One of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner is a slab leak. A slab leak occurs when a water line breaks below your foundation. This leak often takes weeks or months to even notice, often causing damage during that span of time. Slab leaks are also difficult to locate and repair for many plumbers as it often calls for removing part of the homes foundation.
Detecting a slab leak early is key to avoiding extensive damage such as structural damage and mold or mildew. For slab leak detection services in Desoto, Texas, contact Dial one Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating at 469-518-2809.
Continue reading for ten tips on identifying slab leaks early.
1. Feel for Hotspots on the Floor
If you have wood or tiled floors then you should be able to detect hot spots quite easily. If the slab leak is coming from a hot water pipe then that can cause hot spots. Walk around without shoes or socks on and see if you notice any. If you do happen to notice a hot spot, along with other signs on this list, then you should call a plumber to see if they can detect a slab leak.
2. Check for Decreased Water Pressure
If you have a slab leak then your water pressure will probably decrease. This is because some of the water escapes from the pipes and results in decreased water pressure. Be sure to check all faucets to see if any of them have substantially lower water pressure. It’s also important to take note of which faucets are affected because it may be able to help the plumber locate the slab water leak.
3. Identify Warped Floorboards and Damp Carpets
Water often pools upward from slab leaks. If you start to notice damp floors or unexplainable warped floorboards in the lowest level of your house then you probably have a slab leak. As the water rises, it can cause damage to your floors. Wood floors may not be repairable and carpets may begin to develop mold or mildew. If you do notice these issues, make sure you can a plumber to check it out.
4. Look for Mold or Mildew
You may have the perfect conditions in your home to breed mold or mildew. Water may accumulate on your floors, walls and other parts of your home. The water, in addition to warmth or humidity, can cause mold or mildew to grow. While you may think it should be fairly easy to spot mold. The growth typically happens inside of the walls and then works its way out to the interior of your home. By the time you can actually see the mold, it may have been growing for a while.
5. Carefully Check Next Water Bill
If you check your water bill only to find that it has substantially increased, then you may have a slab leak on your hands. Slab leaks can cause an increase in water usage because so much water is wasted through the leak. The bigger the leak, the more water that is wasted. Be sure to call a plumber to check for any slab leaks if you notice a high water bill.
6. Look for Water Coming From the Walls
While it may sound strange that a slab leak may cause water to come through the walls, it does happen. Slab leaks often result in water traveling upward. This occurs because the water looks for the path of least resistance. Call your plumber right away if you notice water damage or damp spots on your walls.
7. Check Patio for Pooling Water
If you have a patio, lanai or any concrete surface attached to your home, check it for unexplainable pooling water. Slab leaks can also occur under these surfaces or can run out from the slab and up through the patio. You should especially check in cracked or damaged parts. This is a sign that you may have a slab leak nearby.
8. Keep an Eye out for Foundation and Wall Cracks
Slab leaks can cause foundations to shift. This happens because the soil underneath the foundation is being disturbed by the water. When the foundation shifts it can cause cracks in your floor and walls. If you start to notice a crack developing in your wall or floor, most visible in tiled floors, be sure to call for emergency plumbing services right away. This is usually a sign that the slab leak has been left for a long time. If it is left neglected for longer, it could cause further structural damage.
9. Listen for Running Water Sound in Walls
If you put your ear up to the wall when all the faucets in your home are off, do you hear the sound of running water? This is often a sign of regular pipe leaks, but can indicate a slab leak. To be certain that you have a leak, check your water meter. If the water meter is moving, then you have a slab leak somewhere in your home. Be sure to call a plumber so that they can quickly identify it.
10. Identify Whether Your Water Heater is Continuously Running
Sometimes slab leaks are caused by a hot water pipe leakage. If your hot water pipe is leaking, then it will cause your water heater to constantly run while it tries to replenish the hot water the leak is wasting. Be sure to turn all of your running water off and check to see if your water heater is running. Wait an hour and check it again. If it is still running then you should call a plumber to look for a slab leak.
Trustworthy Desoto Plumbing Services
Slab leaks can be immensely frustrating. That’s why it’s so important to have a good plumbing company at your side. Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating has been serving the Desoto, Texas community for over 50 years. Trusted by thousands of residents, Dial One Johnson is ready to help. Our team provides maintenance, repairs and installations for all kinds of heating, cooling and plumbing equipment.
To schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and qualified technicians, give us a call at 469-518-2809 or contact us online.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.