Not sure what the warning signs of a slab leak look like? You’re not alone — leaks can be difficult to detect unless there is significant damage, but even hard-to-see leaks can cause damage and compromise the structural integrity of your entire home. Read on to learn some slab leak signs to help you keep your home safe.
What Does a Slab Leak Look Like?
The signs of a slab leak can manifest in different ways. Here are six different descriptions of what a slab leak can look like.
1. You Have an Unusual Spike in Your Water Bill
If you have a slab leak, that means you have water leaking 24 hours a day, which is going to be noticeable on your water bill. While the size of the water increase varies depending on the size of the leak, keeping a careful eye on your water bill can help you catch a leak. This is one of the most common slab leak signs.
There’s a Drop in Water Pressure
Floor Shows Signs of Water Damage
Keep an eye on the lowest floor of your home. If the leak is severe enough, you will see clear water damage to the flooring. For carpeted floors, this could mean damp, sodden spots that are dark in appearance. For hard floors — such as hardwood, linoleum, or laminate — you might notice some buckled, warped areas.
Strong Smells of Mold or Mildew
You Hear Running Water Under Your Floor
If you want to check for a slab leak, try turning off every source of water in your home. That includes faucets, showers, the dishwasher, and the washing machine. Then head to the bottom level of your home and listen carefully for any running water. If you hear water rushing under your floor, this is a clear sign that you have a slab leak.
There Are Pools of Water
In cases of a severe slab leak, you may notice pools of water forming. These can be either inside or outside your home. If you notice pools of water in or around your home when it’s not raining, investigate the issue at once. Check for other signs of standing water or water damage that could indicate that a slab leak is present.
How Do I Know if I Have a Slab Leak?
Learning all the unique warning signs of a slab leak is one of the best ways to know if you have one, but you can also use your home’s water meter to test for plumbing leaks under your slab foundation. Start by turning off all your plumbing appliances and fixtures. Once this is complete, watch your water meter for at least 15 minutes. It will clearly show if water is being used during this timeframe.
If you notice that there is water usage when all your appliances and fixtures are turned off, this is an indicator that there is a leak somewhere in your home. In this scenario, call in a professional at once to investigate the issue and determine the location of your slab leak.
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