Slab leaks sound ominous, and for good reason. They’re a specialized type of leak, more problematic to deal with than mundane plumbing leaks. The leak itself isn’t any different from any other. It’s the location that presents problems: slab leaks are located beneath the concrete foundation of your house or porch. In some cases, the pipes may actually be embedded in the concrete itself. Because of that, a leak can go undetected for weeks or months, and the dripping water can cause all manner of damage. Eventually, the concrete itself will crack and must be repoured before the building can be inhabitable again.
Obviously, the leak needs to be stopped before that happens. The good news is that a trained plumbing service can usually take care of it, and in most cases, will run a new length of pipe in a less problematic location: ensuring that you don’t need to dig into the concrete itself. In the event you need to open up the concrete to reach the leak, a trained plumber is essential to ensuring the operation takes place exactly as it should.
Before all of that can happen, however, you need to be able to spot the signs of a slab leak, which can be tough since the affected pipes are out of sign. If you watch carefully, however, you should be able to notice some of the most conspicuous signs that something is amiss:
- Unexpected rises in your monthly water bills.
- Lower water pressure in part or all of your system.
- Colds spots or warm spots in the concrete.
- The appearance of cracks in the concrete.
- Puddles forming around the foundation of your house.
- Sounds of dripping or running water in unexpected locations.
If you suspect a slab leak in your home, call the friendly professionals at Hutchins Plumbing and Air Conditioning today. We serve the greater Plano, TX area!
