Hidden Under-Slab Leaks: Spot the Signs Before You Need Major Plumbing Repair

There are two major reasons that most homes are built on slab foundations in the Houston metro area.

• Colder climates experience freezing temperatures that freeze the ground three to six feet below the surface. Since freezing causes the ground to move, it necessitates building a foundation or basement that extends below the frost line. Since South Texas experiences mild winters and the ground does not freeze deeply, homes can be built on a slab foundation.
• The groundwater level in South Texas is also high, sometimes only a few feet below the surface. Digging a foundation or basement only creates water problems for the life of the home.

Spot the Signs Before You Need Major Plumbing Repair

The plumbing in slab foundation homes is permanently installed inside the slab/floor. What happens when the plumbing begins to leak? How will a homeowner know about such a leak? Significant damage can happen when a leak goes undiscovered, including erosion that creates cavities under the slab. Here are some indicators that homeowners can use to find hidden leaks in a slab foundation home.

If you suspect a water leak but cannot find the source, use your senses.

• Follow the path of the plumbing from the water meter to the various faucets and appliances. Once you determine the path, walk the path in bare feet. Notice temperature changes in the floor, either hotter or colder than normal. Your pets might find the warm spot before you do, making it their new favorite spot to sleep.
• Listen carefully while there is no activity in the home. Sometimes you can hear water moving. The sound might be a hiss, rushing, or whistling sound when a homeowner is expecting a quiet drip.
• Concrete is very porous. Plumbing repair contractors use various methods to prevent water from moving up into the house. But if you observe indications of water damage, waterproofing prevents groundwater from wicking upward. That might include discoloration, warping, or buckling of hardwoods, or loose tiles.
• Musty smells with a singular source may be coming from a hidden leak under the carpet or flooring. Mold and mildew thrive in dark, moist, cool spaces.

Detecting Slab Leaks Early to Avoid Costly Plumbing Repair

If you cannot observe plumbing repair indicators of a water leak but still suspect a leak exists, examine usage indicators.

• Check the water meter. This might be uncomfortable and will take some preparation. Locate the water meter, a small, covered feature on the lawn of most single-family homes. Lifting the cover will reveal a meter with dials or wheels that indicate water usage. Be careful, since many creatures use these spaces as a home or hideaway. As preparation, enlist the family and make sure that every faucet and water-using appliance is not in use. Observe the meter. If the dials continue to move despite no water usage, it is a good indication that a leak exists.
• Analyze Your Utility Bill. Another measure of water usage is the monthly water bill. You should have several months’ worth of data available. If you do not keep the data, your water utility company will have it available. Check for gallons used in the same month from year to year, not the dollar amount. Sometimes an increase in utility rates masks a leak’s presence.
• Check Your Water Pressure. A leak in the slab may also be detected by low water pressure, especially during periods of high water use. If the leak is substantial, the water supply is diminished for legitimate usage inside and outside of the home.

Schedule Your Plumbing Repair Inspection Today

Don’t let a hidden under-slab leak compromise the structural integrity of your Houston home. If you notice damp floors, unusual sounds, or spiking water bills, it is crucial to act fast before the damage spreads, leading to higher repair costs. Our plumbing repair technicians have better detection capabilities than walking around barefoot. We will use thermal, sound, or gas technology to detect the presence of a water leak. Contact Doctor Cool and Professor Heat right away to schedule a professional plumbing repair inspection and pinpoint the exact source of the leak.