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Do you think you might have a slab leak?
If you are one of the many people in the world whose house is constructed on a slab you may have heard of a slab leak, or you may have even had to handle one yourself. Responding quickly to the possibility of a leak can save you a lot of money! '
Why does it leak?
-The pipes might have been damaged during
construction
-Hot water expands and contracts making the pipes change size
-The level of water hardness could cause problems with the water pipes
-Recently moved? You should check for leaks
after moving because the foundation may have shifted
Symptoms of a Possible Leak
-Water bill higher than usual. Also,
possibly electric bill
-Unexplained water or mold on the
floor
-Less water pressure
-Sound of running water but no faucets
are on
-If the foundation has moved. Always
check for a leak after moving
-Part of your floor is warm. Hot water
leaks are discovered this way because you feel it!
-Cracks in tile or bubbles in linoleum
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What you Can do to Confirm
Check your water meter. Turn off all
faucets, washing machine, toliet, dishwasher and then look to see if
the dial is moving. If it is, you may have a leak.
If you think you may have a slab leak the best thing to do is to call a professional like Ben Franklin Plumbing in Plano, Texas for slab leak detection. They offer a camera inspection to stop leaks from becoming a problem in the future! Another incredibly important service that Ben Franklin Plumbing offers is gas leak detection. It is so important to immediately respond to a possible gas leak (by GETTING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY OUTSIDE).
You might have a gas leak if:
Smell of Rotten eggs
Hissing sounds
Dirt blowing up from the ground (on a day with no wind)
Plants that are dead for no reason
What to DO if you have a Gas leak:
- Leave your home IMMEDIATELY and take everyone in the house with you
- Quickly, open windows before you leave your house if the odor is faint
- Call your gas company right away to report a suspected leak once you have evacuated the building
NEVER do this if you have a Gas Leak:
- light a match or use lighters
- activate light switches, electrical appliances, flashlights, doorbells, garage door openers, telephones, cellphones, laptops, as they could create a spark.
- start a car
- re-enter your building until gas company inspectors have declared it safe
If you are planning on any deep digging around your house, call 811 for the national Underground Service Alert network a few business days before your project is to begin. The free service will map out any utilities, including gas pipelines, buried beneath your land. Striking a pipeline can endanger your life since the gas is highly explosive and could disrupt natural gas service to surrounding homes.
