Slab leaks are one of the most damaging types of plumbing leaks affecting homes. They’re also, unfortunately, among the most difficult to notice initially. This is because slab leaks occur down in the concrete foundation block of a home—not a place people can easily see!
The good news is that you don’t have to look far to find the right plumbers for slab leak detection and repair in Montgomery County, PA and the surrounding areas. Platinum Plumbing has the expertise and equipment to rapidly pinpoint the location of slab leaks and then have them repaired with the least amount of disruption to the house. But you’ll still need some warning that you have a slab leak in the first place—and that’s why we’ve written this post. We’re going to give you a guide to the major signs of the presence of a slab leak in your home’s foundation.
Extremely high water usage
Examine your water usage on each monthly utility bill and compare it to the previous ones. If you notice a sharp rise in gallons used per month, an increase you can’t explain with something basic like more people in the house, then you may have a major leak somewhere, possibly a slab leak. Always have plumbers investigate this kind of increase in water usage.
Unusual behavior from the water heater
Around 80% of slab leaks occur in the hot water lines in the house foundation. This is because these pipes move about more and abrade faster. Because of the frequency of hot water line slab leaks, they can cause the water heater to behave oddly. If you notice your water heater turning on at times when nobody has been using hot water, it may indicate hot water is leaking out through a hidden leak somewhere.
Warm floors
Have you noticed the floor under your feet feeling warm in places? This isn’t supposed to happen, and it can mean that water is seeping up from cracks in the foundation and getting under the floors.
Mold and mildew growth
Water from slab leaks will raise the humidity in the lower floor of your house, allowing for mold and mildew to start to develop. If you spot mold and mildew in places that usually aren’t damp, then it’s a warning of water leaking somewhere nearby, possibly from under the house via a slab leak.
Sound of running water
When the house is quiet, can you hear the sound of running water somewhere that you can’t explain? This can be the movement of water in the pipes due to the slab leak in the house.
Make your own test
If you want a more definite answer about whether you have a hidden leak in your house, you can do a test. Check the reading on the water meter, then shut off all water-using appliances and don’t use any water in the house for at least an hour. Then recheck the meter. If it’s increased, you have a leak somewhere.
Reach out to us for “Quality Work & Professional Services.” We can detect and locate slab leaks and all other types of hidden leaks in your home.
Contact Platinum Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today to schedule an appointment for your plumbing.