Water gushing out from under the sink or puddling around your basement water heater is often a sign of faulty plumbing. However, not all leaks are so obvious. If your house is built on a slab, moisture underneath the concrete can go undetected for weeks. While the actual leak may be hidden, there are a few clues that residential plumbers look for to locate broken pipes underground.

3 Signs of Slab Leaks

1. High Water Bills

A broken pipe continuously spills water into the ground, which keeps your meter running around the clock. If your utility bill suddenly spikes, but your usage hasn’t increased, have a residential plumber inspect your slab for leaks.

2. Lower Water Pressure

Since a serious slab leak allows water to escape from the pipes, it can cause a dramatic drop in the pressure inside the system. The flow of water from your sink, shower, and toilet may slow to a trickle, making it more time consuming to clean yourself or do the dishes.

3. Puddles

Water will likely begin pooling outside. These puddles will often appear around the edges of your house, right against the foundation, even if it hasn’t rained recently.

Eventually, this moisture will affect your indoor flooring as well—making your carpeting look damp or stained or causing your hardwood to buckle. This dampness can lead to rot and mold growth. Since water flowing under the slab can destabilize your foundation, call a residential plumbing expert immediately if you notice exterior or interior water damage.

If you suspect pipes are leaking under your house, the residential plumbers at JB Water Plumbing & Treatment Solutions offer the emergency 24-hour service and commitment to quality you need. They’ve been delivering exceptional results to Mesa, AZ, homeowners for almost 40 years. Visit their website for more on their services. Call (480) 969-3193 for prompt assistance.