If your water bill is much higher than average, it may be the case that you have a slab leak. Slab leaks happen when a water pipe breaks underneath a concrete slab of your house or the foundation of your home. Slab leaks happen for a variety of reasons and they can result in some very expensive repair if not treated immediately.
Slab leaks can be caused by corrosion of pipes due to heat, chemicals in the soil, and electrolysis inside the pipes. The constant vibration of water pipes can also produce friction on the pipes, leading to wear and tear on them. The shifting of soils can produce undue pressure on the pipes as well. So can faulty construction or installation of the pipes.
Pipes underneath the house often run through a slab in several places. When a leak has sprung, this can also affect the slab, resulting in cracks, mold, a shifting foundation, and a host of other problems.
It’s good to know what the signs of a possible slab leak are. If you hear running water but all the faucets are turned off, there is a good chance that you have a slab leak. A really large water bill is also a big sign. If you have mold growth that can’t be explained, that could be another sign. Wet carpets, floors, and baseboards are also something to watch out for. A foundation that seems to be shifting could be a sign of a slab leak. So can low water pressure.
All of these could be signs of a slab leak, or not. At A to Z Statewide Plumbing, we specialize in leak detection and emergency services. All of our plumbers are licensed and insured, and we have been in business for over 35 years.