Identifying Slab Leaks in Your Home’s Foundation

Some houses are constructed on slabs, which are concrete foundations. Sewer and water lines frequently pass beneath the slab. Water or sewage can leak beneath the structure when those lines crack or deteriorate. This is known as a slab leak.

The most typical warning signs and symptoms of the various plumbing issues you could be having are listed below.

Indications of Sewer Issues

Even though sewage lines are designed to function properly, issues can occasionally arise. Typically, the following signs point to a potential sewer problem:

• There is probably a blockage or obstruction in your sewer system whenever water spills or backs up from your sewer lines or toilets.
• The reason for the slow draining could be a partial block in a shower, tub, or sink. This could get more severe over time.
• Recall that gravity is the primary means of effective water movement in a healthy sewer system. These bothersome issues can arise when obstructions or clogs disrupt this natural flow.

Cracks in Walls and Foundation

When water flows through a broken or leaky sewer pipe, some water seeps into the ground beneath your foundation and around the pipes. Water seeps into the soil like a moist sponge because soil expands when it becomes damp and contracts when it dries.

Consequently, the slab on your foundation may heave or push up due to the expanding soil. On the other hand, if the leak is bad enough and lasts long enough, the slab may drop as a result of the soil slowly eroding back into the damaged sewer line.

Any of these could lead to problems with your foundation or walls developing cracks. It might also manifest as any one of the subsequent symptoms:

• fissures in the external or internal wall
• cracked or misplaced moldings
• fractures in the flooring or tiles
• Windows and doors won’t open or close correctly
• Door, window, and garage door separation
• the gaps between a wall and the floor or ceiling

Water rushing against the walls

You have a slab leak in Riverside if you hear water seeping through your walls. To check if the noises in the walls are the source of the problem, shut off all the running faucets in the house. Examine the wall-mounted water meter. If the pointer moves, there may be an unnoticed running source, such as a slab leak.

Low Water Pressure

Water leaks often cause low water pressure. An accumulation of mineral compounds in the pipes can also lead to low water pressure. Malfunctioning valves contribute to this issue as well. Debris in the water is another common cause.

A slab leak is probably causing the low water pressure if all other potential causes have been ruled out. Determine your home’s water points to find the precise cause of the low water pressure. Open the faucets to identify the low-pressure areas.

Find out the characteristics of the places where you have relatively little pressure. For instance, check if the location is near a slab. A slab close to the low-pressure water outlets might indicate an under-slab leak.

Rising Water Bill

The cost of water may have gone up for no apparent reason at times. You should investigate this further if your water bill suddenly increases but your consumption rate remains constant. This could be an indication of a slab leak.

Most leaks happen inside the slabs, making locating and observing them with the unaided eye challenging. This calls for an efficient plumber to detect slab leaks in Riverside.

A higher water bill may indicate a leak in your house. You might be using more water than usual. Hence, it’s crucial to monitor your monthly water usage closely. This helps you detect any slight variations in your water bill.

There’s standing water outside your house or on your floor

Pay attention to standing water when you stroll around the exterior of your home if you think you may have a slab leak. If there is standing water beside your home without any recent precipitation, this is a clear indication of a leaky slab.

Additionally, you might notice puddles of water on your interior floor without any apparent reason. This situation also suggests a large water leak beneath the slab. Make an instant professional call if you see any signs of a slab leak in Riverside.

Hot or warm patches on the ground

If the plumbing line for hot water is leaking, hot water will keep leaking out of it, heating the slab and creating an unusually warm or hot spot on your floor.

At Home, You sniff Mold or Mildew

Water under your floors will accumulate if there is a leak and nowhere for it to go. After some time, mildew and mold will start to develop. You will probably soon detect a musty smell throughout your home.

Spores of mold can quickly increase and find their way into your house. They may also be dangerous for your family’s health. If ignored, rapid mold growth will require the replacement of expensive materials like drywall and flooring.