Slab leaks develop in water pipes that are mostly made of copper. They develop beneath your home’s concrete foundation. Slab leaks are not easy to notice, and this is precisely what makes them dangerous. When left unattended, slab leaks can lead to major plumbing issues. With that said, the following are key tips for preventing slab leaks in your home.
1. Know the Warning Signs of a Slab Leak
Most homeowners often do not realize that there is a slab leak in their homes until it is too late. Spotting the early signs of a slab leak is important because it gives you a chance to contact a plumber on time and have the slab leak fixed. The following are the most common early warning signs of a slab leak:
- Damaged hardwood floors
- Constantly wet carpets
- Water pressure decreases suddenly
- Water heater runs continuously
- Water bills rise suddenly and beyond normal
We recommend that you contact a local plumber immediately if you notice any or a combination of these signs.
2. Keep Water Pressure at a Reasonable Level
High water pressure can damage the plumbing system of your home and cause a slab leak. That is why it is recommended that you maintain it at proper levels. But for you to maintain it, you will have to first know how to spot it. Here are some signs of high water pressure in your home:
- Leaking faucets when someone is taking a shower or doing laundry
- Clanking or banging noise when the water is running or turned on
If you are certain that there is high water pressure in your home, the best thing to do is to call a plumber and ask how to test your home’s water pressure. In most cases, the plumber will suggest that you go for a water pressure gauge.
With the water pressure gauge, you will be able to determine if your home’s water pressure is high. If this turns out to be the case, go for a pressure-reducing valve. This tool allows you to maintain the water pressure of your home manually.
3. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
You should schedule a plumbing inspection whether or not you have spotted the early warning signs of a slab leak. A professional plumber knows exactly how to carry out a plumbing inspection. By so doing, the plumber can spot a minor leak and fix it quickly before it turns out into something major that is more than capable of wreaking havoc.
Furthermore, professional plumbers use advanced equipment to spot these leaks. One of them is a specialized microphone, which helps plumbers hear the sound of water leaking from pipes under the slab. Another tool is a fiber optic-mounted camera that plumbers pass through your home’s plumbing system to detect leaks.
In summary, one of the most effective ways to prevent slab leaks is to understand its early warning signs. You should also schedule a plumbing inspection regularly to help prevent slab leaks. Needless to say, call Leak1 in Melbourne, FL today to help you with leak detection services.