A Comprehensive Guide to Slab Leaks in Texas

You may not even realize it, but your home’s foundation could be experiencing significant issues. Unfortunately, many homeowners in Texas encounter slab leaks — the silent, gradual troublemaker.

But as a homeowner, it’s your job to understand what slab leaks are and how to detect them. Otherwise, you may be in for some costly repairs down the line.

What Are Slab Leaks?

A slab leak occurs when pipes beneath the concrete foundation develop a leak. These leaks can result from corrosion, shifting soil, or poor installation.

Common signs of a slab leak include an unexplained spike in water bills, the sound of running water with no fixture on, or damp spots on the floor. Because Texas is notorious for its challenging soil conditions, slab leaks are a prevalent concern. They pose significant structural integrity and health risks due to mold and mildew growth.

Why Are Slab Leaks So Common Here?

While any home anywhere can suffer from slab leaks, they’re undoubtedly more common in Texas. That’s because Texas has unique soil and weather conditions.

The expansive clay soil tends to swell and shrink with changes in moisture levels, which exerts pressure on the underground pipes and eventually leads to their deterioration. Paired with the extreme heat and occasional droughts experienced in Texas, this continual soil movement exacerbates the problem — increasing the risk of slab leaks.

5 Signs To Watch Out For

Detecting slab leaks early is important for minimizing damage and repair costs. These are some warning signs to look out for:

• Unexplained water usage spikes: You might be experiencing water loss due to a slab leak if there are sudden increases in water bills without different usage patterns.
• Audible water flow: There might be a hidden leak beneath your slab foundation if you hear running water when all faucets are turned off.
• Warm spots on the floor: Hot water slab leaks can result in warm spots on your floor.
• Damp or moldy odors: When water accumulates underneath a slab, it often produces musty or moldy smells.
• Visible cracks in the foundation: Finally, you can identify potential slab leaks by cracks in the foundation since leaks can cause soil movement.

Texas homeowners should especially keep an eye out for slab leak problems during temperature fluctuations (such as during season changes).

Changing temperatures often worsen soil movement. Specifically, the scorching heat of summer can cause soil to shrink and crack, while winter freezes can expand it. All this puts stress on pipes and can lead to significant damage.

How Serious Is a Slab Leak?

Like most home problems, ignoring a slab leak can have considerable consequences. An untreated slab leak can compromise the stability of the foundation, and the moisture from the leak promotes mold and mildew growth. So, addressing slab leaks promptly and effectively can prevent these issues.

At Leak Geeks Plumbing, we understand the severity of slab leaks, and we want you to get the most use and enjoyment out of your Texas home. That’s why we use advanced technology and methods to find and address slab leaks — which you won’t get from most plumbing companies.

Get a Slab Leak Inspection Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Slab leaks might look like minor inconveniences, but underneath the surface, something significant is eroding your foundation and compromising your indoor air quality.

Trust the seasoned experts to handle your slab leak inspection and restoration. For over two decades, the Leak Geeks Plumbing team has been Texas’s go-to company for all things plumbing. With us, you can enjoy benefits like upfront pricing, prompt service, and more.

Schedule your slab leak inspection in Keller of NFW by contacting us online today!