Leak Detection for Slav Leaks | All Dry USA (2024)

Slab leaks are a common problem in the United States for many home and property owners, but knowing how to deal with them can be tricky and overwhelming. Indeed, identifying them can be even more challenging. In this guide, we’ll take you through several key indicators that your home has a slab leak, including why it’s so crucial that you find a solution quickly before the situation worsens. Let’s get into it.

How Slab Leaks Develop Under a Foundation

Slabs are necessary for supporting your home against shifting soils, but they aren’t infallible. The pipes directly beneath the supporting slabs can sometimes crack or burst, forcing water to the surface. This is often a more severe problem than most people realize, as it may be unlike other leaks in or around your home.

Since this leak occurs beneath your home, the running water can erode the soil supporting the structure. The constant pressure from this water could also force the slabs to fracture, pouring more water into your home. This can swiftly and unpredictably lead to flooding, damaging your flooring, furniture, appliances, and home’s structural integrity.

Responding quickly to a suspected slab leak is vital to ensure the safety of your home, but you need to know what you’re looking for before you can call the professionals. Let’s go over a few signs to look out for.

Signs You Have a Slab Leak

Leaks beneath slabs are notoriously hard to detect, primarily due to concealment. While you may easily notice above-ground leaks, you’ll have a more challenging time when they’re underground. Thankfully, some helpful indicators point to a slab leak. Below, we’ve listed some critical symptoms to help you visualize this.

1. You Hear Rushing Water

Water isn’t exactly quiet, and depending on the severity of the leak, you should be able to hear it. It will often sound like a faucet running continuously beneath your home. Call the professionals to be sure if you notice anything to arouse suspicion.

2. Damp
   

   Spots on Your Floor

Dampness is frustrating at the best of times, but especially when there’s no apparent cause. Damp can lead to mold, posing many risks to your health. If damp spots keep reappearing in your home and you don’t understand the reason, you could have a leak beneath your home.

3. Sudden Spike in Your Water Bill

Most of us have noticed an increase in the amount we’re spending on bills, but if you’ve seen a specific price hike on your water bill alone, lean into it. A leak will immediately boost the amount of water you’re using, increasing costs.

4. Strange New Odor

Lastly, it’s important to remember that the nose knows! If you start smelling something unusual in your home, it could be due to a leak. As mentioned before, dampness can lead to mold – and it won’t smell pleasant. If you’ve exhausted all other explanations, a leak could be responsible for the new aroma in your home.

How do Plumbers Find Slab Leaks?

In addition to following the above signs for a slab leak, specially trained professionals also have their own techniques. Even if you feel confident that you’ve discovered a slab leak, we recommend contacting a plumber with relevant experience to verify. They will be able to map out a basic outline of the pipes beneath your home and, from there, identify where the leak is specifically emerging from.

A team of experts may also use high-quality leak detection equipment. This can consist of many specialties, but some key examples include the following:

• Pressure Sensors
• Acoustic Disc and Ground Microphones
• Pipe Cameras

Your plumber or expert may use one or more of these techniques to detect the leak before making repairs, or they may go a different direction! Regardless of protocol, there’s a reason for their techniques. They’re looking to pinpoint how and where they can reach the leak while causing minor or no damage to your home or property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Common is a Slab Leak?

Very common, especially within the United States, where many homes are older and built upon concrete foundation slabs. Thankfully, this frequent need for repair has made plenty of experienced plumbers available to help you if you ever need it.

Are Slab Leaks Dangerous?

Yes, if left unattended. If the leak gets worse, the structure of your home or property could compromise, and potential mold growth could lead to respiratory issues. If you suspect a slab leak for whatever reason, contact a professional. Better to be safe than sorry!

Need Damage Restoration? Call Us!

If you are currently dealing with a slab leak, or suspect your home may have one, don’t hesitate to contact us today. At AllDryUSA, we have a wealth of experience in home and property repair, and our experts will be more than happy to answer any questions. Don’t ignore the problem – we’re here to help. Contact us today, and let us be the solution!