Slab leaks happen beneath your house. If left untreated over time, a slab leak can not only create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, it can cause some serious damage to your home’s foundation. Most leaks are often easy to spot and quick to repair with some professional help. Beyond the pipes that run throughout your walls and basement, there are other leaks to worry about, slab leaks!
Signs of a Slab Leak
Slab leaks can cause a lot of problems for your house, but luckily you can spot a slab leak early. What often happens depends on what sort of terrain your house is built on top of. If there is clay below your foundation, it will expand when wet and shrink when dry. Heaving and shifting soils put massive amounts of pressure on the concrete slab beneath your house, causing the concrete to heave, shift, and eventually crack. Just detecting the source of the leak can set you back up to $400. If a contractor finds multiple leaks, the cost to repair the pipe or worse, repipe your entire house, can cost thousands. The sooner you spot a potential leak, the better. Here are seven signs that your house may have a slab leak.
The Sound of Constantly Running Water
If no water fixture is in use, you shouldn’t hear running water. Next time your house is completely quiet, listen carefully for the sound of running water and make sure no one is running any water when you hear it. If you can’t determine where the sound of running water is coming from, it could be a slab leak. If you’re hearing running water, it could be coming from a crack in the pipes inside the slab foundation.
Wet Spots on the Floor
Check your floors for any possible wet spots and puddles as they can be a sign of a slab leak. You might not see any wet spots, but if there is warm water leaking beneath your home’s foundation, you might start feeling warm spots throughout the house.
High Water Bills
If you start to notice your water utility bills are higher than usual, it could indicate a number of plumbing issues. One of the most common causes is a leak somewhere in your house. Check any exposed pipes such as the ones underneath your sinks, as the issue might have nothing to do with your foundation. If your water bills are extraordinarily high, that means your house is leaking a lot of water, and that could indicate a slab leak.
Cracking or Buckling Foundation
A slab leak will cause damage to your home’s foundation. If you notice any cracks either in the outside of your home’s foundation, or inside on the floor and walls of your house, contact a plumber immediately.
Moldy Carpets
If there is a slab leak somewhere in your house, your foundation can start to get saturated. Over time that saturation can seep into the flooring of your house, which can rot your wooden floors and dampen carpets. If you notice any of your floors smell musty, you’ll want to contact a plumber right away. Mold is not only an indicator of an expensive leak repair; it’s a major health hazard.
Cracked Garage Floor
The floors inside your house aren’t the only property susceptible to water damage. A slab leak can also affect your garage flooring. If you spot cracks in your garage’s concrete floor, there could be an underground waterline leak. If enough water seeps into the concrete floor, it can also cause discoloration.
A Drop in Water Pressure
If you’ve been experiencing some disappointing showers, or struggle to get enough water out of your faucet, then it’s time to check for an underground plumbing issue. A drop in your house’s water pressure doesn’t guarantee that there’s a slab leak, but it’s still important to have a plumber inspect your plumbing.
There’s always a chance that your house might be trying to tell you something else. Check out these alternative signs of underlying plumbing problems and how to spot them. But if you are convinced you have a slab leak on your hands, there’s not time to waste!
Don’t Wait Until Your Floors Are Soggy
A slab leak is more than just a nuisance—it can lead to mold, major structural damage, and costly repairs. Even if every leak isn’t caused by a slab leak, no plumbing issue should be left untreated. If you suspect a leak in your home, it’s crucial to contact a licensed plumber immediately. Attempting to fix it yourself might be tempting, but a professional has the right tools to detect the leak and provide the best solutions for a leak-free home. Don’t let your floors and health suffer—call Radiant® Plumbing and Air Conditioning today.
We’re available 24/7 to resolve any potential issues causing your slab leaks. Radiant serves all of Austin and San Antonio, with locations throughout Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Leander, Castle Hills, Hollywood Park, Highland Hills, and beyond. Our expert technicians have never encountered a situation they couldn’t tackle. From leak detection to comprehensive repairs, we offer a wide range of solutions. Don’t risk turning a minor plumbing problem into a major disaster. Contact Radiant now for quick, reliable repairs.
