A slab leak is one of the most difficult leaks to detect. The leak can go unnoticed for months and often reveals itself through several months of higher than normal water bills. Plumbing contractors use specialized leak detection equipment to track down and identify the troublesome leaks. However, there are signs that can help you uncover a leaking slab if you know what you are looking for.
- Pooling Water or Wet Spots: This sign seems the most obvious, but pooling water, wet or damp spots on your home's flooring could indicate a leaking slab. They are easy to overlook the first time you come across one as you might think something was simply spilled. However, if you notice the same wet or damp spot over an extended period, then you most likely have a problem.
- Warm Spots on the Floor: If your slab leak is related to a hot water line under your home, sometimes the heat from the hot water is transferred through the slab and to your inside flooring. Not to imply that you could fry an egg, but the flooring would be warm to the touch.
- Slab Erosion: If you notice erosion or cavities forming underneath the perimeter of your slab, a leaking water line could be the culprit. Since the water lines are under pressure, a leak could easily displace soil from underneath the slab in areas near the leak.
- Weeping Slabs: Pooling water or extremely wet spots around the perimeter of your slab could also indicate a serious slab leak. As the ground underneath the slab becomes saturated with leaking water, the wet area will expand far enough that it could be visible around the slab perimeter.
- High Utility Bills: When a slab leak occurs, it often goes unnoticed until your sixth sense realizes your utility bills are abnormally high. This could take a couple of months unless the leak is heavy and the bills skyrocket immediately. A slab leak can affect not only your water bill but also your electric bill if the leak is on the hot water line. A hot water leak will drain the water heater tank, causing it to run constantly to try to maintain water temperatures. In addition, homes on private wells that utilize a pump to deliver their freshwater could experience higher electric bills as well due to the pump running more frequently.
If you suspect a leaking slab or are just not sure, call your plumbing contractor immediately. Not only could you experience high utility bills, but also incur severe damage to your home both aesthetically and structurally.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
