Because of Florida’s sandy soil and potential for hurricanes, most homes are built on slab or slab-on-grade foundations. In other words, there is nothing standing between your South Florida home and the ground other than a piece of concrete. However, many homes have underground water lines that can burst and leak below your foundation - causing serious problems and damage to your home and your plumbing system.
Since most symptoms of foundation leaks can remain hidden for quite some time, it’s important to know what to look out for in case you suspect that your South Florida home’s foundation or slab is leaking. Here are 6 signs of a foundation leak.
1. You’ve Noticed Lines, Cracks, or Unexplained Damage in Your Home
The slab or foundation of your home literally sets the stage for the rest of your home. If it has a leak, the dirt that holds everything together begins to wash away. When the dirt washes away and the leak causes damage to the foundation, your entire home may show symptoms.
If you’ve noticed strange lines on your walls, cracks in the corners or floorboards, or any other type of unexplained damage in your home, there may be a leak in your foundation. Other signs of damage in your home to watch out for include:
- A door is sticking or has suddenly become more difficult to open and close
- There are cracks or lines forming on the walls, floorboards, ceiling, or floor
- Part of your flooring seems lower in one spot
Do you have any of these things in your South Florida home? A Pompano Beach plumber can assess the damage and repair the leak before it gets worse.
2. You’re Finding Water in Unexpected Places Near Your Home
Water, being a liquid, takes the shape of its container. It also always heads for the lowest point of the home. As a result, you may begin to see water in unexpected places near and inside your home.
Are your carpets damp for no reason? Is your wood floor becoming warped? Are you finding pools of water outside your back door that have never been there before? If so, you may have a slab or foundation leak in your home.
3. You’ve Experienced a Sudden Decrease in Water Pressure
When one part of your plumbing system has a leak, the water pressure in the rest of the plumbing system will decrease. After a noticeable drop in water pressure, you may try to find the source of the leak.
However, if you can’t locate the source, it could be hidden under your foundation - causing more problems than you are aware of. As soon as your water pressure drops unexpectedly, it’s time to call a Pompano Beach plumber.
4. The Walls Feel Cool and Damp, Even On a Hot and Dry Summer Day
Even though foundation leaks happen under the concrete slab of your home, the leak can expand and cause moisture to seep through cracks developing in your home. As a result, South Florida homes that have foundation problems may also have walls that feel cool and damp - even on a hot and sunny day.
5. There is Mold and Mildew Growth Around Your Home
Moist environments combined with South Florida heat make for the perfect opportunity for mold and mildew growth.
Do you have strange black spots developing on your carpet or drywall? Or, do you smell something musty that wasn’t there before? If so, you may have a foundation or slab leak that needs the attention of a certified Pompano Beach plumber.
6. Your Water Bill is Sky-High For No Good Reason
Paying bills is never fun. And, the last thing you want is a surprise on your monthly bills. If you get your water bill and it is significantly higher than the months before - with no explanation - you could have a hidden leak somewhere in your home. It could even be under your foundation.
If you ignore this bill, water will continue leaking and cause more damage to your home. To avoid another sky-high bill next month and costly home repairs, contact a local plumber immediately.
Foundation Leak Repair in Pompano Beach
Detecting a slab leak isn’t always easy. In fact, it usually takes the careful eye and expertise of a certified plumber. If you’ve noticed any of the above-listed signs in or around your home, you could have a foundation leak affecting your home.
Unfortunately, leaks under your foundation can cause a lot of expensive problems down the line. They’re also one of the most common plumbing issues in South Florida.
Lastly, they can cause health issues for everyone living in the house. Don’t wait and let your hidden leak get any worse - pick up the phone and call now to get a local plumber out to your house today.
