There are lots of common sayings that we would argue aren’t exactly true. “Raining cats and dogs?” That makes no sense. “Turn a blind eye?” Doesn’t seem strictly necessary.
But you know what does have a ring of truth to it? “Out of sight, out of mind.” As a homeowner, you likely know this one well. After all, we have lots of things to attend to on any given day. That means that weeks or even months can go by without you sparing a single thought for your roof, your plumbing, or even your home’s foundation.
And, most of the time, that is just fine. After all, your foundation wasn’t designed to be a showstopper. It is just supposed to get the job done! But when it a problem crops up, it can have serious consequences for your entire home.
Today, we’re going to teach you how to identify problem signs for your foundation. Namely, how to spot a foundation leak. We’ll take you through:
- What that looks like 👀
- How to fix it 🔨
- How much you can expect to pay 💰
Ready, to get started? Let’s dive in!
What Causes a Foundation Leak?
Foundation leaks are an unfortunate but common occurrence for homeowners who have homes with a slab foundation. Slab foundations are large, smooth pieces of concrete that homes can then be built on. Unfortunately, the concrete slab is susceptible to cracking and other forms of damage.
Foundation leaks can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- The foundation shifting and cracking due to changes in temperature
- Corrosion in your plumbing
- Built-up pressure in your underground pipes
- Pipes rubbing against the concrete
Regardless, it is essential to fix your foundation leak as soon as possible in order to avoid high levels of water and structural damage to your home.
6 Signs of a Foundation Leak
Learning how to identify a foundation leak is a key step in getting the help you need before the problem gets bigger. Here are six of the most common signs of a foundation leak.
1) Different Floor Temperatures
Have you ever walked across the room and noticed that the floor feels hot in some spots and cold in others? This difference in temperatures may be caused by a hot water leak under your floorboards. While this can feel cozy for your feet, it means a foundation repair is likely in your future.
2) Rising Water Bills
With so many bills set to auto-pay these days, homeowners often don’t even notice when their water bills start to increase. But the truth is that even a small increase in your average water bill could be due to a leak in your foundation.
3) Standing Water
Are you finding puddles around your home, even when there hasn’t been any rain? Standing water is usually a bad sign. If it is around the edges of your home, it may indicate a leak.
4) Dripping Sounds
homeowners who deal with a leak in their concrete slab foundation often report hearing the sound of running or dripping water, even when no appliances are on. This is a sure sign of a plumbing leak and should be investigated quickly.
5) Ceiling and Wall Cracks
A damaged foundation often cracks and shifts, which means that your home may move with it. If you are noticing ceiling and wall cracks – particularly around doors and windows – it’s time to call in the professionals for a consultation!
6) Warped Floors
Water damage can have a serious negative effect on the structure of your home, including your floors. If your wood floors are warping or bulging, you are likely dealing with trapped moisture beneath the boards.
What to Do When You Have a Leak
Once you’ve discovered the leaking foundation, it can be stressful trying to figure out what to do. Unfortunately, this is not a job for a handy DIY-er. Instead, you’ll want to contact your local foundation repair contractor for a professional evaluation.
A slab leak repair can be time-consuming, disruptive, and expensive. However, it IS repairable, and the sooner that you find the leak, the less damage you’ll have to repair.
Most foundation repair professionals will advise you to reroute the pipe, as it is the cheapest fix. However, sometimes the repairs have to be done through the slab, which will mean that the concrete will be broken to create a hole that they can then do the repairs through.
Expect to have to spend a few nights at a hotel, as this process can be very disruptive.
Cost of Foundation Repairs
Foundation repairs are rarely cheap. However, foundation repair costs for a leaking foundation will vary greatly, depending on the extent of the damage and the proposed repair solution. Average costs are as follows:
- Rerouting Pipes – $1,200-$5,000
- Repairing the Leak Through the Slab – $1,500-$3,500
- Under the Slab Repairs – $2,500-$10,00
- Relining the Pipe – $2,000-$8,000
Keep in mind that many reputable foundation companies will offer financing to help make the foundation repair cost feel more manageable.
Get Trustworthy Assistance
At Perma Pier Foundation Repair, we understand that foundation repairs can be an overwhelming process for homeowners. That’s why we are here to help you through every step of the process. From early inspections to the repairs yourself, we will work with you to find a solution that works for your home and your budget. Contact us today to learn more!
