Welcome to the Metro-Flow Plumbing blog. We are making our way through the month of December and growing increasingly excited for what 2023 has in store. Today we are going to talk about different ways to prevent slab leaks. A slab leak occurs when water pipes running underneath tile or concrete burst causing water to start making its way out any way it can. Ultimately this causes various problems for the homeowner such as flaws to the surrounding structures as well as the cost to fix and repair said leak. Below we will elaborate…
5 Ways to Prevent a Slab Leak
Slab leaks are one of those problems that show up when you least expect it. From one moment to the next, you find that an important part of your house has been flooded or you begin to see puddles of water accumulate on the ground. Whether or not this scenario sounds familiar to you, one thing is for sure: Slab leaks are serious plumbing problems that can be difficult to fix on your own. Any homeowner needs to take proactive steps to avoid costly problems with their plumbing system, and a tile leak is no exception. For this reason, we have prepared this blog with the best ways to prevent tile leaks at home.
Schedule annual plumbing inspections and reviews to prevent slab leaks
It may seem like obvious advice, but it is nevertheless important to know. It is very common for people to completely forget to do something as simple as scheduling a plumbing inspection for their home, only to regret it later. Annual inspections are vital to detect even the smallest leaks before they cause major problems. A licensed plumber can check your pipes to make sure that everything is in good working order and that there are no developing problems. If you notice anything unusual or suspect a problem, call Metro-Flow Plumbing immediately.
We also recommend reading our article on How to Hire a Plumber.
Keeping up with all the maintenance items in your plumbing system is well worth the effort. A periodic inspection will allow you to prevent tile leaks and give you peace of mind knowing that your home is well protected against any sort of plumbing issues that may arise. Inspection fees are relatively low compared to repairing a leak in the slab once it has occurred. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry!
Fix leaks immediately while they are still small
One of the main causes of slab leaks occurs when small cracks in underground pipes go undetected over time until they become large enough to create serious damage. These small cracks may not cost much now, but if left unchecked, they end up costing quite a bit of damage.
If you notice a leak, do not wait to contact a plumber. Even the smallest cracks can grow over time and become serious problems if left untreated. Most importantly, try not to ignore water leaks in general (no matter how small). Even something like a leaky faucet or a running toilet can cause significant damage down the road, on your water bill and especially in your wallet.
Act quickly if you discover a leak in the slab
Everyone hopes that their home never experiences an unexpected plumbing disaster, but it is essential to be prepared just in case. Having immediate access to quick help from professionals can make all the difference when it comes to this type of emergency. If you can’t prevent slab leaks, at least you need to be able to respond quickly. In many cases, this means having professional help, since it is not easy to solve a problem like this on your own.
It is a good idea to have the Metro-Flow Plumbing phone number handy so you can call when you need to. Also, make sure everyone you live with knows exactly where the water service shut off valve is and how to use it if necessary. This can make all the difference in avoiding major damage and unexpected expenses. DO NOT wait to get professional plumbing help if you suspect your home has a leak inside the slab. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of minimizing any potential damage or cost.
Maintain adequate water pressure in your pipes to prevent slab leaks
It is also essential to ensure that your home has adequate water pressure to prevent a leak in the slab. Low water pressure can cause problems with the plumbing in your home and allow small leaks or cracks that might otherwise have been harmless to become bigger problems over time. You should be able to check this simply by running all the taps in your house for 5 minutes without any other use at the same time. If you experience low flow at any time during those 5 minutes, contact a plumber to check your system.
If you do not have a physical problem with your plumbing but do have problems with your water pressure, talk to your plumber about checking your home’s water pressure to prevent unforeseen tile leaks. The easiest way to check the water pressure in your home is with a pressure gauge that measures the pounds per square inch of your home’s water lines. The gauge connects to a spigot on or off your property, near the main water line.
Maintain proper water heater temperature and drainage
Having a working water heater is essential to keeping your family safe and comfortable. However, you need to make sure you know how much hot water is available at any given time. A clogged drain line inside your home can lead to loss of energy efficiency and wasted resources, ultimately resulting in higher utility bills. This can also cause issues with the performance of your tankless system and potentially increase the risk of damage from slab leaks if left unresolved for an extended period of time.
Checking your water heater and drain temperature are two of the most important things to check during routine maintenance on your plumbing systems. These are basic questions that must be addressed periodically to ensure that everything works correctly and there is no risk. However, if you are not sure how to do it, ask a professional for help.
At Metro-Flow Plumbing we are experts in all types of plumbing in Dallas services. From preventing slab leaks to solving the most complex problems that may arise, you can count on us. Do not hesitate to contact us for any question or in an emergency, to get the answers you need.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
