Slab leaks are very common in homes, but also very difficult to detect. This is because slab leaks are caused by leaking pipes located underneath the slab that your house rests on. When a pipe underneath your slab bursts or leaks, the water travels upwards rather than down. Even though it travels up, you may not notice that there is a problem for weeks or even months.    There are a few signs that you can look for that may tell you whether or not you have a slab leak. Even if you are slightly suspicious or concerned that you do have one, you should contact an emergency plumber right away. Plumbers have tools that can detect slab leaks without breaking the slab apart. This will confirm whether or not you have a slab leak that requires immediate repair. If you are ready to schedule regular or emergency plumbing service, call our team at Dial One Johnson at (972) 291-0740.

Importance of Plumbing Inspections

Scheduling regular plumbing inspections will help you keep up with any leaks that your plumbing system gets. During a plumbing inspection, your plumber will check all of your appliances and piping for any issues. Upon special request, you can ask your plumber to check for slab leaks.   Because slab water leaks make a specific noise, a plumber can find slab leaks using sound equipment such as a ground microphone. Including sound leak detection in your plumbing maintenance and inspections is a great way to identify the problem before it gets worse. Be sure to schedule plumbing maintenance at least once a year to keep your plumbing equipment in excellent condition.

Signs of a Slab Leak

While slab leaks are incredibly hard to detect, there are a few signs to keep an eye out for. If you notice any of these signs you should call a plumber straight away. While they may not necessarily find a slab leak in your home, these can also be signs of other plumbing issues that need to be fixed. Take a look at these five signs that you may have a slab leak:

1. Hot Zones on the Floor

If you are walking barefoot on your floor and notice that one spot is hotter than another, you should be concerned. This could occur if the hot water line underneath your house springs a leak. A hot water leak would create hot spots on your floor that could indicate where the leak is.    If you notice a hot spot on the floor then you need to contact a plumber right away as this is one of the most concerning signs of a slab leak. A hot water slab leak will quickly create mold growth, structural damage and other issues. An emergency plumber will be able to help you detect and repair the leak.

2. Pooling Water

If you start to notice pooling water on your floor, especially near cracked tiles, warped floorboards or other floor damage, you need to call an emergency plumber. Pooling water on the floor could be indicative of a slab leak. As the water rises upward, it will soak the slab and eventually continue upward into the ground floor. For some houses the ground floor may be in the basement and in others it may be the main floor.    Any instance of pooling water should be concerning. A slab leak that starts to pool in your home means that it has been leaking for a few months. Be sure to contact a plumber if you notice pooling water anywhere in your home, even if you don’t think that it may be caused by a slab leak. 

3. Increased Water Bill

If you have noticed an abnormal increase in your water bill for a few months then you may have a slab leak. As the water leaks, the plumbing system has to push extra water through the piping to meet your water needs at that moment. This causes a lot of wasted water, which increases your water bill.   You should be especially concerned if you notice an increased water bill along with any of the other signs listed here. When you observe an increased water bill, be sure to contact a plumber to identify the problem and solution.

4. Odd Water Heater Behavior

Most slab leaks happen in the main hot water line. This is why it is so important to keep an eye on your water heater. If it sounds like your water heater is constantly running or turns on when it shouldn’t be on, then you may have a major slab leak. Your water heater may be turning on and off at strange times to account for the leaking hot water.    If you notice odd water heater behavior, especially with hot zones on your floor and an increased water bill, then you need to call a plumber. They will be able to detect whether or not you have a slab leak or if there is a different problem with your water heater.

5. Mold or Mildew Growth

Any visible signs of mold or mildew can be traced back to water. Water damage can be devastating for the structure of your home, as well as presenting a major health risk to your family. If you see mold, smell mold or are otherwise suspicious about mold or mildew growth in your home, get it inspected right away. Mold that is visible or can be smelled has already grown into a thriving colony that can wreak havoc on your home. This is definitely a sign of leaking water and could be a sign of slab leak.

Emergency Red Oak Plumbing 

If you are looking for reliable emergency Red Oak plumbing service, look no further than Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating. With our advanced sound equipment, we can easily detect a slab leak and walk you through the steps of repair. Our team of highly qualified and skilled plumbers are ready to help you.    Dial One Johnson has been operating in the Red Oak and Dallas area since 1965. We have the expertise and knowledge necessary to handle the hardest of jobs, such as slab leaks. Our plumbers also provide plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for a variety of systems. At Dial One Johnson, our priority is customer satisfaction. This is why our plumbers always provide quality workmanship with a friendly smile.    To schedule a Red Oak plumbing appointment with one of our certified plumbers, give our team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating a call at (972) 291-0740 or contact us online.