Is your water bill on the rise and you cannot put your finger on why? You may be hearing what sounds like running water with all the faucets in the house shut off. Or there is a warm spot on the floor for no apparent reason.
Such things can point to a hidden slab leak; the sooner it is found, the better you are off from any serious damage. We at Advanced Plumbing & Leak Detection make it our business to put an end to these kinds of expensive problems for homeowners in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley before they get out of hand. Should any of the following give you pause, pick up the phone and call (805) 273-8396.
What Is a Slab Leak?
In short, it is when a water line under your home’s concrete foundation gives way. The pipes are buried so the leak is not something you will see, making it difficult to put your finger on. Water will pool and make its way underground and by the time you see evidence on the surface the leak has been active for some time.
Age, worn pipes, a poorly installed line or even soil that has shifted can be to blame. They do not have a way of righting themselves. Unattended, they are sure to take their toll on the home and its foundation.
The Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Slab leaks have a way of hiding but your home will offer some clues. Some of the more prevalent ones are:
- An unexplained jump in your water bill
- Running or trickling you can hear despite having turned everything off
- Hot spots on the floor from a hot water line
- New cracks in the foundation, walls or floors
- Flooring that is discolored, warped or damp in odd places
- Lower water pressure in the house
- A mildew odour you can seem to get rid of
If you see one of these you would be wise to look into it. Several at once means you should not delay. Call us at (805) 273-8396 and we will have a look.
The Importance of Early Detection
A small leak can be put to rights without issue if you are on top of it. But if you let it be, it can compromise your foundation and create the moisture conditions for mold, not to mention ruin your flooring. It is unfortunate how many homeowners put off dealing with it until they have to. Then the water has made its way far from the source and the job is more involved than it has to be. Heed the little signs and you will be doing your home and your finances a favor.
Matter of Detection
You cannot simply peer under the concrete which is part of the frustration. Professional leak detection is the answer. Our plumbers have the equipment to zero in on the problem without having to rip up your floor. There is no need for guesswork or superfluous demolition. When the plumber has the location down pat, things proceed much quicker.
Some Things to Check in the Meantime
Before a professional comes out you can do a few things:
- Shut off the water in the home and go to your meter. Any movement tells you where water is going that ought not to be.
- Put on your bare feet and walk the floor to sense any warmth.
- Be on the lookout for discoloration or dampness along the baseboards.
- In the quiet of the house listen for moving water.
It will not resolve the matter but it can put your mind at ease before you call.
Your Local Team
We are a locally run operation, fully licensed and insured. Homeowners in Ventura, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ojai, Oak View, Santa Paula, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village can count on us.
From 7 to 7 Monday to Friday you can reach us during regular hours. For a leak that does not wait we have 24/7 emergency service.
Do not put it off if you think there is a hidden slab leak. Act quickly to safeguard your property and let us at Advanced Plumbing & Leak Detection help you sort it out. Give us a ring at (805) 273-8396.
