How to Prevent Slab Leaks

Leak detection is a science that requires specialized listening devices to accurately pinpoint its source along the water line. Before you run off to the nearest hardware store, you have to be aware that calling for professional plumbing service is significantly cheaper than buying a leak detection device. With that in mind, it is important to point out that there is really no easy way to make sure that water intrusion does not turn into property damage, leading to costly repairs without understanding the basic preventive measures.

Source of the Leaks

One good way to prevent slab leaks is to know its possible sources; this can be either from the drainage side or the pressure side of the plumbing system. Pressure side leaks occur more commonly in homes that have been built with the last few decades while those on the drainage side are usually observed in older homes where the plumbing pipes have deteriorated and worn away.

The leaks can occur in various parts of the service line from your water meter all the way up to the shut off valve of specific plumbing fixtures. The good news is that when the source of the leak is on the pressure side of your plumbing system, prevention can be done comparatively easier. This is because of the potential telltale signs like sound of rushing water or stains.

The sooner you address these signs, the easier it would be to prevent the water from filling up spaces underneath your slabs and seeping into your home’s foundation. You should be aware that the real damage happens when the water becomes trapped in the foundation creating cracks and eventually weakening it.

When the leak is on the drainage side, it can be harder to find. This means that the leak can be ongoing for a number of years without you even noticing it; that is until the damage has been done and possibly a bit too late. Mold and foul smell can begin to become noticeable causing more danger. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have a professional plumber regularly check your system.

What You Can Do

You are not completely helpless against slab leaks. There are a couple of things that you can do to make sure that your property and health remain protected for the long-term. Here are some of the things that you can do.

  • Annual inspection of all emergency shut off valves and water supply lines in your property;
  • Regularly check that your water pressure is between 65 to 80 psi;
  • Maintain proper pressure by replacing the pressure reducing valves;
  • Have an expansion tank installed above your water heater;
  • Invest in a water filtration and conditioner for your entire home;
  • Replace your gate valves to ball valves; and

As you can notice, you cannot do all of these things on your own. That is why when it comes to prevention of slab leaks, having the right plumbing service provider on your side can go a long way in saving not only your property but also on unnecessary expenses.

Identifying the Signs

The most basic concept of prevention is to be aware of the signs leading to the dangerous situation. This holds true even when dealing with slab leaks. By being constantly on the lookout for these identifying signs, you will begin to react faster and call in the necessary help before any real damage can occur.

So what are these common identifying signs?

  • Sudden and unexplainable rise in your water bills;
  • The water heater never turns off;
  • The cold side of the faucet delivers hot water;
  • Your floors are either buckling or feel warm to the touch; and
  • The sound of running water can be traced behind walls.

Leaks can either be the symptom of an ongoing plumbing problem or the source of one that is about to happen. The best preventive measure against slab leaks is to get comprehensive plumbing service from professionals; so call Scott English Plumbing today!

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