Being a homeowner comes with many responsibilities. For most people, the process is learning as you go — after all, not everyone is equipped with extensive knowledge in plumbing, landscaping, electricity, and the multitude of other home services.
However, if there is one very important plumbing lesson all homeowners should know, it is being able to identify a slab leak in your home.
What is a Slab Leak
The vast majority of homes are built on a concrete foundation, also known as a concrete slab. Pipes run below and through this foundation, ultimately leading into your home.
When one of the pipes in your slab develops a leak, you can run into very serious problems. If your pipes are leaking into the concrete slab, eroding may occur and lead to the foundation of your home deteriorating or shifting.
The reason it is important to understand what a slab leak is and how to identify one is so you can catch it before it begins to affect the integrity of your home.
How to Identify a Slab Leak
Timing is of the essence when dealing with leaks in your foundation. The earlier you detect there is an issue the higher chance you have of saving money on costly repairs and keeping your home safe from foundational issues or health concerns.
There are several identifiers you can keep an eye out for to catch a slab leak early on:
Water Bill
Have you noticed an unexpected increase in your water bill? This is a major indicator that there may be excess water leaking from your pipes and causing your usage to go up.
Standing Water
If you suspect there is an issue, examine the perimeter of your home. Assuming there has not been major rainfall or you have not overwatered your plants, pooling of water or extremely muddy areas are a sign that there may be something going on.
Mold
Water causes moisture and moisture causes mold. If you spot mold in or around your home, seek professional plumbing help immediately. Not only is mold a strong indication of a slab leak, but it can also be harmful to your family and furry friends and should be treated as soon as possible.
Hot Floors
If you are walking around your home and feel hot spots, something is not right. A slab leak in your hot water plumbing will create hot patches around your home.
How We Can Help
Slab leaks should not be taken lightly and if you suspect there is a problem happening under your home, give us a call. Slab leaks require immediate attention so that you can avoid additional damage to your home and expensive repair costs.
Plumb Level is here to help you determine the problems within your home and provide you with the services you need to keep your home sturdy and safe.