Understanding and Preventing Leaking Pipes and Slab Leaks

To prevent leaking pipes that can lead to overwhelming slab leaks, you need to understand the plumbing of your home. Signs of water damage are easy to see, but once this damage has occurred, restoration can be costly and stressful. Thankfully, your plumber can help you understand how to prevent leaks at home.

Understanding Slab Leaks

A large series of pipes are located under the foundation of your home. These pipes are essential for moving water and waste to and from your home. Over time, certain issues may cause these pipes to leak, resulting in a slab leak.

Signs of Slab Leaks

Since the pipes are under the home’s foundation, you will not be able to notice the leaks at first. However, you will see a few signs:

• Increased Water Bill – If there is a sudden increase in your water bill even though you are not using extra water, you most likely have an underlying leak that you should address and have a professional check out.
• Decreased Water Pressure – Leaking pipes under your foundation may also lower the water pressure in your home. This change in water pressure may occur over time with a slow leak, or the decreased pressure may begin suddenly.
• Visible Water and Water Damage – Lastly, if you notice damage to your first floor walls or floors, there may be a leak under the foundation. Also, puddling water around the home is a sign of a leak.

Preventing Slab Leaks

Protecting your home from water leaks is possible, but you may not know where to begin.

Avoid using excessive amounts of chemicals to clean your drains. These chemicals may seem like smart options for removing clogs, but the toxic chemicals can be too harsh for your drains and pipes. Many of these chemicals corrode pipes over time, increasing the risk of leaks.

You should also adjust the pressure coming out of your faucets and showerheads. Higher amounts of water pressure running through narrow pipes cause stress in your plumbing. This extra pressure and stress can lead to corrosion and leaks.

Lastly, consider having your water tested to help reduce leaks. If pH levels are too low or too high, the water may have a corrosive effect on your plumbing. Over time, this corrosion may lead to plumbing leaks.

With proper understanding and the help of a plumbing contractor, you can diagnose and repair leaks. To learn more about leaking pipes and slab leaks, contact Bird Dog Plumbing in the Longview, TX area at 903-225-2272 today.

Leaking Pipes Longview TX
Bird Dog Plumbing LLC
2206 Balsam St
Longview, Texas 75605
903-225-2272