Warning Signs that You Have a Slab Leak

by | Sep 18, 2021

Most people are familiar with leaky pipes or a drippy faucet, but what about a slab leak? A slab leak occurs underneath the concrete foundation of your home, making slab leak detection particularly challenging. Thankfully, the leak detection specialists at Indiana Leak Detection can root out slab leaks in Franklin, IN, homes and get them repaired quickly. 

Because slab leak detection can be challenging, we’ve made a list of some of the common warning signs that your home needs slab leak repair services.  

Weakened Water Pressure

Low water pressure could come from anything from a loose pipe to a problem with your mainline — but another possibility is a slab leak. This type of leak can draw pressure away from your plumbing system just like any other leak, but it may be more noticeable because the change is more significant. 

If your home isn’t experiencing any other plumbing problems and you notice low water pressure, you may need a leak detection specialist to perform an assessment of your foundation. 

Wet or Damaged Flooring

Unlike most plumbing issues, which tend to cause water to flow downward, a slab leak can actually cause water to move up into your carpet or flooring. This upward movement happens because the water coming from the slab leak has nowhere else to go. 

When this happens, you may notice warping on your hardwood floors or wet areas on your carpet without an obvious source. Not only are these issues costly to repair, but if you don’t fix the source of the leak, you’ll find yourself having the same issue again.

Increases in Your Water Bill

There are various reasons why your water bill may go up from one month to the next, like having guests come to visit or watering the garden during hotter months. However, if you can’t determine the cause for the increase, it’s likely due to a leak in your home. 

As some homeowners know, locating a leak in a plumbing system can be difficult and frustrating. If you have exhausted all other leak possibilities and still have high water bills, we suggest having a specialist perform slab leak detection.

Strange Smells

A foul odor is a common indication that you have a plumbing problem of some sort. When water gathers in spaces it shouldn’t, it encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which love to spread in dark, wet areas. Frequently, this mold and mildew will be hiding under floors or inside walls, so you won’t be able to see it. 

If the issue is bad enough, your nose will definitely be able to detect the mold and mildew accumulating in your home. In particular, if you notice this musty smell in rooms that don’t have major water sources, like bedrooms or living rooms, you may need slab leak repair. 

Hot Spots on the Floor

Around 80% of slab leaks come from hot water lines. This means that the leaking water will give off heat. That heat may transfer to your flooring. It’s usually easier to notice these hot spots on tile, linoleum, or hardwood floors, but they can happen on carpeted areas, as well. 

If areas of your home’s flooring sometimes feel warm to the touch (and you haven’t recently installed underfloor heating), a slab leak may be to blame. Rather than ignoring the issue, we recommend calling in professionals to identify the source of the problem.  

The Sound of Running Water

In a busy household, there is almost always someone taking a shower, running the faucet, or flushing the toilet — not to mention using the dishwasher and washing machine. For that reason, you often hear running water throughout the house and don’t think much of it. However, if you hear water running when it shouldn’t be, you may have a problem. 

To better understand the issue, turn off anything connected to the plumbing system, including the water heater. As you walk around your house, listen closely for flowing water sounds, especially near lower-level flooring. If you hear something suspicious, let us know! The experts at Indiana Leak Detection can help determine whether you need slab leak repair.

Count on Us for Slab Leak Repairs

If you live in Franklin, IN, and suspect you have a slab leak, it’s time to call in the specialists at Indiana Leak Detection

Let Indiana Leak Detection find the source of the problem and fix it for you. We’ll provide the expert care you can rely on and get your home back in order in no time!

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