Plumbing problems can be stressful, but few are as sneaky and damaging as a slab leak. A slab leak happens when water pipes running under the concrete foundation of your home begin to leak. Since these pipes are hidden, the leak often goes unnoticed until serious damage is done. Homeowners in Katy and across Texas need to be especially careful because soil conditions, shifting foundations, and aging plumbing systems all increase the risk.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about slab leaks, focusing on the most important part: the warning signs. If you can spot the signs early, you can protect your home from costly repairs and water damage.
Before diving into the warning signs, let’s understand what a slab leak is.
Unlike a leaky faucet or a clogged drain, slab leaks are hidden out of sight. That makes them hard to detect until the problem becomes severe. Left untreated, slab leaks can cause:
This is why knowing the early warning signs is so important.
Here are the most common red flags homeowners should watch for:
If your water bill suddenly spikes without a change in usage, a hidden leak may be to blame. Since slab leaks are underground, the water escapes continuously, adding up quickly.
What to watch for:
Do you notice mysterious wet patches on your floor? If water is leaking under the slab, it can rise upward through the concrete and into your flooring.
Common signs include:
Moisture from slab leaks often leads to mold or mildew growth inside your home. Even if you can’t see the mold, you may smell it.
Warning signs:
A slab leak can cause soil to shift or wash away under your foundation. Over time, this creates pressure that may crack the foundation or walls.
Check for:
When water escapes through a slab leak, less water reaches your faucets and fixtures. If you notice low pressure throughout the house, it may be due to a leak underground.
Pay attention to:
Do you hear water running when no taps are on? That’s a strong sign of a hidden leak. Sometimes slab leaks create a faint hissing or rushing sound beneath the floor.
Listen for:
If the hot water line under your slab is leaking, you may notice parts of your floor feel warm. Tile, wood, or carpet in these spots may also become discolored or warped.
Sometimes slab leaks show up outside the house. If water escapes under the foundation, it can pool around the exterior.
Signs include:
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to call a professional plumber immediately. At Orys Plumbing Solutions, we use advanced tools to find slab leaks without tearing up your entire floor.
Common diagnostic methods include:
Fixing a slab leak requires expertise and the right tools. Depending on the severity and location, plumbers may use:
Each home is different, so a plumber will recommend the most effective solution.
Delaying slab leak repair can lead to:
Catching the signs early saves time, money, and protects your home.
While not all slab leaks can be avoided, you can reduce your risk with proper maintenance:
At Orys Plumbing Solutions, we understand how stressful slab leaks can be. That’s why we provide expert slab leak detection and repair for homeowners in Katy and surrounding areas.
When you suspect a slab leak, don’t wait. Our team will find the problem, fix it quickly, and protect your home’s foundation.
Slab leaks are one of the most serious plumbing issues a homeowner can face. Since they occur under the concrete foundation, they’re often hard to spot until significant damage occurs. By watching for signs like damp floors, musty smells, foundation cracks, or rising water bills, you can catch the problem early.
If you think you may have a slab leak in Katy, TX, call Orys Plumbing Solutions right away. Our skilled plumbers are here to provide fast, reliable slab leak detection and repair to protect your home.