When a water pipe underneath a home’s concrete foundation breaks, water will seep into the home’s foundation and the surrounding ground, causing a slab leak that will need immediate repair. Some common causes of slab leaks are pipe corrosion, pipe abrasion, forceful water pressure and a high water table. Learning to spot signs of a slab leak is key to saving countless dollars in repairs.
A Mysterious Running Water Sound
If hear the unmistakable sound of trickling or running water, check all appliances, pipes, sprinklers and fixtures. If you cannot find the sound’s source, this is a sign of a possible slab leak.
Hot Spots
Unless your home has radiant heating, the hot water lines should be insulated, so they will not heat the floor. If there is an area of the floor that feels more warm than the surrounding floor, there may be a leak in a hot water line underneath the concrete slab.
Floor and Wall Cracks
Floor and wall cracks are signs of several different problems such as ground shifting or a leaking slab. If the leak is left unchecked, a hole may eventually form under the home’s foundation; the stress placed on the foundation can create cracks in the walls and floors.
Mildew and Moisture
When a leaking pipe cracks the concrete slab, drywall and padding tend to absorb the moisture. In turn, mildew may grow under the carpets and behind the walls.
Water Bill Spikes
An unusually high water bill may be caused by a number of plumbing failures, including a broken pipe under the foundation. If you have confirmed that the water meter is working, then it is highly likely you are dealing with a plumbing issue such as a slab leak.
