Slab leaks are leaks that occur under the foundation of your home. Most homes have at least one large, main water pipe that runs beneath the foundation, and if this pipe starts leaking, it's known as a slab leak. The water can then seep into and through the foundational base, leading to a wet basement. But a moist basement is not, in and of itself, a reason to assume you have a slab leak. A wet basement could also be caused by rainwater coming through cracks or by water heaters leaking around the valves, for instance. So, here are some other indications you might have a slab leak—and how to know for sure.

Signs of a Slab Leak

A moist basement is a key indicator that you may have a slab leak, but there are a few other signs that are more certain. One is a higher water bill. If you have a slab leak, then a significant amount of water will be seeping out of the crack in the pipe. This will cause your water bill to climb higher and higher. Compare your current water bills to older ones. If your current ones are higher, it could be because of a slab leak.

Also, look around the outside of your home. Do you notice more puddles near your foundation? Maybe your landscaping plants or grass are growing like crazy in one area, but not another. This also points to a slab leak.

Detecting a Slab Leak

If you notice the above signs of a slab leak, call a plumber. They can send a camera down into your main water pipes and look for the physical signs of a leak. They may notice a crack in the pipe, or they may find an area where the pipe is rusting or corroded. 

If your plumber does locate a slab leak, they may fix it in one of two ways. They may send a sleeve down the pipe to form a barrier between the deteriorating pipe and the water flowing through it. Or, they may replace the pipe with a new one, re-routing your water around it. The plumber can give you some quotes and help you decide on the best repair option for your needs.

If you think you may have a slab leak, don't worry too much. This can cause damage, but it is a problem plumbers are used to dealing with. 

For more information about residential slab leak detection, contact a local company. 

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