Slab Leak Repair in Anderson

Slab leaks are more common than many people realize. In fact, many plumbers are called for one issue, only to find a slab leak that needs to be addressed when they arrive at a customer’s home.

While a slab leak is an issue on its own, it can create other problems down the line, too, if they are not handled. Learning the signs of a slab leak is the best way to ensure they do not become too significant and that they do not cause more serious issues.

Keep reading to learn more about slab leaks and how to tell if there is one in your home.

What Is a Slab?

Slabs are concrete foundations beneath a home or a commercial building. The slab provides the base structure and offers support for the installation. Not all buildings and homes have concrete foundations. Some have wooden foundations and crawl space to provide support to the structure.  

Slabs are common, and as a result, so are slab leaks. This is especially true for areas where there is a lot of rain. Usually, concrete slabs are built over a layer of sand. They will help to provide better drainage around the home. It can also help to prevent water from pooling beneath the foundation. Also, there is a bit of a cushion between the slab and the ground with sand in place.

Signs the Slab Is Leaking

A slab leak will occur beneath a person’s feelings. They are completely silent, and, in some cases, a person may not even know they are happening. As time passes, a slab leak will become more apparent as tell-tale signs begin to appear. Water damage that is caused by a slab leak can be devastating. There is no reason to let this damage occur.

Some of the most common signs that a slab is leaking can be found below.

Separated, Buckled, or Warped Floorboards

Are the hardwood floors in a home starting to buckle? Did the tiles begin to crack for no obvious reason? If so, these are tell-tale signs of there being excessive moisture under the floor. The tile and hardwood flooring will absorb moisture from the leak that occurs under them. The additional moisture may cause them to break or change shape.

Increase in Water Costs

If a homeowner notices sudden increases in their water bill, they should investigate to find the cause. This sudden increase occurs when no one is using more water is a huge red flag. It means that water is running somewhere. In most cases, the issue is a leak that has gone on undetected. Investing in professional leak detection will help a homeowner determine the source of the problem.

Wet or Damp Carpeting in the House

Like the floorboards, carpeting will absorb moisture from the slab leak that occurs under it. The moisture can wick up into the carpet and create a mini swimming pool that may attract ants and other pests.

Hot Spots in the Floor

Sometimes, a slab leak can result in hot spots. This is because the underground pipes cause the leaks. Hot water pipes may be the main cause of the leak. In some cases, pets notice hot spots before anyone else. For example, does the cat seem to lay in a randomly selected place on the floor? Feel around where they like to lay. If there is more warmth than what is normal, it may be a sign of a slab leak.

Mildew or Mold

Sometimes a homeowner will begin to see or smell mildew or mold. When unwanted water is present, then the possibility of mold developing is high. Sometimes mold won’t be seen, but it can be smelled. If this is the case, the culprit may be a slab leak.

Hot Water Heater That is Continuously Running 

Sometimes, the culprit to the situation may be a hot water pipe. If the slab leak has occurred over a hot water pipe, it will cause the hot water heater to run much more than it should.

Reduced Water Pressure

When water pressure goes down, the cause may be a slab leak. A slab leak is going to suck all pressure out of a shower or bath. This is because the water in the pipes is moving freely through the leak. Nothing is stopping the flow to create the pressure.

When it comes to slab leaks, there are more than a few issues to consider. Being informed and knowing the signs of a problem will help ensure the issue is resolved.