Slab leaks will lead to thousands of dollars in damage, in both plumbing and home repair costs. You should be aware of the signs of a slab leak and how a quick detection can save your property from further damage. The repair side is covered on our slab leak repair page.
Slab Leak Causes
Slab leaks are usually the result of one or more of these problems:
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Slab movement, which in Lakeland and Plant City usually means water has washed voids into the sand under the foundation rather than the soil swelling on its own
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Breaks within a pipe or pipes, often in old copper that is due for whole home repiping
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Leaky drain lines, which can also back up the main line and need sewer backup repair
Now that you are aware of some of the causes, let’s explore some of the most common warning signs to look out for when attempting to detect a slab leak in your foundation.
Foundation Movement or Cracking
Have you noticed new cracks in your floors or walls? These are caused by foundation movement and cracking. When water seeps into the foundation, the strength of the slab is compromised. Noticeable cracks in the walls or floors of your home or business are major red flags of a slab leak, and they belong on the same list as the other signs that you may have a water leak.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are areas on your flooring that are unusually warm to the touch. When you detect a hot spot on your flooring, chances are a hot water line has busted beneath the slab. This red flag should be addressed immediately, and leak detection can pinpoint the line without opening the whole floor. We walked through that in how to detect a water leak without destroying your home.
Foul Odors
Mildew is a sign that water damage is occurring in your home or business. When wood remains damp, it can become a breeding ground for mildew growth. Find the source of your odor to narrow down the problem area where there is a possible slab leak. Damp framing and subfloor need water damage restoration once the pipe itself is fixed.
How to Address Your Slab Leak
Actually, one subtle thing that homeowners and business owners should also be aware of is unusually high water bills. This minor red flag could be the start of a major plumbing problem that could either indicate a slab leak already present, or that is developing. Catching it at that stage is the whole point of these early leak detection tips.
Foundation repair and restoration can cost thousands of dollars. Locating the leak costs a fraction of what the demolition and pipe repair cost, and any damage outside the plumbing issue is an additional expense that adds up fast. If the repair turns into a full replacement, the 5 signs your property needs repiping explain why, and financing keeps it from being an emergency decision.
Be proactive in detecting plumbing problems! Slab leaks and water damage should not be ignored. Save yourself time and money by calling True Plumbers & AC at (863) 667-6364. Water spreading across a floor is emergency plumbing, and here is how leak detection services help homeowners find the source first.
