If your home or building is constructed with concrete slabs, and it probably is, then you need to know more about the signs and possible consequences of slab leaks. Continue reading to learn some vital slab leak facts that can help you make the best home maintenance decisions and prevent costly and invasive plumbing emergencies.
Concrete Slab Leaks
Water leakages that occur below or within concrete slabs are appositely called slab leaks. As a property owner or real estate developer, it is important that you know how to detect the signs of a slab leak in order to prevent costly flooding, water damages, and subsequent plumbing disasters. By knowing where to look and what to look for, you can better mitigate water damage catastrophes like slab leaks and more.
Common Causes of Slab Leaks
Slab leaks are generally caused by the movement of clay and soft soils below the foundation of a house or building. Such movement, like swelling and shifting, can place a lot of pressure on the concrete slab. As a result, the concrete slab can heavy, move, and ultimately crack in different places. Because plumbing systems are connected to concrete slabs in certain areas, damage can occur to water lines, and thus lead to a leakage.
Clay is usually to blame because it is prone to swelling and shrinking as a response to moisture conditions. Water can cause clay to swell and expand, and then shrink when it dries out. This kind of movement can cause concrete slabs to move and shift, and eventually rupture. These ruptures and cracks are where water seeps in and forms slab leaks.
Slab Leak Detection Tips
The first place you want to check for a potential slab leak is your water bill. If your water bill is unusually high, it could be caused by a hidden water leak or slab leak. In this case, contact a local Indianapolis plumber for water leak inspection service. The sooner you catch a water leak, especially in concrete slabs, the less damage will occur.
Since slab leaks occur below or within the concrete slabs, the next place you want to inspect for signs of water leakage is the basement or lower level of your property. You may also start outside where the property’s foundation meets ground.
Listen for running water. If you hear water running, but no water is turned on in the house or building, you could have a slab leak.
Take your socks off and walk around barefoot. Do you feel any hot spots? If so, it could be indicative of a hot water line rupture below the floor.
Pull back a corner of the carpeting. Do you see mold or mildew? Can you smell it? If so, it could be caused by an undiagnosed slab leak.
Do you see visible cracks or water seepage on the exposed foundation on the outside of your home or building? It could be due to a slab leak.
Do you suspect that your home or office is experiencing water leak problems? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to schedule an Indianapolis IN home plumbing inspection for water leaks and slab leaks and more.
You Should Also Read:
The Dangers of In-Home Flooding
Common Signs of a Sewer Line Leak
How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal
