
A slab leak is a broken water line that is running below the concrete of your home. What causes a slableak? What are the warning signs of slab leaks?
Different occurrences can cause a slab leak. For example, ground and foundation shifts. This happens when the ground of your home starts to shift and put pressure on your pipes. Mother nature also helps things along with earthquakes. We’re prone to earthquakes in Southern California. Pipes naturally expand and contract on their own as water flows throughout them. If your pipes are near concrete, gravel or even other pipes as they expand and contract they begin to rub against them, and this causes abrasion. Over time, abrasions will cause a leak. Repetitive contact between pipes and soil causes pipes to corrode which will also cause a leak. Slab leaks can cause significant damage to your home or business, ruining carpets, flooring and walls.
Common questions about slab leaks
How do you know if your home or business has a slab leak? What are the warning signs? If you’ve ever asked any of the following questions, you might have a slab leak:
Why is my water bill so high?
If you suddenly get a water bill that seems unreasonably high, chances are you may have a slableak that is allowing water to run 24/7.
Why is my floor hot?
A hot spot on your floor will ONLY occur if it is the hot water line that is damaged.
Where is that sound coming from?
If you hear water running or hissing but the water is off, you may have a slab leak.
What is that smell?
As water leaks into your floors the moisture builds up. You might not be able to see it but your nose will be able to detect it. If you begin to smell a musty odor coming your floors or walls it time to call Western Rooter!
Where is the pressure?
If you have a slab leak in your main water line, there is water constantly flowing via your pipes which means less water travels to your faucets and water fixtures when you need it.
Warning signs of a slableak:
- Sudden spikes in your water bill
- The sound of running water when pipes are not in use
- A moving water meter dial when pipes are not in use
- Standing water around the perimeter of your house
- Unusually low water pressure
- Cracks in your baseboard or walls
- Damp or warm floors
Contact us if you suspect slab leak
If you notice any of the above warning signs, do not hesitate call Western Rooter today 626-488-6455. We offer FREE visual estimates. Leak detection services start as low as $275.00.

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