Slab Leak Warning Signs Every Homeowner Should Know

That problem is known as a slab leak, and it can threaten the structural stability of everything resting above that concrete foundation. This brief article brought to you by Rooter Guard sheds some light on this risk, as well as warning signs to recognize.

What Makes Slab Leaks So Destructive

A slab leak begins simply enough: a pipe beneath the foundation develops a crack, pinhole, or separation, then water escapes into the soil underneath the concrete. These slab leaks hide completely out of sight and work their destruction silently.

In that time, the escaping water saturates the soil beneath the foundation and creates several compounding problems:

• First, the water erodes soil particles, gradually washes them away, and creates voids.
• Second, the moisture causes certain soil types to expand and produce uneven pressure on the foundation from below.
• Third, if the soil dries out after a leak gets repaired, it contracts to leave gaps gaps where it previously supported the concrete.

The concrete slab – designed to rest on stable and evenly supporting soil – now sits partially suspended over voids or rests on unevenly supporting ground. Concrete is strong, but it’s relatively weak when unsupported. It cracks. It settles unevenly. In severe cases, entire sections of foundation can drop.

Warning Sign 1: Water Bills Increasing

When your water usage is consistent (and the city hasn’t ramped up prices) but bills spike 20%, 30%, or even 50%, then you can bet that water is escaping somewhere. If visible plumbing checks reveal no obvious leaks, then a slab leak becomes a strong possibility.

Remember, even a small pinhole leak in a pressurized line can waste hundreds of gallons per day – and all of it is soaking into the ground beneath the home.

Warning Sign 2: Sound of Running Water When Everything is Off

Turn off everything so that no fixtures are on, no appliances are running, and nobody is using water. You should hear silence. The sound of water flowing through pipes means water is continuously moving somewhere. This symptom often points to slab leaks or other hidden leaks.

Warning Sign 3: Warm Spots on Floors

Many of us wear shoes inside, and this can get in the way of detecting leaks. Here’s why. Hot water line leaks beneath slabs create warm areas on flooring above them. Walking barefoot across the floor reveals these spots clearly.

This is particularly concerning because hot water leaks waste both water and the energy used to heat it. So, ring the alarms if your water heater is working overtime. A slab leak detection is just a call away thanks to Rooter Guard.

Warning Sign 4: Foundation Cracks and Structural Changes

Cracks showing up on walls, floors, or the foundation itself typically suggest settling often due to ground movement beneath the slab. Doors that suddenly don't close properly, windows that stick or won't open, and gaps appearing between walls and ceilings all indicate your foundation settling – potentially caused by soil erosion from slab leaks.

Have a Plumber Investigate

This is not an exhaustive list of warning signs, and it’s always advisable to have a trained and experienced plumber investigate concerns you may have.

If you’re looking for uniformed pros from a reputable company, then consider the time-tested team at Rooter Guard. We are happy to schedule an appointment or arrange emergency plumbing repair service for as soon as possible.