They start slowly and far from our view but have the potential to turn into every homeowner’s nightmare. Sometimes they can go undetected for weeks before they start causing structural damage and skyrocketing water bills. This is why early detection plays a key role in preventing a catastrophe and protecting your belongings.
In today’s blog, we outline 5 ways to find a source of concrete slab leakage before things get out of hand. Remember, the first thing to do if you suspect a slab leak is to call professional emergency plumbing in El Cajon and let experienced specialists find the cause of your leakage.
How do you find a water leak under a slab?
You’ve realized you have a leak, but the real question is how to find its exact source in a concrete slab. This requires a combination of patience, vigilance, and professional assistance. By monitoring your water meter, checking for signs of water damage, listening for running water, using thermal imaging technology and moisture detection devices, professional leak detection specialists can identify and address leaks before they cause irreparable harm to your home.
1. Monitoring the water meter
Your water meter can act as a valuable tool in detecting leaks, especially those hidden beneath your home’s foundation. Turn off all water sources in your home and take note of the meter reading. Wait a few hours and then check the meter again. If the reading has changed, it’s a strong indication that plumbing system failure is causing the leak. Professionals can then continue the investigation to pinpoint the exact source.
2. Checking for signs of water damage
Obvious signs of water damage both inside and outside your home are one of the most common signs of a leak. If you find stained or warped flooring, walls, or ceilings it could indicate a slab leak inside the home. On the other hand, pooling water near the foundation or unusually lush patches of grass in your yard could signal an underground leak. Don’t ignore these warning signs, they point to serious problems that require immediate attention.
3. Sound of running water
If you start hearing the sound of running water even when all faucets and appliances are turned off, the leak may be located in your walls, floors, or foundation. The sound of water running or dripping indicates a hidden leak. Try to follow the sound to its source to narrow down the location of the leak. Keep in mind that this method is not always effective, especially if the leak is small or located in a hard-to-reach area.
4. Moisture detection devices
Moisture meters are invaluable tools for uncovering hidden leaks that are lurking beneath your home’s foundation. They work by sensing moisture levels in building materials, such as wood, drywall, and concrete. Moisture detection devices can detect areas with elevated moisture levels that point to a potential leak. This detection method is non-invasive, effective, and provides valuable insight into the extent of water damage.
5. Thermal imaging sensors
Often called a game-changer when it comes to detecting hidden leaks, thermal imaging technology detects temperature variations that may indicate the presence of water. By carefully scanning the floors and walls of your home, emergency plumbers can identify hot or cold spots using thermal imaging and track down the exact location of your concrete slab leak.
Where can I find dependable emergency plumbing in El Cajon, CA?
With state-of-the-art equipment, trained and experienced technicians, and efficient methods, San Diego Emergency Plumbing will deal with your problem causing the least disturbance possible. If you have any questions about the most common causes of slab leaks, how to spot giveaway signs of slab leakage, or how the slab leak repair process works, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we’ll gladly walk you through the details.
Whether you live near Gillespie Field or on the opposite side of town, we’re ready to arrive at your doorstep in a flash and take charge over the situation. Time is of the essence in these types of situations so don’t waste a minute more, contact us without delay!
