Most homeowners are familiar with plumbing problems like leaky pipes, clogged drains, and broken-down water heaters. However, slab leaks are another common issue that far fewer people are aware of. Although you may not know much about them, slab leaks are a significant plumbing issue that could potentially cause quite a few problems for your Indianapolis area home. A slab is a concrete foundation located beneath your house, and in addition to providing support for the structure, it provides a barrier against moisture and pests. Typically, there are copper water lines located beneath this slab, and if one of those pipes springs a leak, it can result in several frustrating issues. If you suspect that your home’s slab is leaking, it’s important to take action as quickly as possible.
So, how do you know if your household is experiencing a slab leak? Fortunately, there are several telltale signs you can look for to determine if you’ve got this plumbing problem on your hands.
Warped Flooring
Because your home’s concrete slab is located beneath the house, leaking water often only has one direction to go: up. When that water starts to accumulate between the slab and your home, it can result in water damage to your flooring. As a result, you might start to notice warped floorboards or damp carpeting. If you notice this only one time in one spot, it could be a spill or some other minor issue. However, if it starts to become a common occurrence or you’re seeing it in several different areas, there’s a very good chance that you’re dealing with a slab leak. And if you wait too long to address it, you could end up needing to have sections of your flooring repaired or replaced, which can quickly get expensive.
Rising Water Bills
In many cases, a household slab leak will be accompanied by a noticeable increase in monthly water bills. Generally, a slab leak means that the copper pipes beneath the concrete slab are leaking, and when that happens, it causes your water to run continuously—even when you aren’t using it. As a result, your household water usage will rise significantly, and you’ll suddenly be spending quite a bit more money each month. As a homeowner, it’s always wise to keep a close eye on your monthly bills to catch any red flags. Granted, there are several plumbing issues that can affect your water costs, so it’s always prudent to give a local expert a call and schedule an appointment. We offer mystery leak detection services to locate the source of your extra water usage.
Hot Spots on the Floor
The majority of household slab leaks affect the hot water line. And as that hot water leaks from the pipe and spreads, there’s a good chance it will eventually make its way to your home’s flooring. So, in addition to the potential for warped and damp floors, you may also start feeling hot spots around your flooring or carpeting. This is one of the clearest indicators that you’ve got a slab leak on your hands. Typically, these hot spots will be easier to detect with hardwood floors than they will with carpeting. If you have pets, though, you might observe that they’re frequently choosing the same spots on the floor to rest. Sometimes, this can alert you to hot spots that you may not have noticed otherwise.
Decreased Water Pressure
When the pipes beneath your Indianapolis home’s concrete slab are leaking, it will inevitably start to negatively affect your household water pressure. Since a slab leak typically allows water to flow freely from the pipe, you’ll be losing a lot of your water before it can reach your shower or faucets. If you suddenly start noticing a decrease in water pressure around your home, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your local plumbing professionals. Whether it’s a slab leak, a standard pipe leak, or some other plumbing issue, you’ll want to get it diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible.