A slab leak is one of the most damaging plumbing issues a homeowner can face—because it’s hidden. These leaks occur in the water lines running beneath your home’s concrete foundation. They don’t create visible puddles or bursts, but they silently drive up water bills, damage your foundation, and compromise your home’s structure. At General Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we specialize in slab leak detection and repair throughout Lake Worth, FL.
What Is a Slab Leak?
Homes built on concrete slabs have water supply and drain lines running underneath the foundation. A slab leak occurs when one of those lines breaks, cracks, or corrodes, allowing water to seep into the slab or surrounding soil. This kind of leak can continue unnoticed for weeks or months, slowly degrading your home’s structural integrity.
Slab leaks are caused by:
- Shifting soil or settling foundations
- Corrosion from mineral-heavy water or aging pipes
- Poor installation or abrasion from contact with concrete or rebar
- Pressure from tree roots or seismic activity
In a coastal region like Lake Worth, where soil moisture and salt content fluctuate, slab leaks are not uncommon and should be addressed as soon as warning signs appear.
Signs You May Have a Slab Leak
You don’t need to see water to know something’s wrong. Slab leaks give off clues: subtle at first, then increasingly urgent. Homeowners should look out for:
- Unexpected spikes in your water bill with no increase in usage
- Hot spots on flooring indicating a leak in the hot water line
- Low water pressure throughout the house, especially if consistent
- Moisture or mildew odors coming from floors or baseboards
- Cracks in walls or floors that weren’t there before
- The sound of running water when no fixtures are in use
If you notice even one of these signs, it’s time to contact a professional. The longer you wait, the more likely the leak will cause extensive damage to your home’s foundation and flooring.
Why Slab Leaks Are So Costly
Water that leaks under your home erodes the soil and can shift or lift sections of the slab. Over time, this movement creates cracks in the concrete, weakens support structures, and can lead to major foundation issues. What starts as a small hidden leak can eventually:
- Warp flooring and carpet
- Create mold growth and air quality issues
- Compromise the stability of your home
- Cause thousands in structural repairs
Fixing a slab leak early saves you from footing the bill for extensive home restoration down the line.
What to Do if You Suspect a Slab Leak
Don’t start digging or pulling up floors on your own. Professional slab leak detection is essential. At General Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we use advanced, non-invasive methods like acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, and electronic leak detection to pinpoint the exact location of the leak without damaging your home.
Once we locate the issue, we offer tailored repair options based on the severity and location of the leak. These may include:
- Direct access repairs through the slab at the leak location
- Pipe rerouting to bypass damaged sections
- Epoxy pipe lining to seal small leaks without excavation
Our goal is always to resolve the problem with minimal disruption to your home and daily life.
For Red Carpet Service Every Time, Contact General Plumbing and Air Conditioning in Lake Worth, FL.