When it comes to plumbing, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. One of the most common problems homeowners face are leaks. Leaks not only cause damage to your property, but can also increase your water bill significantly.
The good news is, the Oak Plumbing team are expert at finding and fixing leaks. If a leak springs up inside your home, take care of it professionally because the last thing you want to deal with is a leak.
Slab leaks are a common plumbing issue that can cause considerable damage to your home if not taken care of. If immediate action isn’t taken, the leak gets worse, becoming a major project!
What exactly is a slab leak? And how do you deal with one if you find yourself in this situation?
What Are Slab Leaks?
A slab leak is when a pipe underneath your foundation develops a crack or other defect that causes water to leak out of it.
This can occur for many reasons, including corrosion of metal pipes due to mineral deposits in the water supply or shifting of the foundation due to changes in soil moisture levels.
No matter the cause, slab leaks can be dangerous because they can cause significant damage to the structure of your home over time.
Taking the necessary steps to rectify the leak can save you time and money down the line!
How To Detect Slab Leaks
Detecting slab leaks early is key in preventing costly damages from occurring later down the line. There are several obvious signs that you have a slab leak in your home such as:
- Increased water bills
- Warm spots on floors or walls
- Visible water puddles near your home’s foundation
- Mold growth on walls or floors near certain pipes
If you notice any of these signs, call Oak Plumbing immediately for an inspection and repairs before further damage occurs. Our techs will make your home free of leaks!
Preventing Slab Leaks
The best way to avoid having slab leaks occur in your home is by taking preventive measures such as having regular plumbing inspections done by qualified professionals.
Also, make sure all pipes leading into and out of your home are properly insulated so they do not crack due to weather changes or shifts in soil moisture levels.
You should also ensure that any potential clogs in drains or toilets are cleared quickly, so there is no buildup of excess pressure on the pipes leading into and out of your foundation.
Always be aware of any changes in water pressure or temperature when taking showers or running appliances like dishwashers so that you can immediately alert plumbers right away if something seems off with your plumbing system.
Take Care Of Slab Leaks Early
Slab leaks can be very disruptive and expensive to homeowners if not detected early enough. Knowing what they are and what signs may indicate their presence is key for taking immediate action if one does occur in your house.
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent slab leaks from happening at all! These include having regular inspections done by professionals as well as ensuring all pipes leading into and out of your foundation are properly insulated against extreme temperatures and shifts in soil moisture levels.
By staying proactive with maintenance and repairs on your plumbing system, you will help ensure that any potential problems get caught early on before becoming full-blown disasters!
What Causes a Slab Leak?
There are several potential causes of a slab leak. Poor construction could be one potential cause, as certain materials may not have been used correctly during the initial installation.
The type of material used for the pipes could also be a factor; older homes often have galvanized steel pipes, which are prone to corrosion and can lead to cracks and leaks with time.
What many homeowners are not aware of, in regards to what causes slab leaks, is shifting soil around the home (caused by excessive rain or drought). This can put pressure on the pipes and lead to line breaks.
Fixing a Slab Leak
If you suspect that you have a slab leak, it’s important to call in professionals right away so we can inspect it and figure out what caused it and how best to fix it. We offer solutions to all leak issues!
Depending on the severity of the problem, we may need to get through your foundation to repair or replace broken pipes or seals below ground level.
To avoid any further damage (and for safety reasons), these repairs should only be done by experienced professionals who specialize in this kind of work.
Clean Out Drains Regularly
It’s also important to clean out your drains regularly. This helps prevent debris from building up inside them, which can cause clogs that eventually lead to slab leaks.
You can use a simple drain-cleaning solution or a plunger to dislodge any clogs that may have formed in the drains.
Tip: you should never pour grease or oil down any drains as this can lead to serious blockages that could cause damage to your pipes and result in a slab leak.
Plumbing Inspections
Plumbing inspections are beneficial because they allow plumbers to detect any potential issues before they become too serious including slab leaks.
During an inspection, plumbers use state-of-the-art equipment to carefully examine all pipes located within your home’s foundation, looking for any signs of deterioration or wear and tear that could indicate an impending problem.
This allows us to catch problems before they become more serious and significantly reduces the chances of more extensive damage occurring down the line.
The Value Of Prevention
By taking proactive steps such as scheduling regular plumbing inspections, you can help protect your home from costly repairs in the long run. It may seem like an unnecessary expense in the short term but it will save you money in the long run.
You’ll save money by helping you identify potential problems early on and preventing them from becoming worse down the line.
Furthermore, it gives you peace of mind knowing that your plumbing system is running smoothly and efficiently at all times.
Minimizing Leaks In and Outside of Your Home
Slab leaks can seem scary since they occur underneath your foundation and require special tools and expertise for repair. However, recognizing the signs quickly and contacting professionals for help will ensure that any damage caused by leaks is minimized as much as possible.
Early prevention can save you time and money down the road! Understanding what causes them in the first place will also help ensure that you take proper precautions if similar issues arise again in future years.
With these tips at hand, we hope that you now feel more knowledgeable about the potential risks associated with having a slab leak!
Noticing a Slab Leak
You may notice water is leaking from beneath your foundation or through cracks in your walls or flooring. Another indicator is if you hear running water when none is being used inside your home that could signify an underground leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Also, if there is suddenly an increase in water usage without any change in daily habits, this could mean that there is an underground leak somewhere along the line.
Don’t delay whenever you notice a leak. It’s time you call in experts who have the tools and knowledge to handle such situations.
Slab leaks can be detected early on by contacting Oak Plumbing
