How to Tell That You Have a Slab Leak

As professionals in the plumbing industry, we know – slab leaks can cause a major headache for property owners. While no one wants their pipes to spring a leak at home, slab leaks in particular can be a bit more frustrating to deal with due to their location and the damage that they can cause.

Before we move forward into how you can tell if you have a slab leak, let’s back track and quickly go over what a slab leak is again. Simply put, slab leaks are leaks that appear underneath your concrete slab foundation. Here in Orange County many homes are built on large concrete slabs that have inlaid copper piping, but although copper piping is typically viewed as a reliable material, that doesn’t mean it’s completely immune to developing a leak. When sections of the pipe in your slab foundation begin to leak, it’s considered a “slab leak.”

Now onto the next topic…how to tell that you have a slab leak.

There are several warning signs that you can look out for which indicate that a slab leak is present. They are:

  1. Changes in your water meter reading. If the reading on your water meter is changing when no one is actually using any water, then you likely have a leak that you are unaware of. Should you be searching for the leak and can’t seem to find the source, there’s a good chance it’s located underneath your home.
  2. The ground appears to be saturated. When left long enough, the water that leaks out of your pipes from a slab leak will eventually make its way to your yard. As a result, you’ll start to notice several large wet spots that are filled with mud, standing water, moss and more. Unless you’re guilty of over-watering your lawn and/or garden, it’s likely a slab leak causing this.
  3. Your water bill is rather high. Water bills fluctuate all the time, but they shouldn’t skyrocket month after month. If you notice an unusual jump in cost but know that your water usage hasn’t changed too drastically, it could be a leak that’s causing the increase.
  4. You feel hotspots on your floor. If you notice a hotspot on your floor, a slab leak will often be the reason why. This is because slab leaks in hot water lines cause hot water to build up under the slab, and thus, that heat and moisture comes up through the floor (it has to go somewhere, right?).
  5. Running water can be heard. When people are taking showers or using the sink in your home, it’s only natural to hear running water – it’s when people aren’t that this becomes suspicious. If no one is using any water but you hear it and can’t locate the source, it could be a slab leak.

At Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter, our plumbing professionals know how important it is to address a slab leak right away, so if you suspect that one has formed in your home, contact us immediately. Our staff is available 24 hours a day to perform emergency service, and someone will be there to personally assist you at all times.

For more information about our slab leak repair and detection services or to make an appointment, please call 714.630.8766.