Blocked drains, cracked pipes, and other issues that affect the efficiency of your plumbing system need to be identified and dealt with rapidly. Left unresolved, many of these problems can quickly become worse.
Leaks are often one of the first signs that all is not right within your plumbing system, but they are not always easily detected. Slab leaks are a particularly common example of this.
Here are a few tips for how to detect these troublesome leaks and fix them as quickly as possible, so you can avoid more costly repairs and keep your system running smoothly!
What is a slab leak?
Slab leaks occur in pipes beneath the floor or foundations of your home. Usually, they are leaks in your incoming water line; however, they can also crop up in your sewer line. Because these lines are constantly being used, a lot of water can escape within a short period of time, building up underneath your property.
If undetected, a slab leak can cause gradual subsidance of your foundations and damage to the floor of your home.
What are the signs?
One of the first things you might notice if you have a slab leak is a sudden increase in your water bill because of the amount being wasted. You may also find that your water pressure is lower than it should be.
Other telltale signs are water emerging from your foundation or wet patches appearing on your floors. In some cases, your foundation may even begin to settle due to the buildup of water beneath it.
What can you do?
If you suspect you may have a slab leak, the best thing you can do is contact a professional plumber immediately. They can identify the source of the leak and suggest the best means of dealing with it.
If there is a single leak, it may be possible to repair it with minimal disturbance to your flooring. Larger problems, such as sagging or cracked or corroded pipes, may require more extensive work, like replacing that section of plumbing. In the case of multiple small leaks, your plumber may advise an epoxy pipe coating, rather than replacement.
Although it may seem like an alarming prospect, a slab leak can be dealt with quickly and efficiently if you know what to look for. By following the above tips and your plumber’s advice on maintaining your plumbing system, you can be prepared to counter slab leaks and avert plumbing disasters before they even have a chance to occur.
The post What Is a Slab Leak, Why Is It Bad, and How Do I Fix It? appeared first on C and W Plumbing.