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.

Make Your Home Greener With Tankless Water Heaters

How Tankless Water Heaters Reduce Energy Bills

When homeowners look to make their homes greener and reduce their energy usage, they can start by scheduling a tankless water heater installation. These systems use much less energy than traditional hot water heaters, allowing property owners to reduce their energy bills and offer many other benefits.

This post will explain signs to replace a water heater, how tankless units differ from traditional water heaters, and the benefits tankless water heaters provide.

Signs to Install a New Water Heater

signs it's time to replace an old water heaterTo prevent losing hot water in their house, homeowners should spot the signs of a malfunctioning water heater as soon as possible. Numerous signs indicate a water heater needs to be replaced. The first sign household members typically notice is a lack of hot water in the plumbing system. While this is the most obvious sign – and can be the most troublesome for households – there are other signs to watch for.

Property owners need to know how old their system is. If it’s near the end of its life expectancy, they should schedule a replacement. Homeowners should also watch for signs of corrosion like rusty water, leaks coming from the system, and higher-than-usual utility bills.

Tankless Water Heaters Operate Differently From Traditional Units

While both tankless water heaters and storage water heaters provide hot water to households, they do it differently.

Traditional units heat the entire water tank and must keep it heated to provide hot water for plumbing fixtures and appliances. This uses more energy than tankless units. Instantaneous water heaters provide hot water on demand. When a household member turns on a faucet or appliance, the tankless water heater turns on and provides hot water. It keeps heating water until hot water isn’t needed anymore.

Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

benefits of tankless water heatersThere are many benefits to installing a tankless water heater in a home. Property owners will experience many advantages, including lower energy bills. They will also benefit from not running out of hot water since they aren’t limited by how much water a tank can hold. These systems also have longer lifespans than traditional units.

Another benefit of purchasing a tankless or on-demand unit is that it is smaller than a traditional water heater and offers more flexibility when it comes to installations. These systems are also safer than tanked units, with less risk of contamination. Installing a tankless water heater can also appeal to potential home buyers, as they are extremely energy-efficient.

About Stonelink Plumbing & Heating

The Stonelink Plumbing & Heating team brings more than 40 years of experience to every job. Proudly serving Rhode Island since 1976, they offer affordable, reliable, and trustworthy plumbing services. Call them today for tankless water heater repairs, installations, and services in East Providence, RI.

Improve Your Home’s Water Quality With a Water Filtration System

Reasons to Install a Whole House Water Filter

If homeowners notice a brownish tint or a strange taste in their water, it can signal contaminants that need to be removed. These can be risky to household members, especially if they consume bacteria. 

Fortunately, property owners can avoid these risks by installing a whole home water filter. East Providence, RI, plumbers provide tips on common types of water filters, their benefits, and signs indicating they are needed.

Water Treatment System Basics Property Owners Need to Know

reverse osmosisHomeowners must understand how water filtration systems work to ensure they install the right system in their houses. These units can effectively remove contaminants, minerals, and bacteria from water to improve safety and health. Numerous types of filters can improve the quality of the water.

Two of the most common types of water filtration systems are whole-house carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems. Carbon water filters remove contaminants from the water using activated carbon to make it safe. Reverse osmosis units trap pollutants in the filter, letting the clean water flow through.

If homes have hard water, homeowners may need a water softener. These units remove minerals from hard water to soften it. This will help prolong the lifespan of the plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Homeowners might also opt for UV water purifiers or distillation systems. UV water purifiers use UV rays to get rid of bacteria, and distillation systems create steam out of water to remove particles and clean the water.

Benefits of Water Filtration Systems

clear water Households can experience many benefits of water filtration system installation. The most significant advantage is removing chemicals and contaminants to purify the water and keep family members safe and healthy. Additional benefits include getting rid of strange tastes or smells, leading to better-smelling and better-tasting water.

The water filters that remove hard water minerals can protect the plumbing and appliances. Water filtration systems can also save homeowners money by preventing them from needing to buy bottled water. 

Signs a Home Needs a Water Filtration System

To protect family members from contaminated water, homeowners need to watch for key signs that can indicate they need a water filter installation. Some of the most common symptoms plumbers recommend households watch for are cloudy or discolored water, bad-tasting or even bad-smelling water. 

Also, keep an eye out for signs of hard water to determine whether a water-softening system is needed. Plumbers can often perform a water quality test to determine if a house needs to install a water filtration system and which kind would be best. 

About Stonelink Plumbing & Heating

Since 1976, the Stonelink Plumbing & Heating team has provided affordable and reliable plumbing and heating services. They never have hidden fees and only hire trustworthy technicians. Call them today for water filtration services in East Providence, RI.