If you’ve ever Googled “wet spots on my floor” or “mildew on my carpet,” then you’ve probably seen something about slab leaks come up in the search results. But just what is a slab leak, how bad is the problem, and even more importantly: how do you know if you have one?
If these are questions you’re asking, we’re going to answer all three below (and yes, those wet spots and mildew on your carpet are pretty strong indicators of a slab leak).
What Is a Slab Leak?
Unbeknownst to many homeowners, there is a series of plumbing pipes (usually copper) running underneath and through a home’s concrete foundation. Due to corrosion, earth movements, or other issues, these pipes can start leaking. This is what’s known as a slab leak.
Just How Bad Is a Slab Leak?
Slab leaks can occur in your home’s water lines or sewer lines. Neither situation is a good one. If a slab leak occurs in a water line, it’s usually easier to detect, but it can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. If a slab leak occurs in a sewer line, it can often take much longer to reveal itself.
Slab leaks can lead to a number of issues for homeowners. The accumulation of moisture can lead to mold growth and black mold damage, as well as pest infestations. In addition, if the water from the leak soaks deeply enough into the soil underneath your home, it can threaten your home’s structural integrity. The foundation can crack and buckle, and the building might even start to sink.
How to Detect a Slab Leak
A slab leak can be difficult to detect without professional equipment. However, slab leaks can give themselves away with these common signs.
You see mold growth or smell mold along your walls and/or floors.
You feel wet and/or warm spots on your floor.
Mold or mildew starts growing in your carpet.
There are consistently damp or soggy areas around your home’s foundation.
Cracks start to form in your home’s foundation (visible around the outside of your home).
Cracks start to form in your walls and/or floors.
Your water bills are unusually high.
You hear the sound of running water when no water should be running.
If you detect any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional plumber for an inspection as soon as possible. A qualified plumber will have equipment that will allow them to repair the slab leak in a way that is as non-invasive to your property as possible. It’s also a good idea to contact your insurance company to see if your policy will cover any damage that the slab leak may have caused.
Don't delay if you suspect a slab leak.
Contact Rudd Plumbing today to have a Tyler plumber inspect your home or business: (903) 290-0851.