Tag: avoid

Catch and Repair Slab Leaks Early to Avoid Additional Water Damage

Schedule Slab Leak Repair as Soon as Possible

Homeowners need to act fast when they suspect they have a slab leak. If leaks under a home’s foundation persist, they can cause massive water damage, like wrecked flooring and foundation damage. Property owners should call a plumber as soon as they notice a slab leak to limit the damage. This post will discuss slab leaks, including possible causes, signs homeowners should watch for, and how professionals can perform slab leak repairs.

Causes of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are leaks that occur in water lines under a home’s slab foundation. Several issues can cause slab leaks to occur, including factors like:

  • Old Age: As pipes age, they can corrode and deteriorate, causing a leak.
  • Shifting Foundations: As a foundation settles and shifts, it can lead to cracks in the pipes.
  • Installation Issues: Pipes installed incorrectly are more prone to leaks.
  • High Water Pressure: If a home’s water pressure is too high, it can strain the pipes, leading to leaks.
  • External Factors: Other factors can also contribute to slab leaks. For example, if the soil shifts or tree roots grow into the pipes, they can cause cracks.

Signs of Slab Leaks

signs of slab leaksBecause they are located below the house, it can be difficult for homeowners to catch slab leaks until water damage has already occurred unless they know what to look for. Some slab leak warning signs include:

  • Increased Water Bills: An unusually high water bill with no visible leak could point to a slab leak.
  • Warm or Damp Floors: If certain areas of the floor feel warm or damp, it can indicate a slab leak.
  • Sound of Running Water: If homeowners hear water noises when no fixtures are on, it can be due to a leak.
  • Damage to Foundations or Floors: Cracks or damage to the home’s foundation or flooring can signal a slab leak.
  • Reduced Water Pressure: A water leak can reduce water pressure from the faucets and fixtures.

Professional Slab Leak Repair

what can professionals do to fix themWhen homeowners suspect a slab leak, they must call a plumber as soon as possible to locate it and perform slab leak repair. Plumbers have special equipment they can use for water leak detection, such as a thermal imaging camera or acoustic leak detection equipment.

Once the slab leak is located, they will be able to determine the best method to repair the slab leak with as little digging and excavation of the property as possible. Once they repair the leak with as minimal disruptions to the house as they can, the water line will be tested to ensure the leak is fixed and that there isn’t another one.

About Stonelink Plumbing & Heating

Stonelink Plumbing & Heating has more than four decades of experience serving the East Providence area. They offer on-time service and the latest technology. Call them for slab leak repair solutions in East Providence, RI.

Ways to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

How to Winterize Pipes and Prevent Freezing

When winter arrives in Rhode Island, the cold temperatures and the condition of pipes can be a big concern. Frigid temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. When this happens, they can expand and eventually burst. In this blog post, plumbers will discuss the risks frozen pipes can cause and provide tips on how homeowners can avoid them.

Risks of Frozen Pipes

why are frozen pipes so dangerousWhen pipes freeze, the water supply will be shut off entirely to allow for thawing and repair. Frozen pipes can also cause more significant inconveniences to households than just a lack of water flowing through the lines. Frozen pipes can burst as the water inside them expands. When this happens, it can lead to significant water damage.

A burst pipe can cause extensive water damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and other items in the house. It can also cause mold and mildew to form, which can make family members ill, especially if they have respiratory issues. Families will be inconvenienced, and there are a lot of expenses if a frozen pipe bursts, so they should be taken care of immediately and prevented.

Why You Need Pipe Insulation

how pipe insulation helpsOne of the best and easiest ways for households to avoid frozen pipes is by applying insulation to the pipes. This is especially important on lines located near the house’s exterior, where the temperatures are colder. Pipe insulation will help prevent freezing, but it’s not the only benefit insulating the pipes offers.

It can also keep the water in the pipes at a more constant temperature, reducing heat loss or gain, and can even lead to lower energy bills. Pipe insulation can also help extend the lifespan of the piping, as it helps control condensation that can corrode the pipes.

Additional Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

There are more ways homeowners can help prevent frozen pipes this winter besides applying insulation. Some other recommendations include:

  • Identify gaps and air leaks around the house that could let cold air in and seal them.
  • Remove outdoor garden hoses and drain them. The outdoor line should also be drained.
  • Keep the house at a constant temperature, even if residents are out of town.
  • Let faucets drip on extremely cold nights to keep the water flowing through the line. Even a small trickle can prevent freezing.

If households are concerned about frozen pipes or pipe bursts, they can reach out to experienced plumbers for assistance.

About Stonelink Plumbing & Heating

Stonelink Plumbing & Heating is a fourth-generation plumbing business serving East Providence and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, on-time service, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services or burst pipe repair in East Providence, RI.