Water leaks can weaken your home structure, and when it comes to detecting a leak under a concrete slab, you have to look for particular signs before you start digging everything out.
A slab leak is catastrophic, and you have to make sure the damage done by it is as small as possible. Evaluation of the problem requires in-depth knowledge and expertise; this would help you find a reliable long-term solution to it and the cause. Even a minute rupture in the pipes present under your home can become a major problem and cause serious health problems for the occupants.
The first step to detect the leak and repair it is looking for all the possible signs. Once you determine you have a slab leak, you can locate the leak and call for a professional slab leak repair plumber you can also check over here. Also, don’t underestimate the leaks and take the work into your hands. You might just bust a pipe yourself while aimlessly digging the concrete and add up to your problems.
Since it is too much work, you must try to prevent your home from leaking. Let’s start by understanding the factors that can cause a slab leak.
Causes of a slab leak
The plumbing system is an essential part of our home. Sometimes, when the work is not done efficiently, or the home is old, your plumbing starts to form a leak beneath a concrete slab. Many factors lead to a leak.
- Pipe degradation due to friction caused between different pipes, concrete and gravel.
- Pipe corrosion caused over time.
- Low-quality pipes and poor installation of it.
- Poor construction
- High-pressure water flow
- Rupturing of the pipe while moving or settling a slab.
Consequences of slab leaks
What happens if you don’t pay attention to signs? Let’s check out the consequences of having a slab leak and how dangerous it can get.
- It weakens the infrastructure of the entire home.
- This can cause health problems in people like upper track respiratory disorder.
- It can damage the flooring
- Damage your yard
- Can emit an unpleasant odour.
Know that you know the seriousness of the situation; let’s start with the leak detection process. Here are 8 useful tips you can use.
8 tips for leak detection under a concrete slab
The first step is to identify the type of leak present. A slab leak or underground water leak might look the same but are very different. Cause of leak and the repair process is completely different, and it is a must that identifies the leak before starting the repair process.
Sound of running water
Even when no fixture or water is being used, you can hear the sound of running water. If you constantly hear the sound in the background, this may be a possible sign of an inside the wall pipe leak or underground slab leak.
Warm floors
If you see a particular location of your floor warmer than the rest, it could indicate that the hot water pipe is leaking below the slab. Statistically, hot water lines are more prone to get ruptured.
Mildew and moisture
If you see mildew and moisture forming in concealed areas or under carpeting you have another water leak indicator.
Bubbles or cracks in the floors
Finding cracks or bubbles in your tile or linoleum flooring is another indicator of a water leak.
Increased water bills
A large increase in your water bill may be an indication of a water leak.
Loss of water pressure
Water lines are under pressure, and that leads to the powerful flow. But a small or large leak in the pipeline can affect the water pressure to decrease.
Physical Evidence
If you see any other physical evidences of water on the floor, or cabinet or walls this is a sign of water leakage. Also, check if the water is warm you can visit this and get help.
Check the water meter
The best way to detect a water leak is by checking the water meter. Shut all the water taps and fixtures and then go out to the water meter to see if the dial is still moving. Check the meter dial and note down the entry. Don’t use any water to insure or outside the water and then go back and check the number on the meter if the number increases; this indicates water leakage.
Do you see any of these signs?
If you see any of these signs, you must call a professional leak detection service. Once they are done with the inspection, they would find the spot from where the water is leaking, repair it, and tell you about the other things that would require the repair such as weaken walls or infrastructure.
Punit