While it's not unusual for a home to experience water leaks, nothing is as frustrating as dealing with a slab leak. This type of plumbing leak is destructive and expensive to repair. That's why it's important for homeowners to stay alert for signs of a slab leak and call a 24 hour emergency plumber in Pittsburgh, PA at the first sign of trouble.
Old Plumbing
The leading causes of slab leaks are old pipes. As pipes age, they become corroded and brittle. They become susceptible to pinhole leaks. When this happens, it doesn't take long for water to drip from the pipe beneath your home's slab. If you have an older home, you're at an increased risk of developing a slab leak. Have your pipes checked before you need a 24 hour emergency plumber in Pittsburgh, PA.
High Water Pressure
All homes are at risk of developing slab leaks when there are water pressure issues. While most people won't complain about high water pressure, it's something that needs addressing. When water comes into your home at rates above 50 PSI, this puts a strain on your pipes. Over time, the high water pressure wears down the inside of the pipes. This could cause a slow leak to develop or a burst pipe that requires emergency repair. Neither situation is ideal.
If you're not sure what your home's water pressure is like, install a pressure gauge on the water line where water comes into the house from the main line. If you have consistent pressure problems, call a plumber. Ask them to install a pressure regulator to keep water flowing through your pipes at a consistent rate to prevent burst pipes and other problems.
Bad Installation
Poor installation practices also lead to slab leaks. Whether you're remodeling your home or building a brand-new home, if underground pipes aren't installed right, you'll have problems. Make sure the people working on your plumbing are licensed and experienced. There's too much at stake to cut corners.
How to Detect a Slab Leak
Now that you know a little about what causes slab leaks, it's also a good idea to know how to tell if you have one. These leaks are sneaky, and they don't always make themselves known until a lot of damage has already been done. That doesn't mean there aren't signs to pay attention to. Pay close attention to your water bill for sudden, inexplicable spikes in water usage. Listen for sounds of running water when you know the water isn't being used. Also, have professional electronic leak detection done once a year.
Sometimes you can't prevent plumbing problems from happening. If you're in a situation like this, call Stahl Plumbing for 24 hour emergency plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA.