Modern buildings are built on a base made up of horizontal slabs of concrete that provide support for the floors and ceilings.  In fact, if you’re in a modern home or office right now, you’re probably on one right now (under the carpet, of course).  Because these provide the base for the buildings, the plumbing goes underneath.

A slab leak occurs when water leaks through the plumbing and gets into the concrete itself.  It can happen because a pipe breaks or because the foundation itself shifts and allows outside water to leak in.

If it is not detected early it can lead to problems, so be aware of some of the warning signs, including:

– A warm area on the ground floor (hot water leak) or cold area (cold water leak)

– A well pump running more often than it should

– High water bills despite no increase in water usage

– Cracks in the floor, walls, or ceiling

– Wet spots on the floor

If you’ve noticed any of these, you may want to shut of your water, take a reading of your water meter, and then wait and hour and read the meter again.  If it has gone up even though your water has been shut off, you likely have a leak somewhere.

There are leak detection kits available but buying them and using them may be more trouble and may actually cost more in the long run than hiring a professional.