If you're wondering how to detect a water leak under concrete like a professional, start by following your nose. Water damage quickly causes mold and mildew, which have distinct odors. If you notice a musty or unpleasant odor around, the water lines under the concrete floor could be in urgent need of repair.
If you see water coming up through the seams, or hear a squishing sound, you can know for sure that water is underneath your floor and it needs to be removed.
Buckled, warped, or separated floorboards. A moldy or unpleasant smell. Damp or soaked carpet. Increased water bill.
If a plumber can't find any leaks but your floor is still wet, other reasons could exist. It might be because of condensation, especially in humid places or near cold water pipes. Another reason could be a clogged drain, which can build up water on the floor.
Today, the best tool for the job is ground penetrating radar (GPR) as it accurately maps metal and PVC pipes. Traditional pipe locators use electricity and magnets to locate underground pipes.
The pipes that power faucets, showers, toilets, and other fixtures are typically hidden behind walls or under floors, a setup that requires careful planning for proper installation.
Existing hand-dug wells will reveal groundwater depth and give insight into subsurface soil properties. Sand or gravel areas in the bottom of valleys will often be home to groundwater. These layers can be covered by clay or silt, so it's prudent to check these areas thoroughly.
Key Takeaways. If you have water under your floorboards, remove floor coverings and dispose of damaged paper products, dry the area, clean and disinfect the soaked floorboards, ventilate the room, and contact a professional like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for complete restoration services.
Warped floors, peeling wallpaper, and water spots on the ceiling are signs that you have a leaky pipe somewhere. Unexpected wet carpets or pools of water on your floor are big signs there is a leak under your floor.
The average cost of slab leak repair is $2,300. * Depending on the extent of the problem, repairs may cost as little as $630 or as much as $4,400 or more. The location of the leak is the most relevant factor to cost because this determines how difficult it is to access and repair the leak.
The easiest way to identify an underground leak is by checking your water meter. If your water meter is moving faster than usual, it's possible you have a leak somewhere in your home. To check this, go outside and look at your water meter.
1) Cracks in the foundation allow water to seep through the floor. This is particularly common in homes with concrete foundations, as concrete is prone to cracks over time. 2) Plumbing leaks in the subsurface cause water to rise and seep through the flooring.
You won't be able to dry water that has seeped into and underneath the floors, but you should immediately start drying the visible water on your floors. Mopping and toweling may be sufficient, but if flooding is severe, you may need to use a water pump.
Moisture testing before installation of a floor covering
These tests can be carried out with Tramex concrete moisture meters, RH probes, moisture content probes and surface thermometers. These are available in specifically designed concrete moisture test kits.
Unexplained Water Pools and Dampness
One of the most obvious signs of a burst pipe is the presence of water where it shouldn't be. If you notice puddles forming under sinks, near water pipes, or along walls, it's likely a sign of a leaking or burst pipe. Water stains on ceilings and walls are also telltale signs.
Depending on the source of the leak, you may need to break up your concrete floor to access the damaged pipe or repair the leak from above. Fixing a water leak under your concrete floor can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it's best to leave it to a professional.
If it's not the pipes or the foundation, the water might be coming in through your home's windows and doors. Improperly sealed windows can leak on a rainy day, and the water can drain down the wall and into the floors and subfloors. If this happens, you need to start by sealing the windows with caulk.
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4.3 Ground-penetrating radar antenna system
FMCW GPR system is used for the detection of underground water in the frequency range from 50 to 150 MHz.
Underground, water doesn't move much, but rather acts like a sponge, taking up spaces in between cracks in rocks and breaks in the soil. Water that moves into a natural storage area (called an aquifer) beneath the surface of the earth is referred to as groundwater.