Living in our area of the country, most homes are built on a slab foundation, meaning that we do not have basements or crawl spaces to provide a buffer between the earth and our ground floors. Our plumbing runs directly under the home – so if a slab leak should occur, water damage can quickly seep inside of our homes, causing a plumbing and interior nightmare.
How can I tell if I have a slab leak?
There are a few ways how you can tell if you can tell if you have a slab leak. Here are some of the most common:
- Your water bill goes up
- Your floor has “hot spots”
- Standing water near your home’s foundation
- Cracking on ceilings and walls
- Sound of running / dripping water
Emergency plumbing service can be expensive, and finding contractors to repair other damage or remove mold can be a pain. Here’s how to tell if you have a slab leak so you can get it fixed before it turns into a total disaster.
Signs You May Have a Slab Leak
- Watch the water bill. A sudden surge in your home’s water usage, barring any visitors or changes in routine, is an indicator that something is off with your home’s plumbing. If you see a sudden spike, keep an eye out for additional indicators.
- Does your floor have hotspots? One key indicator of a slab leak is a focused spot of warmth in a floor or a single room that is warm or humid. Slab leaks in a hot water line cause hot water to accumulate. This heat transfers into the surrounding flooring and environment.
- Examine the outside of your home. All of that built-up moisture has to go somewhere. If you have a slab leak, you will find telltale signs outside your home. If you suspect a slab leak, walk the perimeter of your home, carefully examining the space for things like standing water, moss, or mud. Provided that you are not overwatering and that you do not have an irrigation issue if you find these things, there is a high probability that you have a slab leak.
- Look for cracking walls and ceilings. In fairness, hairline cracks do often occur over long periods of time as a result of settling. However, if new cracks start appearing quite suddenly, this may be an indication of a problem with your plumbing.
- Listen for constantly running water. If you hear water running even when all of your water fixtures are turned off, you likely have a plumbing issue and this is a key sign of a slab leak.
Slab leaks come accompanied by many symptoms, but in truth, many of the symptoms can also indicate other possible issues. The only true way to diagnose a water leak is to call in a trusted San Diego plumber. The experts at Anderson have the qualifications and proper equipment required to diagnose such an issue.
With slab leak concerns it is especially important that you use a LICENSED & insured San Diego plumber.