Have you noticed the sound of running water under your floors when you’re water isn’t on? Maybe water has started pooling on your carpeting or your floorboards have started buckling and warping?
You could have a slab leak. But what is a slab leak, how can it be detected and what can you do to fix it? At All Aloha Plumbing, we are passionate about helping you protect your Honolulu home from this unsavory issue. Read below for tips for slab leak detection and solutions.
What Is a Slab Leak?
When we say “slab” we are talking about your home’s concrete slab foundation. Most homes have concrete slabs under them that were poured when the home was built.
There is a whole web of plumbing under your concrete foundation, so when something goes wrong with that plumbing, it can lead to expensive water disasters. Slab leaks can be caused by a number of issues including:
Corrosion
Underground pipes come in direct contact with soil in the ground that contains metals. These metals can corrode your pipes over time, eating through them and causing leaks.
Chemical reactions can also happen as a result of metals in the earth touching metals in your plumbing system.
Pressure
As you can imagine, the weight of your slab bearing down on your plumbing can cause stress on your pipes. Soil shifting under your home can also put pressure on your plumbing system. Additionally, if your water pressure is too high, it can cause strain on your pipes over time.
Problems with the plumbing under your slab can be hard to detect until it’s too late, so it’s helpful to know the warning signs.
How Can Slab Leaks Be Prevented?
Slab leaks can be scary, but luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent them. To avoid this costly disruption, make sure you follow the tips below!
Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Although using chemical drain cleaners to bust up clogs can be tempting, it’s better to call a plumber to snake your drains. Chemical cleaners can wreak havoc on your pipes, causing them to deteriorate at an alarming rate. Pair this with the standard pressure that slabs put on your pipes, and you’ve got a recipe for a slab leak.
Check Your Water Pressure Gauge Regularly
Maintaining the proper water pressure can be a great way to alleviate pressure on your pipes. Check out your main water supply pipe near your water meter regularly to keep an eye on your water pressure. Water pressure should always be between 65 to 80 PSI (pounds per square inch).
How Can Slab Leaks Be Detected?
Slab leaks can’t be detected without a professional plumber, but there are clear warning signs that something is amiss, including:
- Wet spots on your floor
- Moldy carpeting
- A spike in your water bill
- Warped or buckling floorboards
- A drop in water pressure
What Should I Do If I Suspect Water Under My Slab?
Sudden wet spots on your floor or moldy carpeting can be scary, but there is a solution! You don’t want to let slab leaks continue after you’ve spotted the warning signs. If you suspect a slab leak, it’s important to call a plumber immediately.
Call All Aloha Plumbing Today!
If you suspect a leak under your slab or just have general plumbing questions, we’re here for you! All Aloha Plumbing has proudly served Honolulu and the surrounding area for over a decade and we are confident that we can solve any water leak detection issues you might have.
When you schedule slab leak detection with us, one of our professional technicians will come out as soon as possible to assist you and answer any questions you have during the process.
Call us today to schedule!