Not all plumbing issues are the result of neglect or lack of care by homeowners. Some problems can be the result of factors far outside your control. But what is within your control is recognizing the signs of severe issues like a slab leak and calling in professional help immediately. Knowing what a slab leak is and how to identify one will be the best way to save substantial water damage to your home and much money.
What Is A Slab Leak?
Homes that do not have a basement are built on a concrete slab foundation. The water and drain lines for these homes are installed under the concrete foundation. The pipes then angle up and run through the concrete at various locations to service features like the kitchen sink, bathtubs, toilets, and laundry room. If the pipes or the concrete foundation shift for any reason, the lines can become cracked or even shatter. These leaks under or inside the concrete slab are called slab leaks. And in the case of a small leak, they can be very challenging to locate and repair.
Warning Signs Of A Slab Leak
There are many subtle indications that there is a water leak under your home. Knowing the signs of a slab leak can allow you to detect it very quickly and call in licensed plumbers to get the issue repaired before there is significant water damage to your home.
Warm Area On The Floor
The hot water lines and the cold water lines are running under the foundation of your home. So when you notice an area that feels oddly warm, the issue is often a leaking hot water line. Carpeted or linoleum floors make locating these leaks very easy. Wet carpet is a clear indication of a water leak. If you notice that your linoleum floor is bulging or bubbled, there is also likely a leak. Touch the area to determine if the leak is warm water. It is more challenging to locate the leak with tile flooring as the water will only ooze up through the grout. Wood floors might feel warm and only slightly damp to the touch.
Raised Or Doomed Flooring
When a leak is severe, it can raise the entire floor slightly. The wood sheeting used for the subfloor will heave in a slight dome. If you think you notice an area that is no longer level, call in a professional immediately. It requires a significant amount of water to heave a floor, and there could be extensive and costly water damage to your home.
A Heaved Foundation
If a leak remains undetected, the force of the water can lift the entire foundation of your home. In most cases, the heave is not visible from the outside of the house. But what you will discover are new cracks appearing in the interior and exterior walls interior flooring. The only way to verify the cause of these cracks and correct the problem is to call in a licensed professional. The sooner you call, the faster the issue can be rectified to limit the damage to your home.
Slab leaks have the potential to create severe and very costly damage to your home. In the worst cases, the foundation and structural integrity of your home will be compromised, making it unsafe for you and your loved ones. Even a small leak can create the ideal conditions for the growth of toxic mold infestations. At the first indication of a slab leak, call 806-583-3558. The licensed experts at Action Air Plumbing and Septic will locate and correct any slab leaks quickly and cost-effectively.
