Slab leaks are plumbing leaks that occur beneath your home's foundation. They can cause all sorts of issues, from high water bills to foundation leaks. If you suspect you have a slab leak, you should call a plumber who can perform slab leak location services to confirm that a leak is present. But what are the signs of a possible slab leak, and what do these detection services involve? Take a look.
Signs of a Possible Slab Leak
Often, people realize they have slab leaks after they search their home for a more obvious plumbing leak and find none. Your water bills might be rising, and your water pressure may be low, both of which point to a leak. But after looking over your major plumbing lines, you don't see a leak. That may be because the leak is below your foundation where you cannot visually detect it.
Another sign of a slab leak is excessive grass and plant growth near your foundation. In other words, the grass close to your home is long and tall, but the grass in the rest of your yard is shorter. You may also notice other signs of moisture near your foundation. For instance, your sump pump might always be running, or your basement floor might be wet.
How Slab Leak Detection Works
If you call a plumber and tell them you suspect a slab leak, they may use one or more of the following methods to determine whether there truly is a leak and where it is located.
1. Video Inspection
This is the most advanced technology, and not all plumbers have it. They send a camera down into the pipes below your foundation, which allows them to physically see any cracks or holes in the pipe.
2. Pressure Sensors
Your plumber may run a pressure sensor over your foundation. If there is a drastic difference in pressure at one part of the pipe, that can indicate a leak in that area.
3. Acoustic Discs
An acoustic disc is like a microphone. It picks up on sounds in and under the concrete. It may pick up a rushing sound that indicates a slab leak.
Hopefully, this guide has taught you a little more about slab leaks. If you suspect you have one, don't hesitate to call a plumber. Their under slab leak detection services have come a long way and can be really helpful to you.
