Signs You Have a Slab Leak Under Your Home

What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak is a foundation water leak underneath or within the concrete foundation that supports your home. They’re commonly caused by leaks from water or sewer pipes beneath your home and often go unnoticed because the leak is hidden. They’re considered a serious plumbing problem because they can cause structural damage that threatens your home’s stability.

Common Signs You Have a Slab Leak

Keep an eye out for these common slab leak symptoms that mean it’s time to call for plumbing repair in your Los Angeles home:

Unexplained increases in your water bill

Even if you can’t see a slab leak, your water bills can warn you long before other damage becomes noticeable. Depending on the size of the leak, you may notice a gradual increase in your bills or a sudden spike. If your water bill seems too high for the amount of water you’re using, it’s always important to call for leak detection services.

Warm or damp spots on your floors

As water slowly seeps into your floors, it can damage the supporting materials and cause a soft, springy feeling. If the leak is from a hot water pipe, sections of your floor may even feel warm to the touch. If the water damage continues to spread, you may also notice cracks in walls, floors, and baseboards as the shifting foundation puts strain on your home’s structure.

Low water pressure & sounds of running water

When water is lost to a slab leak, your plumbing system has to work harder to deliver water where it’s supposed to go, leading to persistent low water pressure. You might also notice dripping noises or the sound of running water, even when all taps and water appliances are turned off in your home.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

Slab leaks occur when the pipes beneath your home break or develop a leak. Some of the most common causes of plumbing failures that lead to hidden water leaks include:

• Aging, worn, or corroded pipes
• Shifting soils that put stress on the foundation
• Sharp rocks, gravel, and concrete that press or puncture the plumbing
• Improper pipe installation, which may be prone to leaks at the joints
• High water pressure that can lead to bursting
• Rapid temperature changes that cause pipes to expand and contract

What Happens If You Ignore a Slab Leak?

Ignoring a plumbing leak under your foundation can pose significant risks to your home and safety. If the slab leak is allowed to continue, the constant running water can erode the soil supporting your foundation, destabilizing the building and leading to structural damage. Depending on how long this slab leak continues, it can damage the foundation, floors, and walls.

Unrepaired slab leaks can also lead to mold and mildew growth in your home as water saturates the floors. Water loss also drives up your water bills and reduces water pressure in your home.

How Professional Slab Leak Detection Works

When you schedule professional plumbing leak detection, one of the first steps is usually the water meter check. Your plumber will turn off all the taps and water appliances in your home and check whether the water meter still indicates water is running. If it does, this means there is a leak somewhere in your home. Next, they’ll use other techniques, such as hot and cold testing, to narrow down the leak’s location.

Depending on whether the leak is coming from a hot or cold pipe, your plumber may use a range of different equipment, including thermal imaging and acoustic sensors. This allows them to locate the exact point of the leak without any unnecessary disruption or damage to your floors.

When to Call a Plumber for a Slab Leak

It’s important to call a plumber if you notice any of the signs of a slab leak, such as damp spots on your floor or a spike in your water bill. Since slab leaks cause more damage the longer they’re ignored, never delay calling a professional slab leak plumber. At Oscar’s Plumbing & Rooter, we have a fully stocked truck for same-day slab leak repairs in the greater Los Angeles area.