Pipes that run under the floor are called “sub-slab” pipes. These pipes are hidden from sight and may require special care to avoid leaks and other issues. A few factors can help you determine if your sub-slab pipes are leaking water and need repair. If you suspect water has been entering your home from under the floor, you should seek out professional assistance as soon as possible. There are several possible culprits:- Ductwork - If the pipes in your home are connected to ductwork, water may have seeped into the ductwork and found its way into your crawl space.- Soil - If your home sits on top of a layer of soil, water may have seeped into the soil and made its way into your crawl space.- Defects in the foundation - If your crawl space has been compromised, water may have found its way into your crawl space and into your sub-slab pipes.- Build-up - A build-up of materials such as debris, insulation, or other materials may have led to water entering your crawl space and sub-slab pipes.- Broken pipes - Broken pipes near the crawl space may have led to water seeping into the crawl space and into sub-slab pipes.

Look for discoloration or water stains around the sub-floor.

If you find water stains around the crawl space or wet spots on the sub-floor, there’s a good chance that your pipes are leaking. These stains may be difficult to see if they’re old and there may be a few tricks to make them more visible.

Check the sub-floor for discoloration or cracks

If the water has been leaking for a long time, you may be able to find evidence of the damage by looking at the sub-floor. Cracks in the sub-floor can be a sign that your pipes are leaking. Cracks in the sub-floor may also result in your floor sagging, which can be dangerous and lead to costly repairs. If a pipe is leaking water, there may be a small hole in the sub-floor that you can see. However, if you do find a crack, make sure to get it repaired as soon as possible.

Look for dampness or condensation in the crawl space

If you find that your crawl space smells of wet dirt or has a foggy appearance, you may have a pipe that’s leaking water. This may also be a sign of a more severe issue, such as a foundation problem. You may also notice that the crawl space floor seems a little spongy, which is a sign of excess moisture. If you notice that the crawl space is damp but you don’t see any obvious signs of leaking water, you can still be sure that it’s leaking if the crawl space is located above a waterproofing layer and you have a vapor barrier installed. Pipes that are properly installed with the proper amount of drainage will not be able to accumulate water in the crawl space.

Check your sump pump for signs of wear and tear

If you have a sump pump installed near the crawl space, it’s important to check it for signs of wear and tear. If you notice that the sump pump isn’t running as often as it should or that it isn’t removing as much water as it should, you may have a faulty sump pump that’s allowing water to seep into the crawl space. Sump pumps are crucial for homes that sit on a slab and are prone to flooding. If you have a sump pump installed and it isn’t doing its job, you should contact a professional to repair or replace the pump.

Conclusion

Sub-floor pipes are hidden from sight and can be a source for water damage. If you notice that your house has been experiencing flooding or you notice water stains around the sub-floor, you should immediately contact a professional to find out if the water is coming from your sub-floor pipes. Pipes that are installed properly and have the right amount of drainage will prevent excess water build-up. If you notice that your house has been experiencing excess water or you want to prevent further water damage, you may want to consider installing a sump pump.