A slab leak is one of the worst plumbing disasters a homeowner can have. Over time, the pipes underneath your home may wear out and eventually begin to leak. Even though this may not cause damage immediately, slab leaks can cause problems that are expensive to fix. It is important to recognize signs of a slab leak so that you can have the problem repaired before it causes serious damage to your home.
Signs of a slab leak
Slab leaks can cause a lot of damage to property. A slab leak may not be identifiable for a long time. However, there are some signs a homeowner can detect without having to dig up the foundation. When caught early, a homeowner can save a large amount of money. Here are some signs of a slab leak.
Pools of water, warped wood floors, or damp carpet
Slab leaks usually create water buildups underneath a homeowner’s concrete foundation. To escape, water often pools on top of floors, the yard, or even the concrete. If a person has carpeted floors, it is important to look for areas that appear darker or are damp. For wood panel floors, a person should look for spots where the wood begins to warp.
Mold or mildew patches
A common sign of a slab leak is mildew or moisture underneath the carpet. When water sits for a long duration, it creates a good environment for mildew and mold to grow. Although it may be hard for a person to notice, a homeowner should be aware of areas in the home that smell musty for a long time. Mold and mildew can also grow if a leak spreads behind drywall.
High water bill
Most times, an indication of leaking underground pipes will come from the water or sewer bill. An unexplained sudden spike in the water bill is a warning sign of a possible slab leak. This is usually due to the continual running water. A small leak in a single pipe can leak out many gallons of water in just one month. If there is a sudden massive price spike even though a homeowner is not wasting water or water usage stays the same, a person may be dealing with a leaking pipe.
Sometimes, the water bill may increase drastically because of leaky appliances especially toilets. It is important to pinpoint any problems. A person should make sure the toilet is not leaking. For a water-based appliance or a faucet, a homeowner should look for dripping or pooling water around either the appliance or connected pipes. Leak detectors can also be used to determine if a homeowner has got a leak.
Hire a plumber
If you realize you have a leak, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible. Not dealing with slab leaks early can lead to many negative consequences. These range from structural damage to your home, expensive repair costs to mildew, mold, and water damage. It is also a big inconvenience. If you want to find out more about slab leaks contact a plumbing service near you.
Get more information here: https://www.bevillstexas.com or call Bevills Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (325) 225-4115