Watching Out for Slab Leaks: 5 Warning Signs to Consider

Water leaks are generally straightforward plumbing problems to identify, treat, and repair. Since they are typically caused by pipe damage or complications with your main valves, it’s easy to trace one issue down to its source. However, slab leaks are a different matter altogether.

Identifying Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are difficult to identify because slabs are located in an inaccessible area under your home. Since it’s out of sight, it’s generally harder to see noticeable signs of damage. However, certain symptoms can help warn you about potential slab-related complications that have developed right under your nose.

In this article, we’ll share five warning signs for slab leaks you should look out for.

1) Damp Floors

Moisture doesn’t just come from dripping pipes or cracks; it can also come from below. If your floors appear wet without any signs of pipe leaks from above, it may be due to dampness coming from within. This is noticeable through the presence of moisture without any pooling of water puddles. Your flooring can warp or feel moist, depending on its material. Since the damage starts internally, it’s better to replace your floors altogether to get to the root of a slab leak.

2) Hot Spots

Besides noticeably damp flooring, hot spots are also a common sign of slab leaks. If the water released into your flooring comes from the hot water line, the flooring above will become noticeably warmer. This primarily applies to materials like tiles and hardwood. With materials that aren’t receptive to absorbing heat like carpeting, hot spots will be easier to miss. At worst, your flooring can warp due to the buildup of water released through your slab. Keep this in mind when identifying the root cause of your slab leaks.

3) Foundation Damage

Your home’s foundations are easily susceptible to water damage. Although most homeowners make reinforcements against water and moisture from the outside in, slab leaks start with internal damage before manifesting surface-level signs. Cracks on walls can signify uneven soil erosion due to softer bedrock. Besides leaning the wrong way, your foundation can even lift, which leads to heaving.

4) Odd Noises

Like typical plumbing issues, odd noises reminiscent of running water can be a cause for concern. If you’re not using any faucets or sinks, these odd noises can be a clear sign of water escaping cracks in your system. Try turning off all plumbing features to have a better idea of the potential source of the noise. If the sound is coming from below your home’s foundations, it’s most likely a slab leak.

5) Water Complications

Since damage to your slab will affect pipelines, you should expect certain complications with your water output. For example, slab leaks can reduce your water pressure if the lines are damaged. This is due to leaks preventing consistent water flow. Additionally, your water bills can rise significantly, even if you’re using just around the same amount of water per month. Pay more attention to these signs before they manifest into considerable structural damage.

Conclusion

Although it’s typically easy to repair minor plumbing issues, slab leaks require professional training and equipment to fix. For this reason, it’s ill-advised for homeowners without the proper plumbing experience to look for and attempt to solve these issues. If you suspect that your home has slab issues, it’s time to put your trust in professional plumbers.
While most slab leaks only show signs of damage when the problem is nearly irreversible, you can still spot its early signs in a timely manner. For this reason, you should consult with a high-quality plumbing company to immediately provide relief and repairs. If you’re in dire need of a capable emergency plumber in Calgary, AB, contact us today!