5 Common Signs Of A Slab Leak In Progress
Of all the plumbing problems your home could face, slab leaks rank among the worst to deal with. These leaks often prove costly for homeowners due to their location and the amount of effort needed to reach and repair the leak. When left to its own devices, however, a slab leak can wreck your home's foundation and cultivate a serious mold problem, not to mention the dramatic increase you'll see in your next water bill.
The sooner you can spot the signs of a slab leak, the easier it'll be to take care of it. Here are some signs to look out for.
1. Water Puddles
Water puddles that seemingly come from nowhere are a very common sign of slab leaks. A pinhole leak in your pipes can cause water to percolate through the foundation and creep into your home, resulting in puddles left on your floor. Make sure there aren't any other nearby pipes above or at ground level that are leaking before deciding on a slab leak diagnosis.
2. Weak Water Pressure
If you've noticed the water doesn't emerge from your faucets as strong as it usually does, then it could be due to a slab leak. A leak in your home's water main can affect your home's water pressure more than leaks in other lines. If you're having problems with low water pressure, you may want your plumber to check it out.
3. Warm Floors
You didn't remember installing a radiant floor heating system, did you? If you didn't, then chances are the source of your hot floor could be the hot water that's heating up your concrete slab as it leaks. The best way to spot an ongoing slab leak is by checking multiple portions of your floor. If certain portions of your flooring are hot while other portions remain cold, then you're likely dealing with a slab leak in progress.
4. Damaged Flooring
Whether you're dealing with cracked hardwood flooring or carpet that's constantly soaked down to the padding, these problems could indicate a serious slab leak. Once your flooring takes damage, however, the slab leak has likely grown to the point where only an expensive and time-consuming professional repair can help.
5. Strange Sounds
While slab leaks are usually seen, they're often heard as well. The sound of running water underneath your floor can indicate an ongoing slab leak. To get a better idea of what's going on, shut off your appliances momentarily to eliminate any other sound sources and keep your ears open. If you think you hear running water, have your plumber confirm with his or her tools and training.
For more help, contact a company like Laroc Refrigeration-Metal Division today.