Blog

A slab leak is caused when water leaks from the pipes and builds up under the concrete slab foundations of your floors, basements, crawlspaces, and other floorings of your home. Older homes are especially prone to slab leaks due to their weaker foundations, outdated building structures as well as non-compliance with modern regulations.

With the passage of time, a slab leak can harm the structural foundations of a home as well as cause significant property damages. Therefore, whether you reside in a modern home or an older one, you have to confirm if your home has a slab leak. Look for a number of signs so that you can call a plumber in Arlington, TX, at the right time.

1.   High Bills

Was your water bill too high this time?

One of the most dreadful and unpleasant indications of a slab leak will be an unusually high increase in your water bill. A small leak may seem insignificant, but it can translate into high costs. Thus, homeowners need to monitor their bills and see if they are higher than normal. It is possible that the increased bill is because of greater consumption of water, especially if some relatives from another state are staying at your home. However, if the bill is inconsistent with your use, then a plumber in Arlington, TX has to inspect your home for a slab leak.

2.   Sounds

Like gas leaks and other water leaks, slab leaks can be identified with a sound that comes from your basement or crawlspaces. Thus, when no one is present in the home, walk around all the places and try to hear any unfamiliar sounds. Additionally, you should be careful in the determination of a sound. It is important to differentiate whether a sound is coming from the normal gushing of water in pipes or from a leak in your slab foundation. After the identification of such a sound, immediately contact a plumber in Arlington, TX for repair.

3.   Water Pressure

Is anyone in your home having difficulties with dishwashing? Is anyone complaining about reduced water levels?

Low water pressure can result from various reasons. However, one of the main causes of it is a slab leak. As your water pipes are ruined because of holes and cracks, the water coming into your pipes makes its way to other openings, and thus your water supply decreases as the leaks worsen. Therefore, thoroughly observe any sign of reduced water pressure, and make sure that the water coming into your faucets and showers is adequate. If you are confused, your best bet is to call a plumber in Arlington, TX who can detect a slab leak and repair it so that you can continue with your daily water use.

4.   Direction from Animals

Has your dog recently discovered a new favorite spot?

Your pets can also serve as an identifier for slab leaks. When a hot water pipe leaks, the ground above it becomes warmer, making it the perfect place for your pet especially during winters. Hence, if you find that your pet is obsessed with a certain warm spot in your home, then touch the place and if you find the corner warmer than normal, find out if any water pipe is located beneath the surface. If it does exist, then you will need the services of a plumber in Arlington, TX.

5.   Pooling

Do you find a puddle of water in any area of your home?

When a slab leak occurs, water from the pipes drips and forms a puddle underneath. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant and to watch out for any newly-formed puddles of water in your home. If you find more than a single area with puddles of water, then the situation is very serious and you will have to call a dependable plumber in Arlington, TX.

6.   Mold

Water accumulation in any area of the house increases the chance of mold. Mold grows in the presence of standing water and goes on to have a negative impact on the health of residents. When water from a slab leak accumulates, it starts to infect walls, floors, and carpets with mold.

In the presence of mold, asthmatic patients find breathing difficult. Similarly, allergies are also triggered. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, sneezing, and coughing are also recurrent themes with mold. Mold can be identified through a musty smell. Thus, if you suddenly find such smell or if your family members are under the attack of the above-mentioned symptoms, then medical treatment is not enough.  Hire a reliable plumber in Arlington, TX and have him repair the leak so mold can be permanently eliminated from the surroundings of your home.

7.   Water Heater

Do you find your water heater running indefinitely? Are your water bills unusually high?

In the case of a slab leak, a water heater may have to run continuously. A water leak is like the use of hot water in kitchens, where the heater has to continuously heat the water for daily use. Similarly, when water is continuously leaking from a slab leak, the heater has to work constantly to maintain its hotness. Hence, constantly monitor your water heater and contact a plumber in Arlington, TX if you find that the heater is running 24/7.

Final Thoughts

Did you find any of the above-mentioned signs in your homes? Do you require a repair for your slab leak?

Well, in that case, you have to take a deep breath and contact the best plumber in Arlington, TX. Luckily, you have access to the best. Benjamin Franklin provides services in Arlington, TX, and can solve all your slab leaks in a jiffy. Contact us and find a permanent solution for all your plumbing conundrums. We are punctual and offer $5 for every minute we are late.