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Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog

How to Detect a Slab Leak

A slab leak is one of the most serious problems your home will face here in Cedar Falls, IA, though it’s not through anything unusual about the pipes themselves. Rather, it’s the location that causes all of the trouble: a leak buried under (or sometimes inside) the concrete foundation of your house or porch. That means is can go for months or even years undetected and wreak all kinds of havoc in the meantime. Over time, leaking water can crack your foundation in two. A good plumber can usually correct the problem, either by digging into the concrete or (more efficiently in many cases) reroute the pipe so that the water runs through a more accessible path. But before that happens, you have to detect the slab leak in the first place, which can be tricky to do. Here’s a few signs to help you out.

Cracks

The water damage cause by slab leaks can be considerable, mostly because the water has time to do its work. But that can result in cracks forming within the concrete. If they have no apparent caused, you may be looking at a leak.

Running Water

If the leak is big enough, you’ll hear the sound of running water, or at least dripping water where there shouldn’t be any. In some cases, puddles may form in the space around the slab leak: near the foundation of the house. Regardless, a professional plumbing company has sonic detection equipment and similar devices allowing them to pinpoint the exact location of the sounds you hear.

Hot Spots and Cold Spots

If the affected pipe is a hot water pipe, it may leave a hot spot in the cement above it. Cold water pipes may leave a cold spot or even a damp spot depending on the specifics. Both of them are cause for concern. Shut off your water and call in a professional immediately.

Contact Dalton Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Inc. in order to repair a slab leak.

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