Most homeowners fear plumbing problems, but often the ones they fear the most are the easiest to repair. For example, a clogged toilet is usually a temporary inconvenience that can be taken care of with a plunger or plumber’s snake. A slab leak, on the other hand, is a much bigger concern and can create a true plumbing disaster. Slab leaks are water leaks underneath your home’s concrete foundation. They’re not like pipe leaks inside your home because they’re more difficult to detect. You won’t see water dripping or find a puddle under the sink. Early detection can minimize the damage. Be aware of these 4 common symptoms of a slab leak.
You See or Smell Mold
It’s not unusual to smell mold or mildew in a basement. In fact, some homeowners smell it, ignore it, and eventually desensitize themselves to the odor. Seeing mold normally disturbs someone enough that they try to troubleshoot where it came from. Don’t ignore mold or its smell. While it’s not always a sign you have a slab leak, it should be checked out by your plumber as soon as possible.
You Find Water Puddles
Water puddles can be deceiving. In the basement, you might assume your hot water heater is leaking. If you have a single-story home and find water puddles in the kitchen or bathroom, you may suspect a leaky dishwasher or a toilet that needs repair. If none of your appliances, sinks, or toilets need repair, it may be a slab leak. Don’t pretend like the puddles aren’t a problem. Get your plumber on the job and have them go through the steps to figure out if you have a slab leak.
Your Utility Bills Increase
A spike in your utility bill is always cause for concern. If it’s summer and you’ve been running the hose for the garden or the kid’s pool, that might explain the sudden jump in your water bill. But if you have nothing unusual going on with water use and your bill goes up significantly, you may have a slab leak. Since slab leaks occur in the pipes under your house, you may be able to hear water running after you turn the water off. When you can’t figure out why your utility bill is going up, it’s time to call a professional in to figure things out.
Changes in Your Foundation
Slab leaks can cause settling in your foundation. The reason for this is either water damage or soil erosion. On the outside of your home, you might notice cracks in the foundation. Inside, you might find cracks in the walls. Contact a plumber so that you can find the problem and repair it immediately.
None of these symptoms should be ignored. They may or may not end up being a slab leak. The key is detecting and fixing plumbing issues regardless of what they are.
For more information and for all your plumbing repair needs, call The Pink Plumber today!
