Pipes that are installed underneath the concrete foundation of a house are susceptible to slab leaks. Many causes contribute to this. It could be that the movements or changes in the foundation had put a strain into the pipes and broke them. Another possible cause could be attributed to improper selection of pipes such as those that are not proportionate to the water pressure. Too much pressure on too small a pipe is recipe for eventual leaking. The plumber who put down those pipes could also have done a shoddy work or compromised the materials used.

On the Floors

The physical signs of a slab leak can be easy enough to identify. If you have carpeted floors, an unexplained moist area should clue you in. If you feel certain spots on the floor are warmer, then there could be a leak on the pipes carrying the hot water into the house. Presence of mildew or molds behind the drywall is also an indication that moisture had crept into them from beneath the floor. In this case, removal and clean up of these health hazards should be added to your to-do list. When you notice cracks on the walls or on the floor, these can also indicate a leak.

Sounds and Odors

When you hear the sound of water trickling, then that could be water damage waiting to happen. To isolate the sound, you need to shut off all faucets to make sure that the sound could only come from under the floor. If the pipe carrying waste water out of the house is leaking, you’ll hear the sound only after you flush the toilet. If your house reeks of some foul odor, along with the other signs, then there’s a possibility of a leak, too.

Poisoned Water

When a pipe is damaged, an entry point for debris and soil is created. Thus, it would be possible that these things would then be carried into your faucet. The moment you notice that sediments are present in your water, it should warn you of the problem. Also, when there is significant and persistent low water pressure in the shower or even in the faucets, then water could be flowing to somewhere else.

Check Your Bills

Another water leak detection method is to routinely compare your water bills. If water is leaking, you will be sure to find a spike in your bills even if there are no abnormal changes on your water usage. That should warn you to check your exposed pipes.

If you suspect of some leaking from underneath your concrete foundation, then immediately find a reputable plumber who can help you assess the problem. The common way to repair a leak would be to open up the flooring and replace the defective portion with a new one. Before this is done, the leak should first be located, and to do so, special tools coupled with the plumber’s expertise are required. Depending on the extent of damage, another option is to re-route the flow of water by installing new plumbing. Either of these remedies can be only be done by an experienced plumber.

Water Damage is serious business. Get free, absolutely free, expert advice now for water leak detections.

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