A big water bill usually indicates a leak. And when you’ve looked everywhere without finding tell-tale water puddles but there are mold and other indicators, there’s a good chance your leak is under the slab. So how can you find it to be sure? There are a couple of ways you can determine where the leak is coming from.

Run the water and then shut it off. If you can hear water continue to run, find where the sound is the loudest. The noisier the pipes, the closer you are to the leak. Once you have a general idea of where the leak is, and you have a pretty good idea that it’s under your slab, call in a professional to confirm your suspicions BEFORE you proceed any further. Here’s why:

The leak might not be coming from under the house. It might be coming from a toilet, water heater or sink. Professionals, such as those from Sav-On Plumbing, will use electronic listening equipment to make sure they know where the leak is. They’re not going to go any further until they know where the leak is and what kind of line is leaking (hot or cold).

Professionals know where to look. They’ll be able to trace your plumbing lines using pipe finders to help them map locations, even when your pipes run under the slab.

Once they confirm the leak’s location, they will discuss what options you have available. At Sav-On Plumbing we use the latest available technology to repair these types of leaks, and we can usually repair them without jackhammering holes in your foundation.

Fixing the leak means more than “patching.” Sometimes, a portion of pipe is pulled out and a new piece of pipe is tied in. A professional will double-check to make sure the leak is fixed by turning the water back on and evaluating the new pipe’s function. More often, we can eliminate the leaking underground pipe by “re-routing” the pipe thru the attic. This offers many advantages; no concrete to patch; no tile to try and match up; no wood floors being destroyed. There is usually a little drywall patch work, possibly some paint but it a much neater repair than excavating the foundation.

Oftentimes we are able to get your loss covered by your insurance company. We recommend that you have us assess and evaluate your leak before calling the insurance company. We are skilled in dealing with insurance companies and are able to maximize your coverage. Our reviews bear witness to that fact.

Slab leaks are serious business. Make sure you talk to the professionals at Sav-On Plumbing to help you preserve and protect your biggest investments – your family and home.

Signs of a Slab Leak:

• Damp areas and warped flooring and wall treatments: When there’s standing water, there will be water damage. Depending on the extent and the time it’s gone unchecked, you’ll start seeing your flooring begin to come up in ripples, and discoloration appearing.
• Mold, mildew and musty smells: Mold and mildew grow in damp environments, and left unchecked, it will begin to compromise air quality when spores release into the air. The elderly and the very young will be affected the most.
• Cracks in your walls or in your flooring: Even small leaks can cause your foundation to erode. As the slab shifts and changes, it can create an unstable support for your house, leading to cracks and other tell-tale signs.
• You hear water running in the walls but it’s not visible anywhere.
• You’re running out of hot water when that was never a problem before.