Why is water seeping through from under slab into post hole?

[Basher123]

Hi,

I dug up post holes in my backyard for a pergola. 1 post hole close to the wall keeps filling with water.

I dug up 600mm and since i was close to the wall i exposed the edge of the black plastic under the slab. Water seemed to be seeping from under that plastic. So i put my finger in the area and i was able to remove the soild and make the whole bigger. It fills up in couple of hours. 

I dug very slowly because i didn't wanna hit any underground pipes since i was digging next to a gutter pipe and only used a round post digger and small crow bar. I can't see how if i damaged any pipes because there are none there.

Now i am worried if there is a potential problem under the slab.

House is in Mickleham and it is only 3 years old. Should i be contacting the builder or a plumber or just go ahead and fille up the concrete. 

Images attached.

 

 

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Basher123. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about seeping water.

I'd recommend you take a picture of your water meter reading and not use any water in the home for a few hours. Go back and check the reading. If it's increased, you'll know the water is coming from the mains, and you have a leak. If it has rained recently, this could just be subsurface water that is sitting on a clay layer. It's a bit peculiar that it appears to be coming out from under the slab and I'd suggest it might be an idea to enlist the services of a leak detection specialist.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Basher123]

Thanks Mitchell. I will take the picture of the meter tonight and check in the morning. I was wondering,  if the house is only 3 years old, it should still be under warranty? If it is, i will be better off contacting the builder instead of hiring someone myself?

[Dave-1]

Good evening @Basher123 

I actually had what looked like a small spring in the middle of the front yard after torential rain... A bit fastrer then your hole ) Turns out the clay ground had shifted and the pipe had a pinhole with a kink in the pipe that "kink" had potetentially been there since it was installed decades ago.

.

As @MitchellMc suggests reading the meter is one way, Id also get down and put your ear to the water meter. Mine was turning over slowly and I didnt think it was particulary a lot of water until I timed it and multiplied it... I used a LOT of water that 1/4 

Coming form under the slab, it may be an idea to get a plumber out to have a look. I couldnt comment about your warranty (It should be in your paperwork somewhere) 

Dave

[Basher123]

Thanks Dave. Appreciate the details.

This is our first home and took us a decade to save the deposit. We are the 3rd owners. We really hope it isn't something big which is not covered under warranty. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Basher123,

You could certainly attempt to contact the builder to see if they can assist.

Mitchell