If you have lived in the Golden Triangle for long, you know that the ground beneath our feet isn’t exactly stable. One week we are dealing with torrential rain, and the next, we are in a dry spell. While this weather is tough on our lawns, it is even tougher on our plumbing.
In Beaumont, we deal with “expansive clay soil.” This soil acts like a sponge—it swells up when wet and shrinks down when dry. This constant movement puts massive pressure on your home’s concrete foundation. And guess what is buried right underneath that concrete? Your water lines.
At AMC Plumbing, one of the most serious issues we see in older Beaumont homes is the dreaded Slab Leak. Here is what you need to know to protect your home.
What is a Slab Leak?
Most homes in our area are built on a “slab-on-grade” foundation. The copper or PVC water pipes are laid down before the concrete is poured. When the soil shifts, it can torque or bend these pipes until they develop a pinhole leak or snap completely.
Because these leaks happen under the house, you won’t see a puddle in the kitchen. The water simply pours into the dirt or seeps up through the concrete, often causing thousands of dollars in hidden damage before you even notice.
The 4 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Since you can’t see the pipe, you have to look for the secondary symptoms. If you notice any of these, call us immediately:
1. The “Hot Spot” on the Floor
This is the classic tell-tale sign. If you are walking across your kitchen or bathroom floor barefoot and feel a warm patch on the tile or hardwood, you likely have a leak in your hot water line underneath the slab.
2. The Sound of Running Water
If your house is quiet, all faucets are off, and you still hear the faint sound of rushing water, your plumbing is likely leaking underground.
3. A Sudden Spike in Your Water Bill
Did your bill jump from $50 to $150 this month without an explanation? That extra water went somewhere. If it’s not in the toilet, it’s likely under the slab.
4. Cracks in Walls or Baseboards
A slab leak can erode the soil under your foundation, causing the house to settle unevenly. This stress often shows up as diagonal cracks in your drywall or baseboards that separate from the floor.
Don’t Let Them Dig Blindly!
If you suspect a slab leak, do not let a handyman start jackhammering your floor in a guessing game. Finding a leak under concrete requires precision.
At AMC Plumbing, we use advanced electronic listening equipment and line tracing technology to pinpoint the exact location of the leak before we break ground. We keep the mess to a minimum and get your water running again fast.
Think you might have a leak? Call the local experts on Duncan Rd. Contact AMC Plumbing today at +1 409-866-3030 for a professional inspection.