Slab Leak Repair 101: Insight From Your Plumber | Arlington, TX
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Plumbing is an essential part of a house but the most overlooked factor. Most homeowners never put much thought about the plumbing system of their homes as long as there is a constant supply of water, and the sewage disposal systems are working efficiently. It is only until a problem arises that panic strikes and paranoia as well, with some blaming the former owners.
Slab leaks are among some plumbing problems that can happen to any homeowner in Arlington, TX, even the most diligent one. However, old homes are more susceptible to slab leaks due to the corroded copper pipes or tear and wear of the sewer pipes.
Some slab leaks are easy to notice while others are not easily detected and can cause a lot of damage. Many homeowners fail to catch sight of a slab leak until they receive a larger utility bill than usual. Before delving into the warning signs, it is crucial to find out why you ought to seek professional slab leak repair and detection services.
Why hire a professional for slab leak repairs?
Slab leak repairs are among the most sensitive plumbing services that need TLC from a professional. The process involves ripping up the concrete slab, that if left to the wrong hands, can damage your home’s foundation. Before a plumber considers tearing apart the foundation, he or she will ensure that they have the correct location of the leak.
The technicians will also have multiple tricks up their sleeves to cure the slab leak. If the leak isn’t that bad, a plumber may need to apply a simple epoxy to patch up the leak and keep the plumbing system up and running. That is a good option as it doesn’t require a lot in the way of demolition and excavation of the foundation. However, if the leakage is significant or multiple leaks need fixing, the handyman might consider re-piping.
Slab leak repair technicians also come with the right equipment to use to rip up the slab. The apparatus includes heavy-duty power tools that require the hand of trained experts to avoid accidents. The professionals will also wear the right protective gear, including gloves, goggles, a breathing mask, heavy-duty clothes, and steel-toe boots to protect themselves.
You should address a slab leak immediately since the longer you ignore it, the larger the scale of damage and costly repairs. It can even lead to the formation of mold and structural damage. For homeowners who are keen on identifying a slab leak as soon as it occurs, below are some warning signs.
Wet spots
If water starts protruding from the slab up towards the ground and eventually to your flooring, the situation may be dire. You ought to handle the leak as quickly as you can. If you notice wet areas around your house, it is an indication that water is trickling so fast from your pipes such that it’s finding its way through your walls. And in most cases, water emanating from a slab leak has nowhere else to go but up. So if you find that your floor always seems to be wet yet you have not had a shower, you might be dealing with a slab leak. And water comes with damages of its own, from destroying carpets to causing hardwood floors to warp. You might find yourself spending a substantive amount of cash in repairing and replacing damaged flooring, so why not avoid this eventuality and contact a seasoned plumber whenever you suspect a slab leak?
Warm spots on the floor
A majority of the time, slab leaks occur due to a faulty hot water line. As the hot water leaks to the ground, it eventually heats the concrete above it and, subsequently, the ground above the concrete. It is, therefore, easy to detect a slab leak by finding the location of warm spots on your floor. Flooring systems with tile, hardwood, and linoleum material tend to be easier to detect hot spots, while carpeting can make it harder. Finding a local technician who provides slab leak repair services will be the right step towards identifying the cause of the leak and getting the best solution to curb the problem.
Foundation heaving
Whenever you notice that your foundation or floor is moving upwards while other sections remain stationary, it could be a sign of a slab leak. A leak or bursting in the plumbing lines that are underneath the slab or foundation wall can deposit moisture. With time, the water causes the soil underneath to expand and cause the foundation to heave. The first step to take upon noticing this problem is to have an experienced slab leak repair expert inspect the issue and identify the cause of the heaving. Once the technician diagnoses the problem, they can give the best solution for the same. Applying the wrong cure will only stress the structure and cause even more damage. A well-experienced slab leak repair specialist will also advise on the best moisture management system to install to help regulate the moisture level of the soil beneath your foundation or slab.
Toilets, tubs, and shower backups
There’s nothing as annoying as wanting to take a long and relaxing shower, but the drainage seems to have other plans. If your shower, tub, or toilet drainage is not operational, it’s a warning sign that your water line has a breakage and you might require repair services. Also, it might help to identify other appliances that are experiencing a backup to eliminate other possible causes of a leak.
The unusual sound of running water
It is advisable at times when there is no one using any water, and the house is quiet to listen to whether you hear any sound of running water. When there is no water fixture in use, you shouldn’t hear running water. If you hear water sounds even after turning off all appliances, it could be a slab leak signal. The most appropriate thing to do is to call a slab leak repair expert to determine whether indeed there is a leak and fix it.
Increase in the water bill
Has your water bill suddenly experienced a spike? It could be a sign that there is a slab leak if all factors such as the use of water for family needs remain constant. At this point, it is about time to call your plumber to check the water and sewer lines. The technician will examine the water bill and ascertain whether the water use matches the cost. If it does not, he or she can conduct an inspection on the plumbing system, including slab leak detection. You can then receive advice on whether there are any hidden leaks and if you should start budgeting for slab leak repair.
The bottom line
When it comes to slab leaks and any other plumbing needs that affect your Arlington, TX, home’s integrity, you should only trust the professionals. Do not hesitate to reach out to Benjamin Franklin’s Slableak.com whenever you need slab leak detection or repair services. With our 24/7 emergency service, we’ll be ready to serve you regardless of the time.