How to Detect and Repair an Under-Slab Leak
Under-slab leaks may be difficult to detect, but they can be a serious and costly problem for your home. Many houses are built on concrete slab foundations, and due to age and deterioration, pipes can burst under these slabs and begin to leak.
When left unattended, a leak under concrete becomes not only expensive to repair, but it can also endanger your family home by weakening the structure of your house.
At Express Plumbing, we’ve seen all kinds of leaks over the years, and our knowledge is second to none when it comes to detection and repair.
To find out more about under-slab leaks, read our blog post here. For now, let’s discuss how to identify a leak, and how the repair process works if you do detect one.
What are the signs of an under-slab leak?
– A higher than usual water bill
A quick way to detect a leak under concrete is the fact that your water bill will be sky high.
If you have noticed that your latest bill is 2 or 3 times higher than your normal monthly rate, then it’s time to get a professional inspection.
Keep an eye out on your hot water too – if you find it’s always on when it shouldn’t be, this could be a sign of a burst hot water pipe.
– Damp slabs or unusual pools of water
A damp slab is a tell-tale sign that there’s water underneath. Not only that, but any pools of water or leaking cracks in places where there’s no nearby tap or shower suggests there could be a leak in the plumbing.
– Increasingly humid or warm areas
Increased humidity or warm spots under carpets may suggests an under-slab leak too. If you see mould or mildew forming, this can be another symptom of a leakage under concrete.
– The sound of gushing water
Listen out for any running water noises under concrete areas. If there’s no nearby water supply, it could be a burst pipe under the slab.
How can a leak be repaired?
Fixing an under slab leak doesn’t have to be costly – but it can be, and this all depends on the size of the problem. Some leaks can be fixed in a matter of hours, however widespread damage can take days.
At Express Plumbing, we have state-of-the-art technology that can pinpoint the exact location of leaks and burst pipes. This means that we can reduce excavation and costs by finding the leak first time.
If you suspect that you have an under-slab leak, taking action is the first step to saving your home. At Express, we have years of experience with plumbing issues in Melbourne homes, and we pride ourselves on the quality of our work. We aren’t about quick fixes; we’re about getting the job done right, so that you can continue to feel safe in your home.
For more information, or if you need some assistance with an under-slab leak, call us today on 1300 852 815, and speak to one of our expert plumbers.