Signs of a Slab Leak: How to Spot a Problem

Seven Signs of a Slab Leak: How to Spot a Problem

Leaks under the foundation of your home are undeniably aggravating, incredibly damaging, and can be costly if not quickly identified and fixed. The key to avoiding long-term headaches is early detection. Thankfully, there are a few key warning signs that can help you identify a slab leak.

• Hot spots: a warm water pipe leak is the most common method of detection because it’s the most obvious. If a specific area of your flooring feels unusually warm, you may have a leak that’s causing the temperature to rise.
• Mold or mildew under your carpets: the next place to check is under any carpeting. Smelling the odor of a damp basement in the middle of your living room? You could very likely have a leak on your hands.
• Cracks in tile or bubbles in linoleum: different materials, same warning signs. Any changes, cracking, or peeling on the surface of your floor could indicate trouble below.
• Cracks in baseboards or walls: sometimes a leak will keep your floors intact, and instead, present itself on your walls. Your slab is made from concrete and heavy metal, and when water flows where it’s not supposed to, the foundation shifts, causing your walls to split and crack as a result.
• Faint hissing or splashing sounds: if you’ve turned off all running water in your home (faucets, toilets, dishwasher, etc.) and you still hear a distant splashing or hissing, it’s usually because water is indeed still running somewhere. It may not be easy to hear, but every potential leak is worth investigating.
• Low water pressure: those unsatisfying showers aren’t just annoying- they’re a warning sign that something may be wrong with your plumbing. If the leak is coming from your main water line, even a small one can cause a significant drop in water pressure.
• Unexplained high water bills: paying an arm and a leg for water all of a sudden? Even small leaks can add up over time, costing you money on your water bill, as well as a potential fine if your water district is limiting consumption.

If you are concerned about a potential slab leak, contact Just Right Services for a free diagnostic exam at (949) 245-6320.