If you have a concrete foundation, you have the potential for a slab leak to develop beneath it. Slab leaks are one of those things like a root canal or a transmission leak in the car: they’re unpleasant, but the consequences of not dealing with them are much more unpleasant, especially if they’ve been put off for a while. A slab leak can compromise the integrity of your slab, resulting in a significant water loss, and cause health problems due to secondary issues.
Foundation cracks can cause serious structural damage. Plus, termites love 'em.
But, as a homeowner, how are you supposed to know if you have a slab leak? Today, we’re going to teach you some ways you can learn if you might have a slab leak. If you read this and suspect you have a slab leak, or think you have another kind of leak, even if you can’t identify where the source of the leak is, we can help.
Higher water bill
If your water bill comes in high, check your meter, don’t use any water for a couple of hours, and then go back and recheck your meter. (If you have an auto-fill for the pool or an ice maker, you’re going to have to shut those off by hand.) If your meter dial has moved, either you didn’t shut something off, or you have a leak.
Hearing water
Do you hear water running? Running water when no one is using the water, especially in a place where there shouldn’t be running water is a sure sign something is up. It might not be a slab leak. It could be a plumbing leak, an irrigation leak, or even the condensate pump for your HVAC unit, but if you can’t figure it out, a pro can.
You see something weird
If you see something weird, like a big damp spot or puddle, even if it isn't right next to the house, it could be caused by a slab leak.
Another visible anomaly is the appearance of a crack in your foundation. Maybe your house has just settled from age or other factors. Finding the cause is essential. Any crack is terrible, but a crack caused by a continuous leak can cause significant shifts in the foundation, which can further compromise the structural integrity of the home.
Mold
Mold growing anywhere in or around the home is always caused by something which is amiss. Mold in the house is a health risk and black mold can cause significant respiratory issues.
For most people, their home is their most significant investment. It requires care and protection from hazards such as leaks and plumbing mishaps. The resulting foundation degradation, water bills, and mold growth as a result of a slab leak can be severe enough to warrant immediate action in the event a leak is suspected.
Jimmy Joe’s Plumbing
If you suspect you have a slab or other plumbing leak, or need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.
