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A slab leak in McKinney, TX can put your home at risk of expensive repairs and structural damage. Many people assume their home’s slab foundation, or the base of the home, is durable, but the truth is that it’s not invincible. Several factors can cause slab leaks, such as aging pipes, poor construction, and soil conditions. At On Time Experts, we know how important early detection is to mitigate slab leak damage and avoid foundation issues. In this guide, you’ll learn about the basics of a slab leak and how to detect the early signs of a problem.
Slab Leaks Defined
Any home built on a slab foundation is at an increased risk of developing a leak beneath the slab, and homes with or without a basement can have a concrete slab foundation. A slab leak happens when the pipes under the foundation leak water. Leaks can form because of corroded or otherwise deteriorated pipes. Some underground pipes have an increased risk of deterioration than others, especially copper water lines.
Allowing a leak to continue without resolution can cause serious issues for your home. Unrepaired slab leaks that go on for weeks or months can cause expensive problems, such as mold remediation and structural repairs. At On Time Experts, we urge homeowners to learn about the early signs of slab leaks, such as skyrocketing water bills, soggy carpeting and wet flooring, hot spots underfoot, and cracked walls. If you notice any indicators of slab leaks, take action immediately to avoid pricey repairs.
8 Early Signs of Slab Leaks
Slab leaks might seem to come on suddenly, but most exist for several weeks or months, lurking beneath a home’s foundation. If you want to avoid the severe and costly consequences of a concrete slab leak, watch out for the following signs.
1. Wall and Floor Cracks
Have you noticed cracks near the bottom of your home’s interior walls or the baseboards, specifically on the lowest level of your house that rests on the slab foundation? These cracks, which can vary in size, develop as the leak penetrates the floor from beneath the slab. Even if the crack seems like nothing more than a hairline fracture, you need to call a licensed plumber to evaluate the situation ASAP. Cracks caused by slab leaks widen over time and can eventually run the full width or height of the wall. Waiting to call until a crack is that big can be a costly mistake.
2. Hot Spots on the Floor
Have you walked barefoot on the flooring above your home’s foundation, and it feels warm or hot in random areas? This isn’t the type of heated flooring you want. Random hot spots, especially when they’re located along the path of a hot water pipe, indicate a leak. Get this problem looked at right away to prevent foundation issues and protect children and pets from burns. These hot spots can grow hotter over time and can pose threats to young children and pets.
3. Low Water Pressure
Have you noticed your home’s water pressure has decreased? Does it take longer to fill the sink or run the dishwasher? When water leaks from the water supply pipes under your home’s slab, it reduces water pressure throughout the house. Sometimes, a clogged pipe can cause this issue, too. Regardless, you don’t want to guesstimate the issue. Call a plumber and let a professional use their knowledge and equipment to diagnose the problem.
5. Pooling Water
Have you noticed water pooling outside around your home’s foundation or its exterior walls? You also might have observed standing water inside your home in the basement or the garage. Sometimes, heavy rainfall can cause standing water. So, how do you know the difference? Wait a few days after excessive rainfall and check again when outdoor conditions have been dry. Is water still pooling? If so, you might have a slab leak.
5. Sounds of Running Water
Do you hear water running in the house, but no one is using the water, and the sinks, dishwasher, shower, or washing machine aren’t on? You might hear running water continuously or once in a while, but if it’s something that doesn’t go away, you could have a leak under the slab.
We encourage you to call a plumber right away, but if you’re still on the fence do this: Check your water meter and note the usage. Then, turn off all water sources for about 30 minutes and check the water meter again. Did the usage stay the same or increase? If it increased, you might have a leak.
6. Unexplained Water Bills
Monthly water bills fluctuate depending on water usage and location, but you should have an idea of what an average water bill looks like. Most homeowners know what to expect from their water bills during periods of high usage, like during the summer when watering the lawn or filling a backyard pool. If your usage skyrockets for no apparent reason, concern is warranted. You might have a slab leak, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can waste 90 gallons of water daily.
7. Mildew Odors
Odors pop up in homes all the time because of daily activities like cooking. Even taking your pet outside while it’s raining can cause your home to smell less than fresh. However, these smells fade eventually. Musty, earthy odors, on the other hand, are cause for concern. These indicate mold growth, a symptom of slab leaks. Since mold can pose serious health risks, including respiratory issues, you must contact a plumber ASAP to check for undetected leaks in your home.
8. Wet Flooring
Have you noticed wet spots on the carpet, flooring, or concrete that you can’t blame on one-time spills? If you discover wet patches near baseboards or the base of walls, you might have an ongoing leak under your home’s slab. Some homeowners might use a fan to dry out the area. If you do this, keep an eye on the area and make certain the wetness doesn’t return. If it does, you need a plumber to investigate the problem to determine if you have a slab leak.
Slab Leak Repair in McKinney
At On Time Experts, we take slab leaks seriously because they can potentially cause high-cost home repairs. The sooner repairs get made, the more money you save, and you can rest easy knowing your home’s in excellent structural condition. You deserve a watertight home, and we’re committed to your comfort. When you call us with a slab leak concern, you can expect us to arrive on time and do whatever it takes to fix the problem right the first time. Whether it’s a foundation leak, a furnace repair, an AC tune-up, or help with indoor air quality improvements, our multifaceted plumbing, heating, and air company has the expertise to keep your home’s major systems running well 24/7. Turn to us for emergency plumbing too!
Get control of slab leaks. Call On Time Experts for professional slab leak repair in McKinney today.
