Telltale Signs of a Concrete Slab Leak

If you have a slab foundation, chances are you keep a look out for any potential signs of problems. However, there is one often-overlooked issue that could lead to costly damage, and learning to recognize the signs of this issue is critical. If left untreated, even a minor slab leak can lead to a host of potentially dangerous problems, including mildew growth and damage to your home's wooden support structure.

It is critical that you learn to recognize the signs of a slab leak to ensure that no further damage occurs. Here are a few of the most common signs that you have a concrete slab leak.

A sign that many people often overlook or account to overuse is a strangely high water bill. Unfortunately, even a hole the size of a pin can lead to excess water use. As the damage becomes worse or if additional damage occurs, the issue compounds.

The best way to determine if your massive water bill is caused by a leak is to monitor your family's water usage. If you're using approximately the same amount of water over the span of a month but your water bill continues to grow, chances are the issue is with your plumbing.

Another sign that there is damage to the plumbing under your concrete slab is noticeable hot spots on the floors of your lower level. The spots occur when there is damage to your hot water pipes. This symptom often occurs in tandem with an overworked hot water heater.

To compensate for leaking hot water pipes, your hot water heater will work overtime. This unnecessary stress on the unit can greatly decrease your hot water's life expectancy, which should be anywhere from 10 to 15 years for an electric water heater and eight to 12 years for a gas-powered model.

One of the most dangerous signs of a concrete slab leak is the presence of mold and mildew. For mold to flourish, it requires air, water and an organic substance to grow in, such as the wood used to construct your home. If you have a leak, the mold will begin to grow unchecked, and, if left untreated, can be very dangerous for your family.

Often you will smell the presence of mold before you see any forming. The smell will often be more noticeable in the area where the leak or damage to your plumbing has occurred. If you cannot easily find the source of the mold, chances are the mold growth is being fed by a leak under your concrete slab.

Finally, if the leak becomes severe enough that it has completely saturated the concrete, it will eventually begin soaking into your flooring. This will lead to noticeable wet spots in your carpeting, along with warped hardwood or laminate floors. If this occurs, your first step should be to determine if there is another source of moisture that is causing the damage.

If you cannot find any obvious sources of water, the problem could be a leak under your concrete slab.

A slab leak can be a serious problem. This is why your first call if you suspect there is a leak must be to a plumber. A plumber can help you determine the source of the leak and provide you with several solutions. If the leak isn't severe or if there is only a single leak, it can often be fixed without digging up the concrete.

A slab leak can cause serious damage to your home and negatively impact your family's health. If you suspect there is a water leak beneath your slab, don't hesitate to contact the professionals at Superdrain.