A homeowner’s worst nightmare is finding out there’s a problem with their slab foundation, especially when it comes to water leaks. That’s why every homeowner needs to know about the dangers of slab leaks, including how to prevent them and what to do if they happen.
What is a Slab Leak?
Just like any pipes, the plumbing that runs through your slab foundation to bring water into the house can get leaks. Slab leaks are incredibly difficult to find and repair because of their location in the concrete under your home. If they aren’t quickly located with leak detection, slab leaks can cause water damage to your property, costing you money for slab leak repairs and wasted water.
What Makes a Home Susceptible to Slab Leaks?
Faulty plumbing installation is the first step to causing a slab leak, but several factors can leave your home vulnerable to water leaks. Foundation shifting can put pressure on the pipes within and cause them to rub against gravel or other pipes, damaging them slowly. Poor water quality can also damage the pipes from the inside, as water outside of the pH range of six and a half to eight and a half can corrode pipes.
How to Prevent a Slab Leak
Some causes of slab leaks are uncontrollable, such as sediment shifting. However, there are some things homeowners can do to help prevent slab leaks.
- Say Goodbye to Hard Water: San Antonio is notorious for its hard water, which has an acidic pH that will damage the inside of your pipes over time. Consider having a water softener installed to combat hard water.
- High Water Pressure Isn’t Always Better: Excessively high water pressure might feel good in the shower, but it could cause pipes to wear out and rupture. Call a plumber to inspect your system and change the water pressure if you think it might be too high.
- Get Rid of Chemical Drain Cleaners: The harsh chemicals in drain cleaners can negatively affect pipes when you pour them down the sink. Consider calling a professional plumber when your drains get clogged.
What do I do if I Have a Slab Leak?
It’s important to act quickly when you find a slab leak. If you have a slab leak, contact the experts at Parker & Sons Plumbing immediately for fast, quality service on even the toughest jobs.
