There are few phrases that can cause as much worry to a homeowner as “slab leak.” Perhaps you’ve had a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor who experienced a slab leak in their home and told you all about what a hassle it was to fix, not to mention the cost involved.
Slab leaks are incredibly worrisome because by the time they’re discovered, they can be quite extensive. Even though slab leaks aren’t always preventable, noticing the first signs of slab leaks is the key to early detection. Here are common signs of slab leaks that all homeowners should know about that mean you need slab leak repair in Atlanta, GA.
What Is a Slab Leak?
These problematic water leaks occur in the pipes that run beneath your home’s foundation or “slab.” They can be caused by any number of things such as low-quality pipes, incorrectly installed pipes, tree root intrusion, underground water and soil erosion, and something as simple as the earth settling. Because they literally start underground, they’re incredibly difficult to pinpoint.
Here are some of the signs of slab leaks.
1. Your Water Bill is Increasing
Monitoring your water bill is something proactive homeowners should be doing anyway, but it can come in handy when trying to catch a sign of a slab leak. When your water bill shoots up with no correlation in usage, it could be a sign of a slab leak.
2. You Have Wet, Damp, or Warm Flooring
Slab leaks will eventually make their way into your home’s ground-level flooring. Physical clues to be on the lookout for include warm and damp spots or discoloration in the carpet, hardwood flooring, or baseboards. If you notice any of these changes in your flooring or cracked and buckling floorboards, schedule an appointment with our service professionals.
3. You Can Smell Mold
When a slab leak occurs, moisture works its way through the concrete slab. Over time, this moisture builds up and created the perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth to thrive.
If you smell mold or mildew in your home and don’t know where it’s coming from, get this checked out immediately. Mold infestations can cause health issues and mold remediation is what can contribute to the high cost of fixing slab leaks.
4. There’s Water Intrusion in Your Home
Unfortunately, many homeowners learn they have a slab leak when water begins coming up through the flooring. Water intrusion at this level can cause serious damage to your home and should be checked out immediately.
5. Check the Water Meter
The best way to figure out if you have a slab leak is to turn off the water in your home and check the water meter. If it’s still running, this indicates a leak somewhere in the home’s plumbing system.
If you have even the slightest reason to suspect a slab leak, you need to contact our slab leak detection service professionals. We have the tools and training we need to ensure that your slab leak is resolved as soon as possible to minimize any damage to your property.
Contact HM Plumbing today to discuss water heater replacement in Atlanta, GA. Serving with Integrity.