Precautions to Take to Prevent Slab Leaks

Your plumbing system carries water to and wastewater from your building through a network of pipes. Many of these pipes run under your slab foundation and can crack, corrode, or rust just as any pipe can. Slab leaks, however, can be extremely detrimental as they are difficult to detect before extensive damage impacts the integrity of the building’s structure. Therefore, it is a good idea to routinely inspect these pipes. Leak Detection of Atlanta is a local company with years of experience in slab leak detections. Prevention is better than cure, though. So, let’s go over some precautious steps to take to prevent slab leaks in the first place. If you need urgent assistance with a leak, then call Leak Detection of Atlanta for 24-hour emergency service.

What Is A Slab Leak?

A slab is just another name for the concrete foundation some buildings are built upon. Plumbing systems including drain lines and water lines usually run under the slab. If any of those pipes start to leak, then you can expect water to damage that concrete foundation. Naturally, a deteriorated foundation will negatively impact the rest of the building’s structure.

Steps to Prevent Slab Leaks

An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. If you want to avoid slab leaks, or pipe leaks in general, then consider the following tips:

Avoid High Water Pressure: We cannot blame you for enjoying showers with high pressure, but excessive water pressure can strain your pipes, especially if they are old or corroded. Consider calling a plumber to inspect your plumbing system and adjust your water pressure if necessary.
Soften Hard Water: Water with high mineral content is called “hard water.” Minerals such as calcium and magnesium cause that chalky material you might find on your faucets. Hard water, therefore, can negatively impact your pipes by forming chalky blockages in the system. Installing a water softener is an effective way to combat hard water.
Don’t Use Chemical Cleaners: There are plenty of chemical drain cleaners on the market that help remove clogs, but they can contain harsh chemicals that will damage your pipes. If your drains are clogged, we recommend professional hydro jetting drain cleaning instead of chemical drain cleaners.

What to Do When You Suspect A Slab Leak

As we have mentioned, leaks in pipes under your slab foundation can be detrimental for the integrity of the rest of your building. If you slab foundation cracks or disintegrates, then you can expect the structure of your building to deform. Though we have shared some tips to prevent slab leaks, there are many factors out of your control. Earthquakes, invasive tree roots, and natural settlements of the ground soil can also cause slab leaks.

If you suspect a slab leak, then we recommend that you call the professionals at Leak Detection of Atlanta as soon as possible. Our emergency services are available around the clock and we can have a specialist dispatched to your location within the hour!