seem like the water is running inside the walls and not under the foundation. In line with this, it would be best to have a professional plumber perform leak detection.

Hot Water Fluctuations and Water Pressure Decrease

If you notice that your water turns cold in an instant or the water pressure suddenly drops, it can be an early sign of a hot water slab leak. When a pipe leaks under the slab, the water flow can get disrupted and create pressure fluctuations. 

Visible (or Smell) of Mildew or Mold

When water from a slab leak makes its way to your flooring, mildew and mold can become an inevitable consequence. If there is no noticeable warped hard flooring or darkened carpet spots, the smell of mold or mildew should give you a hint of a possible problem.

Slab leaks will not affect your flooring alone. At times, you might see mold in the walls as well. If you notice a specific smell, consider investigating where it is coming from. You can also point out the area where you notice the smell to a professional plumber so they can double-check.

Warm Spots

If your hot water line at home has a leak, you might be able to find where the leak is by checking for abnormally warm spots on your floor. If you have thin linoleum or carpeted floors, warm spots can be easy to find. 

If you have a tile floor, it can be challenging to detect unless the leak is too severe and causes water to flow into the space between the tiles and the adhesive. If you have hardwood floors, finding a warm spot on the floor can also be challenging.

Raised "Dome" on the Floor

If the leak is very severe and has been going on for a while, you might notice flooring damage in the form of warps on the floor. Another common sign of severe water damage is the formation of a dome or raised areas on your floor. 

While the presence of a dome on the floor can indicate the leak's location, it can also mean severe damage to the home's foundation.

Conclusion

While slab leaks can be difficult to detect, they can be very costly when left unattended. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it would be best to have a professional plumber inspect your property right away. Licensed plumbers can detect slab leaks and repair them before they can result in significant structural damage and costly repairs.

Guest Contributor: Anthony Quinn