Have you noticed strange water spots on your floor or an odd smell around your home? You might be wondering, is it a slab leak or a sewer line break?
Both problems can cause serious damage, but knowing which one you’re dealing with early on can save you time, money, and headaches.
Let’s break it down so you can spot the signs before things get worse.
What’s The Difference Between A Slab Leak And A Sewer Line Break?
A slab leak happens when a water pipe beneath your home’s concrete foundation cracks or breaks. It could be due to pipe corrosion, shifting soil, or poor installation. Water starts leaking under the slab, which can eventually affect your floors, walls, and even your foundation.
A sewer line break, on the other hand, occurs when the underground pipe that carries wastewater from your home gets damaged. This might be caused by tree roots, aging pipes, or shifting soil. Instead of clean water, this involves dirty, smelly wastewater, and that means a whole different kind of mess.
How Can You Tell Which One You Have?
Here are some signs to help you figure it out:
- Increased Water Bills? That might point to a slab leak. If your bill jumps but your usage hasn’t changed, water could be leaking under the foundation.
- Unpleasant Odors Indoors Or Outside? That’s often a sign of a sewer line issue. You might notice a foul smell coming from drains or in your yard.
- Wet Spots Or Warm Floors? These are more common with slab leaks, especially if you don’t have radiant heating.
- Slow Drains In Multiple Areas? If several drains are sluggish or gurgling, a broken sewer line might be to blame.
- Soggy Yard Or Sinkholes? That could go either way. A broken water pipe or sewer line can saturate your soil, but foul smells usually mean it’s the sewer.
Why Early Detection Is Important
Leaving either issue unchecked can lead to serious structural damage, mold growth, and sky-high repair costs. Slab leaks can crack your foundation, while sewer breaks can cause health hazards and require major excavation.
What Should You Do If You Suspect A Problem?
- Call A Professional Immediately – Whether it’s clean water or sewage, leaks under your home are not DIY-friendly.
- Get an Inspection – At Service Wizard, we use advanced leak detection tools to find the exact source, without unnecessary digging.
- Know Your Options – Depending on the issue, we’ll recommend the best repair method, whether it’s rerouting pipes, trenchless repairs, or slab access.
Don’t ignore the warning signs. If something feels off, it probably is. Call Service Wizard Heating and Air Conditioning today and let our experts help you stop the damage before it spreads.
