Slab leaks are one of the most common and serious plumbing issues that homeowners face. A slab leak occurs when a water pipe buried under the concrete foundation of your home begins to leak.
If slab leak detection measures aren’t put into place, this can cause extensive water damage and mold growth that makes your home uninhabitable.
At Plumbing Dynamics, we take pride in our slab leak detection and repair services. However, we also believe in helping you avoid a major problem whenever possible. Here’s a look at some of the easiest steps you can take to detect a slab water leak in your home.
Conduct Regular Plumbing Inspections
One of the best ways to detect a slab water leak is to have your home’s plumbing system regularly inspected.
Our plumbers in Carrollton, TX recommend conducting a full inspection every two years. During the inspection, a licensed plumber will check all visible pipes for signs of corrosion, joint separation, cracking, or other damage.
We use special equipment to identify potential leaks within pipes embedded in concrete slabs. Having periodic inspections allows leaks to be detected and repaired before they become major issues.
The older your home gets, the greater your chances are of a devastating plumbing emergency like a slab water leak.
Monitor Water Usage
Watching water usage patterns can sometimes provide an early tip-off of leaks. Keep an eye on your monthly water usage. If you notice a spike in your water bill and you aren’t using an excess amount of water, it could potentially indicate an underground slab water leak.
Be sure to eliminate other possibilities first, like changes in household size or activities. If increased usage persists without explanation, reach out for a plumbing inspection right away before the problem worsens.
Maintain Foundation Integrity
Your home’s foundation supports its structure and keeps everything level. If the foundation begins shifting or sinking, it can warp pipes underneath and cause joints to separate or crack. This makes slab water leaks more likely.
That’s why maintaining the structural integrity of your foundation is key to preventing slab leaks. Keep soil and drainage patterns around the foundation in proper shape. This will prevent weakening the soil around your foundation that could compromise its integrity.
Also, address any foundation cracks or flaws immediately before they grow worse. If you think you have some foundation problems combining the efforts of a plumber and structural engineer can assess foundation issues and bring you closer to a solution.
Update Old or Damaged Plumbing
If your home’s plumbing system is outdated or you know of existing pipe damage or corrosion, be proactive about making needed repairs and replacements.
Old galvanized steel pipes, in particular, are prone to rusting and leaks over time. Replace these aging water lines with new copper or PEX piping to reduce slab leak risks.
Likewise, fix any sections visibly damaged from past frozen pipes, earth movement, or improper installation that could lead to the hidden dangers of slab leaks.
Avoid Planting Trees Near Pipes
Avoid planting trees within several feet of water and sewer lines. As tree roots grow, they can infiltrate, break, or crush pipes. This can lead to undetected leaks that result in devastating slab leaks.
Stick to shrubs and small plants near utility lines. If you have existing trees near plumbing, be vigilant about inspecting for potential root intrusion issues before they cause leaks. You may need to remove problem trees compromising pipes.
Insulate Pipes
Insulating water pipes helps moderate temperature fluctuations that can cause pipes to expand, contract, and eventually leak. Foam rubber or fiberglass insulation wrapped around pipes maintains more consistent temperatures. Prioritize insulating pipes that are exposed to seasonal changes or freezing.
Be Proactive With Plumbing Maintenance
Don’t wait until you have a major leak emergency, be proactive about ongoing plumbing maintenance. From periodically checking under sinks for leaks to replacing old pipe fixtures before they fail, proper preventative maintenance greatly reduces slab leak risks.
Create a plumbing inspection checklist and schedule time twice a year between official inspections to examine your system thoroughly. Catching problems early is the name of the game for avoiding slab leaks and other plumbing problems.
Still Not Sure How to Detect a Slab Water Leak? Call Us
At the end of the day, and you’ve followed the steps on how to detect a slab water leak but you still can’t figure out where it’s coming from or why your water bill is so high, then schedule a visit from our licensed plumbers today. We can help you keep your plumbing in top shape, and minimize your chances of a disastrous slab leak. Take full advantage of our $250 Discount toward slab leak repair and find out why our quality of work has earned us a high rating on Google from customers just like you.
