Blog originally published on January 17, 2018. Updated on January 10, 2023.
If you’re a homeowner, there is one four-letter word that you’d better pay attention to, and that’s the word “leak.” Put any other word in front of it and it means bad news: gas leak, garbage disposal leak, refrigerant leak, toilet leak, and the list goes on.
But there’s one leak in particular that you really need to worry about: a leak in the concrete slab foundation of your home. Here's why this plumbing system problem can be disastrous.
What is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak is a water leak beneath a concrete slab. Most homes are built on top of concrete slabs. Water and sewage lines typically enter your home through underground pipes routed below and through this slab. If your home is diagnosed with a “slab leak” it typically means there is a leak in either the water supply pipe or the sewer pipe.
In addition to a broken pipe, there are two other ways your home can develop a slab leak: age or slab movement. Age is self-explanatory; slab movement is caused by weather, soil erosion, and movement on the ground below the foundation. No matter how slab leaks occur, they require immediate action.
Left Alone, Slab Leaks Can Cause Serious Health Problems
Slab leaks not only threaten structural integrity and destroy your home, they can also lead to respiratory and other health issues.
Hidden water leaks lead to standing water and standing water leads to mold growth. Mold is bad because breathing in mold spores, black mold or other, for extended periods of time, puts your family and pets at risk for chronic respiratory illnesses, lung infections, asthma, and other random symptoms like coughing, sneezing, headaches, wheezing and sinus infections.
Signs You Have a Slab Leak in Your Concrete Foundation
Now that you understand the dangers, how can you tell when a slab leak occurs?
One big indication you have a water line leak is an excessive water bill. With normal daily water consumption, your water bill is usually pretty consistent. If you notice a spike in the charges and you aren’t doing things like watering your lawn or filling a swimming pool, you should contact Orlando Leak Detection for an inspection.
Other signs you may have a slab leak include:
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Musty smells
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Low water pressure
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Mold or mildew underneath carpets
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Mold, mildew, or brown water stains along the bottom of cupboards
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A random hot spot on the floor (indicating a leak in the hot water pipes)
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Hearing the sound of running water when all the water is turned off
Orlando Leak Detection Specializes in Slab Leak Detection and Slab Leak Repair
If you suspect your home is suffering from a slab leak, call Orlando Leak Detection at (407) 618-3665 or contact us online. We have the proper equipment to quickly pinpoint the source of any leak without unnecessary damage to your home. We can accurately diagnose any type of leak including window leaks, slab leaks, plumbing leaks, roofing leaks, irrigation leaks, drain leaks, and more.
Don’t risk the health of your home or your family. Let us find your leak and fix it fast!
