What is a slab leak?
A slab leak is simply a leak that occurs in the copper pipes underneath the concrete slab of a house’s foundation. This could range from a small break, causing just a few excess drips of water, to a major crack in the piping. The reason you need to attend to a slab leak as soon as you suspect that you may have one is that this can cause huge problems for the foundation of your home if left unattended. Over time, even the smallest slab leak can turn into a huge mess of damaged floors, walls, and much more.
How common are slab leaks?
In areas that have mostly older homes built on concrete foundation slabs, slab leaks are very common. However, most of the cities in the U.S. have mainly concrete slabs, so this is a concern for most homeowners. Especially in places where earthquakes are very common, like in California, it’s important to do regular inspections. Earthquakes can cause breaks in concrete and pipes running under homes, which causes slab leaks. Plumbers can do slab leak detection with professional equipment. If you’re wondering whether you can detect a slab leak yourself, check out our full guide: Can You Detect a Slab Leak Yourself?
How Serious Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak is a serious plumbing problem that should never be ignored. If left unaddressed, it can lead to extensive water damage, mold growth, and even compromise the structural integrity of your home’s foundation. In severe cases, a slab leak can cause your foundation to crack or collapse.
Beyond physical damage, slab leaks also result in high water bills and wasted resources. That’s why it’s important to act quickly. If you notice signs like damp flooring, low water pressure, or unexplained water usage, contact a professional plumber immediately.
Early detection using slab leak detection with professional equipment is the best way to minimize damage and repair costs.
Signs You Have a Slab Leak
Now that you understand the severity of a slab leak, let’s dive into signs to look out for.
- Damp floorboards
- Unexplainable high water bill
- Unusually low water pressure
- Mildew in carpeting or flooring
- Moldy smell throughout house
- Water meter moving when pipes are not in use
- Sound of water running in the house when pipes are not in use
If you start to see any of these signs in your home, call a trusted plumbing company to come and perform an inspection. In the Orange County area, Pristine Plumbing is available 24/7 to service your home and help with all plumbing needs. Call for a free inspection today!
