Preventing Slab Leaks with Leak Detection Services

by Maria Williams Online Marketing Specialist

Slab leaks can cause a lot of damage. So, it's essential to detect and fix them as early as possible. However, detecting slab leaks is not easy, and often, by the time you find them, they have already caused significant damage.

The good news is, some common telltale signs can help you in this process. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

Cracks in the Concrete Slab

Cracks are caused by corrosion under high pressure of water, in addition to changes to groundwater levels that occur over time. This results in soil erosion below it, leading to heaving because of increased weight on some settlements above ground level areas.

Cracks in the concrete slab aren't just a sign of deteriorating and aging structure – they also indicate that your building is leaking through gaps or cracks around drains, sinks, pipes, and other fixtures. So, make sure to keep an eye out for them.

Moisture on the Walls or Floor near a Window

Moisture on the walls or floor near a window could be signs of a slab leak. Moisture can be evidence that water leaks from pipes and seeps through gaps or cracks into living areas. You might not notice this right away because these spots are generally isolated to a single area. However, if you find moisture accumulating around windows, it's a clear indication of a problem somewhere behind drywall.

Rust-Coloured Stains on the Ceiling

Rust-coloured spots on the ceiling are another common sign of slab leak. Rusty spots on the ceiling generally occur because of corroded metal roofing pipes or sheets due to water leaks. These leaks dampen the wood framing and drywall and create unpleasant odours that can be allergic for some people.

Moss or Mold Growth under Doors and Windows

Moss or mould growth under doors and windows is another common sign of moisture seeping through that specific area. This can cause unpleasant odours that usually emit from a porous material, e.g. drywall, where the mould takes up residence after a slab leak has been ignored for too long.

How to Prevent Slab Leaks

The best time for a slab leak prevention measure is before the construction starts or during foundation development or site preparation. This will help avoid expensive repairs later on down the line, but it should never be done without the help of professional leak detection services.

A few simple steps can go a long way in preventing slab leaks and other related issues. Applying sealant is one of the best ways to prevent these issues from occurring. Sealant polyurethane caulk fills gaps between the flooring tiles and prevents stain and moisture build-up on the floor over time.

However, despite these measures, it can be quite challenging to spot and prevent slab leaks on your own. That's why it's always a good idea to hire leak detection services so that you can avoid costly damage in the future.