Signs of a Slab Leak
Anyone who’s experienced a slab leak can tell you about the extensive damage, as well as the huge headache and expense to repair it, that can result. Pinpointing the exact location of a slab leak is tricky since it usually originates in the piping within the concrete slab upon which a house is built–inaccessible without the proper equipment and out of normal sight to the residents. Once the leak is found, the proper method of repairing it usually requires breaking through the actual concrete slab to reach the damaged piping, which is a huge effort and costly repair to inexperienced homeowners without the help of a professional plumbing specialist.
The upside, however, is that once a slab leak has occurred it is very obvious that you actually have one and can be confirmed to exist by a range of tell-tale signs.
Your Water is Acting Funny
When taking a shower or running your spigots, if the water pressure drops quickly and unexpectedly, it may be a result of a slab leak, not your water heater. Any leak in the main water line or a primary piping system within your slab will significantly reduce the amount of water reaching your home. Even when the water in your house is completely off, if you can still hear water flowing around or splashing from somewhere unseen, you should check for a leak.
Your Floors or Walls Experience Changes
Since your house slab is a single large piece of concrete, any addition of water pressure within it has no real outlet except up into your home and can result in a resettling or cracking of the slab itself. Should you notice unexplained soggy areas in your carpet or the resulting mold growing, or if your floor tile develops cracks, the damage to your flooring, walls, and baseboards is an indicator of a water leak in the slab.
The Water Bill or Water Meter Just Doesn’t Add Up Right
A sudden, out-of-the-ordinary increase in your water bill (when you haven’t used any extra water that month) may indicate you have a slab leak. That extra water is being released but isn’t explainable to you. Similarly, if you have turned all the water off in your home, but the water meter still reads (or its leak detector shows you have) activity, most likely you have leakage and should enlist the help of a professional.
If you live in San Diego or the surrounding areas and suspect you might have a slab leak, the plumbing specialists at 1-800-anytyme are available 24-7 for emergency service to assist you. Contact us at 760-477-0072 today.