A slab leak can be problematic. Not only are you paying for water that you’re not using but these concrete leaks can also potentially damage your property.
If you suspect that there’s a leak in your home, you’re in the right place. Because today, we will talk about the common signs of water leaks in concrete slabs.
But before we begin, let’s talk about why it’s important to detect water leaks in concrete slabs.
Importance of concrete slab water leak detection
While some water leaks may be easy to find, others may prove to be difficult, and a slab leak is one of them. These types of leaks often run deep in the foundations of your house and can considerably affect its overall structural integrity.
The moisture that seeps out of the concrete can also pose health concerns as it may promote the development of mould and mildew. These microorganisms can be a source of lung problems for those with allergies. Leaks in the concrete slab can also attract insects and rodents who love to live in damp and dirty places.
On that note, early detection of these types of leaks can definitely help you save your property — and your family. So, make sure to contact a professional leak detection company as soon as possible.
Now that you know what leaks in the slab can do to your home and your loved ones, let’s check some of the tell-tale signs of slab water leaks.
1. Visible cracks in the concrete
While cracks and crevices can be caused by a lot of things like the natural movement of the ground, invasive roots, and other natural phenomena, they can be a sign that there’s a leak under the concrete slab.
See, when there’s a leak hidden underground, water pressure coming from the pipes can affect the stability of the soil underneath. When the soil around the pipelines begins to erode, the area can be susceptible to damage when significant weight is applied above the ground.
These cracks do not manifest overnight. So, when they appear, it’s best to have them checked immediately.
2. Visible moisture
Another obvious sign of concrete leaks is visible moisture. These can appear in different areas like the wall, near a window, and of course, on the floor.
When water leaks from the pipeline, it escapes to the surface, and one of the most evident indications is moisture. To spot them, simply look for wet patches on bare concrete. For painted and finished surfaces, you will notice bubbles or cracks in the paint while those with wallpapers will have stains on them.
As we’ve briefly covered above, the moisture on the walls and the floor can promote the growth and development of mould and mildew. They can also attract rats, cockroaches, and other insects that carry infectious diseases.
Remember to have professionals deal with it as soon as possible as these vermins and microorganisms can cause several health problems that range from asthma, skin allergies, infection, and leptospirosis.
3. Audible water leak
If you hear water leaking from the walls of your home — but can’t seem to find it — this might be another sign of concrete slab water leak. This means that water has already made it past the concrete and is now dripping on the floor. Dripping water can cause more problems because it can make its way outside of the walls which can end up in your electrical appliances causing further damage.
When checking audible noises of water leaks behind concrete walls, check for the time it takes in between drops. The longer it takes for you to hear the next drop means that the leak can probably be located from a pipe near the ceiling or the leak may somehow be weak. Conversely, the leak may be somewhere near the floor or the water pressure may be strong.
These audible signs are something you should watch out for as they are clear implications that there is something wrong with your piping system.
Look out for leakage signs
When you see or experience any of these concrete slab water leak signs, it’s best that you consult an experienced professional who can help you address the situation.
There are many companies on the market that offer non-destructive means of leak detection, like us at Austest Pipeline Solutions, who can detect a water leak in concrete slabs at your property without causing unnecessary damage.
Don’t hesitate to use this article as a reference when you are trying to detect and find any leak in your home.