Spotting a Slab Leak: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions for Homeowners        

 Many houses have concrete slabs because they are durable, cheap to construct, and require low maintenance. During construction, plumbing contractors install pipes in the foundation before the concrete slab is poured. This means that pipes are usually underneath the house. Unfortunately, that means a leak can go unnoticed for a long time and cause severe damage to the foundation. For homeowners concerned about a slab leak, here are signs, symptoms, and solutions they can use to address this issue. 

Spike in the Water Bill

A water leak means water will run 24/7, increasing water consumption. One indication that a house has a slab leak is an unexplained sudden change in the water bill. Note that the increase in the water bill will depend on the size of the leak. Though it is not easy to notice a slab leak, it is possible to tell when there is one by monitoring the water bill. If a homeowner has detected a slab leak, they should hire licensed plumbers to check and fix the system. 

Hot Spots

As long as everything works as required, homeowners should not have some hot spots. Getting hot flashes either on the floor or the walls is an indication that there are hidden piping issues. When this happens, homeowners should investigate the cause because they are associated with water leakage. The hot flashes occur when a hot water pipe bursts. If that is the case, homeowners should consult a plumber for a thorough inspection and repairs.

Wet and Damaged Floors

One of the reasons why a water leak is a homeowner’s worst nightmare is that it is not easy to detect yet can cause severe damage. If not detected and fixed on time, the leak could damage the flooring above, and it might cause the foundation to crack over time. Homeowners can avoid dealing with such issues by examining the floor and carpet. If they notice damp spots or dark patches, they should hire skilled professionals to check the condition before it gets out of hand. Ignoring the issue could damage the floor, which is costly to repair.

Water Pooling

Many homeowners don’t do anything when they notice water pooling around their house. Yet, this is something that they should be concerned about because it could lead to foundation damage. If they see water pools during the hot season, they need to hire a plumber for inspection as soon as possible. The same applies when they notice water standing in their home, especially on the floor, since this could indicate a leak. Note that the more they wait before fixing the water leak, the more severe the damage will be and the higher the cost.

Foul Smell

It is easy for homeowners to ignore an issue such as a foul smell in their home. Some homeowners wait for the smell to be unbearable before they take action. They do not realize that the foul odor can result from water leaking into the slab, causing mold growth. Living with mold growth in a home is dangerous as it can lead to health complications. Additionally, when mold spreads in the floor and walls, it causes widespread damage, and it may become necessary to replace flooring, drywall, and other affected areas.

Homeowners should not panic when they notice a water leak in their house. Instead, they should turn off the water from the primary source and call professional plumbers trained to fix the problem. Waiting too long could lead to severe damage that is expensive to fix.