Most people think leaks are easy to spot — maybe there’s water dripping under the kitchen sink, or maybe you hear a funny noise always coming from your toilet bowl. However, many people are surprised to find out their home could be experiencing other types of leaks that are harder to see until it’s too late. A slab leak is the perfect example.
What is a slab leak?
In order to understand what a slab leak is, it’s very helpful to first picture the architecture and design of your home.
Underneath most homes is a concrete slab foundation — this is what anchors your home and allows the rest of the structure to stand firmly and securely. Slab leaks are leaks that happen right under this foundation, and it is precisely because they are underground that they are hard to catch early on. In fact, you likely won’t know you have a slab leak until you start noticing some troubling signs on your floors.
How to spot a slab leak
The easiest way to determine whether or not you have a water leak is by keeping track of your water bill. If you notice a sudden spike in your monthly bill, chances are water is being leaked somewhere in your home. A good rule of thumb is to check your water meter dial when your pipes are not in used — if the dial moves, you know you have a leak.
Another common symptoms of a slab leak in a home is damp or warm floors. This is because, as you can imagine, the water leaking from the underground pipes is making its way up and your floors start absorbing it. If you have a basement, you might also see cracks in the basement walls. If you have carpet on your floors, you can also expect to find moisture or mildew underneath — not to mention funny smells.
But as uncomfortable as moist carpet can be, perhaps the single most troubling sign of a slab leak is mold issues.
Are slab leaks dangerous?
Like all leaks, slab leaks can really hurt your wallet. What makes slab leaks particularly dangerous, however, is the mold they can help pester.
Exposure to mold is known to cause health effects, specially among vulnerable groups. Those who are allergic to mold or have asthma are particularly susceptible to strong reactions. Those with other underlying respiratory conditions are similarly at risk of suffering adverse health outcomes.
What can you do if you have a slab leak?
A slab leak is nothing a good plumber can’t fix —and Preferred Plumbing Ca is here to help.
If you suspect that you have a slab leak, call our office and we’ll get started right away. We offer free estimates and run a 24-hour hotline to give you peace of mind. Call us today:(877) 298-8105