Slab leaks can cause significant property damage. This is why early detection of a leak in your home’s slab foundation is critical. The longer a slab leak goes undetected or unrepaired, the more water and structural damage it can cause. Thousands of dollars worth of property damage isn’t out of the realm of possibility. T-Top Plumbing – specialists in slab leak repair in Los Angeles and Ventura counties – warn of a few possible signs you may have a slab leak.
A slab leak can cause a lot of damage to your home. It also isn’t something you even consider repairing yourself. So, first, you may be wondering, “What is a slab leak?”
Many homes in Ventura and Los Angeles counties area are “slab construction.” This means these houses have been built on a slab of concrete that sits directly on the ground. Under this concrete slab is your plumbing system. This plumbing system is usually made of copper piping. While copper piping is a durable material, it can also leak. This is called a “slab leak.”
Slab leaks become increasingly problematic the longer they go undetected and unaddressed. This is why homeowners must watch for the following warning signs they could be dealing with one.
Water Polling Where It Shouldn’t
Whenever there’s a slab leak, water accumulates under your foundation until it finds somewhere to go. Watch for water that seems to be pouring from your home’s slab foundation. If there are no hoses in close proximity, and overwatering or a defective irrigation valve isn’t a possibility, you most likely have a slab leak.
A Higher than Normal Water Bill
Keep track of your water usage month to month and year to year. Any leak in your plumbing system allows water to run 24/7; not just when someone’s actually using it. Any inexplicable increase in your water bill could suggest there’s an undetected slab leak beneath your home.
The Sound of Running Water
You’ll hear the sound of running water when you’re in one part of your house and someone is using water elsewhere in the house. That’s not unusual. What’s unusual is hearing the sound of running water when no one in your house is actually using water. That’s a huge red flag that you have a possible leak.
Hot Spots on the Floor
If the leak is on the hot water side of your plumbing, the hot water will inevitably heat the concrete above it. In time, that heat will transfer from the concrete to your flooring.
These hot spots are harder to detect when there’s carpeting; however, they can be felt if you have hardwood flooring, linoleum, or tile.
If you have a pet that you suddenly notice is laying down on certain spots of your floor on cold days, check to see if the floor beneath them is warmer than the flooring around it. Just remember to do it a few minutes after they lift themselves from the spot since their body heat will also make the spot feel warmer.
Check Your Water Meter
This is one we recommend to a lot of people. Whenever you’re leaving the house for a few hours, make sure nothing like a washing machine or dishwasher is in use. Then, check your water meter.
Most residential water meters are located at the front of the house, near the curb or sidewalk. Look for a concrete “box.” This water meter box usually has a metal or plastic lid and might be marked “Water Meter.”
A long screwdriver can be used to remove the faceplate. Some water meters might have a smaller hinged faceplate that can simply be lifted. Use a damp washcloth to wipe the face clean. Note the position of the indicators as you’re leaving and then check to see if they’ve moved once you return. If there’s been movement, we suggest you call a plumber right away – that’s a strong sign you have a leak.
Mold or Mildew
If water from a slab leak does make its way to your flooring, mold and mildew can grow on or under your carpet. Some water can even be absorbed by your drywall, which will lead to mold in your walls. This mold under your carpeting or inside your walls may or may not be visible; however, it should definitely produce a musty mildew smell.
NEED SLAB LEAK DETECTION IN VENTURA OR LOS ANGELES COUNTY?
An ongoing slab leak can produce any of the aforementioned symptoms. If you suspect there may be a slab leak at your home or business, you can count on our Ventura and Los Angles slab leak detection and repair services to locate the source and minimize further damage. Contact us today by visiting https://www.ttopplumbing.net/contact or by calling (805) 527-8867.