For most of us, it is little more than a formality to open each month’s water bill. The number is always roughly the same, and after a quick glance, the bill is tossed aside. But how would you react if you discovered that your water bill was 20% or even 50% more than the previous month? Most people would become annoyed, thinking that there was a clerical error that needed to be corrected. That would be followed by a mental note to make a call and sort out the mess tomorrow. It all sounds pretty simple. However, your mood might become much more urgent when you discover that the bill is correct, and you somehow used an excessive amount of water. Or more correctly, your house used more water.
If this scenario sounds like it could happen in your home, then you need to know that the most common reason for this little drama is a slab leak. Unlike the leaks that you can easily identify like a dripping faucet or a leaking hose, a slab leak is located underneath the concrete foundation of your slab home. And that pipe can often leak for weeks or even months before you discover a muddy area at the side of your home’s foundation.
The Potential Cost And Danger Of A Slab Leak
Water leaks are somewhat of a double sin to many people. Not only are you paying for water that you are not really using, but you are also wasting a natural resource that has a limited supply. Both of these costs relate to a slab water leak. But have you thought of the other expenses that are headed your way? Of course, there is the cost of repairing the leak. But that is only the beginning of the repair costs if the leak has been hidden for a substantial period of time.
After the leak is fixed, it is time to begin gathering price quotes to repair the water damage to your home. This could be limited to a soil washout and minor repairs to your foundation. Or it could include repairs to the finishes inside your home as well. A long time leak could cause water damage to flooring, drywall, furniture, and personal belongings that were on or near the floor. And you also need to consider the possibility of toxic black mold growth because of the water leak. If there is any black mold that has invaded your home, you are looking at the cost of professional mold removal and clean up.
This laundry list of expenses might be enough to make the point. But there is one more serious expense that has been overlooked. Have you or anyone in your family been troubled by a cough, allergies, or illness that you simply can’t get over? Are you experiencing headaches, migraines, or constant eye irritation that just seemed to appear one day? All of those countless over the counter medications, trips to the doctor, and prescriptions add up to a tidy little bill. And they could all be the result of exposure to mold and mildew that is the result of a slab leak under your home.
Early Detection Is Critical
Early leak detection is the best way to avoid all of the costs and annoying issues related to a slab leak. But you need to know what to look for and how to interpret these little indications. Regular inspections of your home will help you to remain familiar with the appearance of floors, walls, and even the soil around your foundation. So you instantly know when something has changed and needs to be investigated further. Some of the most common telltale signs of a slab leak include:
- A large water bill
- Moisture along your home’s foundation
- Cracks in your home’s foundation
- Bulging wood flooring
- Loose or damaged linoleum
- Moist or cracked floor tiles
- Water damage to walls
- Warm spots on the floor
- Damp carpet
- Mold or mildew under or on any flooring
If you discover any of these signs of a slab leak, your next job is to call the leak detection specialists at Gordon AC & Plumbing. It makes sense that the faster a leak is located and repaired, the less damage it can cause. And by calling in the pros, you know that your slab leak will be found quickly and in a non-invasive manner. Our licensed plumbers use only the latest in leak detection technology to pinpoint leaks and make repairs.
Call us today at (318) 202-9144, and know that we can be out to check your home for a slab leak the same day that you call. So there is no need to worry about additional damage, mold growth, or massive water damage repair costs.
