Tag: leaks

4 Causes of Slab Leaks

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causes of slab leaks

A slab leak is found below the concrete foundation of your home which protects the plumbing and pipes below from freezing during the winter. If there is a leak in any of these pipes, water will be released below your home’s foundation causing decreased water pressure, damp floors and high water bills. If you want to know how to prevent these slab leaks, it’s important to learn the reasons they might occur. To help with this, the pros at Leak Finders have prepared a list of some of the most common causes of slab leaks.

1. Improper Installation

If the pipes below the concrete foundation of your home were installed improperly or they are of poor quality, leaks will be inevitable. If there were any bends or dents in your pipe during installation, there are higher chances of them bursting and leaking. This is particularly common in copper pipes as they have a higher likelihood of corroding because they are more vulnerable. You might also find that older pipes under older homes have the same issue. Get in touch with your local plumber or leak detection services to ask questions about the pipes underneath your foundation.

2. Abrasion Over Time

During use, pipes tend to wear out and deteriorate over time. They also rub against gravel, concrete and dirt, and this constant friction can further wear them down. This is especially common with hot water pipes—when they expand, they tend to rub against rough materials more. This constant abrasion combined with age and general pressure on pipes can lead to a leak underneath your concrete foundation.

3. High Water Pressure

An increased water pressure can damage pipes in your home, including the ones underneath your home’s concrete slab. This stress on your pipes can lead to slab leaks and if they are left ignored, can increase your water bill, damage your fixtures and reduce your plumbing’s lifespan. Make sure you have your water pressure regulated between 40 and 60 PSI.

4. Water Quality

Having poor water quality and chemistry can also damage your pipes. Having hard or acidic water or having extremely soft or alkaline water can both be damaging and corrosive on your plumbing below the concrete. It’s important to have water with the right pH—ideally between 6.5 and 8.5—so it doesn’t hurt your plumbing and isn’t harmful on your hair or skin.

Want to know more about the various causes of slab leaks? Get in touch with the professionals at Leak Finders. Whether you need help detecting and troubleshooting slab leaks, sewer line leaks, concrete leaks or utility leaks, our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you. We guarantee you the best work at the best price and won’t be happy until all our customers are satisfied! Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service with us on our website! Our team of high-quality technicians looks forward to hearing from you!

Reasons to Call an Emergency Plumber

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reasons to call an emergency plumber

On good days, plumbing issues can easily be dealt with using some DIY methods and a couple of tools. However, on the not-so-good days, you might have to call an emergency plumber. While that might not sound as appealing, mainly because of how much it can cost, it will certainly benefit your home and plumbing fixtures. Sometimes, it’s best to let the professionals handle a problem, as handling it on your own could make it worse. If you’re not convinced, keep reading. The pros at Leak Finders are here with a list of reasons why you should call an emergency plumber.

1. Risk of Water Damage

If you are dealing with burst pipes or major line leaks, it is best to contact an emergency plumber. There are risks of water damage and eventually mold growth if the leak or burst pipe is not handled properly and professionally. A plumber will have the right tools and knowledge to assess and troubleshoot the problem.

2. Sewage Backup

If there is a major clog in your drain or you are dealing with broken pipes, you might end up dealing with a sewage backup. Signs of backups are gurgling sounds from your drains and odors—if you have a sewage backup, contact an emergency plumber immediately. Sewage backups can be harmful for you and your family’s health. Emergency plumbers will have the right protection against sewage backups.

3. Clogged Drains

Sometimes clogged drains are fairly easy to fix. Usually all it takes is a baking soda and vinegar mixture or a plunger. However, sometimes clogged drains can be really stubborn and, if left ignored, can release odors and be harmful to your plumbing fixtures. Other times, drains might clear out but continue to clog up later. If you notice any of these problems, get in touch with an emergency plumber.

4. Issues with Water Heating

If your hot water heater is too old, is producing rusty water, has water boiling inside it or has leaks around it, you might have to contact a plumber. A problematic water heater can cause a lot of issues and won’t heat your water as quickly or as consistently as you need it to.

5. Toilet Overflow

Yes, an overflowing toilet is just as nightmarish as it sounds. Not only is it a great inconvenience to you and your family, it can also be harmful to your health. The dirty water coming out of your toilet can contain chemicals and bacteria that you do not want to be exposed. If you notice your toilet overflowing, get in touch with an emergency plumber immediately.

Found a reason to call an emergency plumber? Well, look no further than the pros at Leak Finders. Whether you have a utility, slap or sewer line leak, our team of experts will be ready to troubleshoot it in no time. Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service with us on our website!

5 Signs You Have a Leaking Sewer Line

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signs you have a leaking sewer line

All your plumbing fixture’s drains are connected to your sewer line. So, if there is a leak in the sewer drain, there’s a big task ahead of you. However, it’s not always easy to tell whether you have a leaking sewer line or not. To make it easier for you to keep an eye out for leaks, the pros at Leak Finders have a list of some important signs that indicate you have a leaking sewer line.

1. Odors from Plumbing Fixtures

One of the major indicators of a leaking sewer line is strong odors coming from the drains in plumbing fixtures. These odors are indicative of a cracked drainpipe and you should call a plumber as soon as possible as the odors and gases might be toxic. You should never be smelling a pungent odor daily from your kitchen and bathroom drains.

2. High Water Bill

A consistently high water bill also indicates a leaking or broken sewer line. Before you assume its your sewer line, make sure you inspect other parts of your home for leaks. Make sure you look at your toilet tank, showerhead and bathroom and kitchen faucets for leaks as these are the most common areas. If you don’t find anything, you might want to get in touch with a plumber as this might be a sign of a sewer leak.

3. Mold and Mildew

Wet spots around your home such as in your basement, ceilings, walls and floors can be signs of a broken sewer line. Damp areas can lead to the growth of mold and mildew which can cause damage to your home’s interior, exterior and foundation. In addition, mold can cause allergic reactions, especially in people who have asthma.

4. Clogs

If you notice that more than one plumbing fixture is getting clogged up or dealing with backups, your sewer drain might be broken or clogged up itself. Try unclogging using DIY methods such as a baking soda, vinegar and hot water mixture or using a plunger or drain snake. If the clogs are particularly stubborn, contact a plumber who can inspect your sewer lines.

5. Soggy Lawn

Signs of a broken drain or burst pipe don’t just show up indoors—they can show up on your front lawn as well. During these hotter months, your front lawn should be dry. However, if you notice it is particularly soggy throughout the day (in addition to smelling bad) chances are there is a leak in your sewer line. If ignored, this can attract insects and rodents which can bring diseases and wreak havoc on your landscape.

There is no one sign that can indicate a sewer leak. If you see a few signs here and there, you should trust your instincts and get in touch with a plumber who can inspect your drains. This way, you can prevent issues in the future and get peace of mind. If you have more plumbing questions, get in touch with the pros at Leak Finders! Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service online!