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Slab Leaks: Everything You Need To Know

The 411 On Slab Leaks - A Brief Guide

Any homeowner that's experienced a slab leak at some point knows that it can be one of the most frustrating, stressful, and expensive plumbing problems ever. But for those homeowners fortunate enough to have avoided them, slab leaks can be a total mystery.

That can be a blessing, but it can also wind up being a curse - if homeowners aren't sure how to spot signs of a slab leak and don't understand the risks they pose, they won't be as well equipped to deal with them before any major damage is done. So this article will walk homeowners through everything they need to know about slab leaks, including what causes them, why they're so dangerous, and how professionals fix them!

Slab Leaks Explained

To understand slab leaks, it helps to clarify what exactly a "slab" is. In this context, a slab is a concrete foundation on which many homes are built. Generally 4-6 inches thick, this concrete slab covers the entire home footprint. In homes with slab foundations, there are typically water supply lines and sewer lines installed a few inches underneath the slab. A slab leak refers to a leak in one of those underground pipes.

Slab leaks can be caused by various factors, including corrosion, abrasion (from the surrounding soil or debris inside the pipes), soil erosion, shifting soil (due to earthquakes, flooding, foundation shifts, etc.), or pipe degradation due to old age.

Why Are Slab Leaks So Bad?

Since slab leaks are, by definition, located under a thick layer of concrete, they can often go unnoticed for months at a time. Even if the leak is a relatively minor one, this can waste hundreds of gallons of water every month. That can lead to some pretty high water bills. To make matters worse, that perpetually moist environment can lead to mold growth - if that mold spreads and gets into the home, it can have negative health consequences for everyone in the house.

In many cases, the water from a slab leak can also cause the surrounding soil to shift or become loose and muddy, which may cause the foundation to shift, sink, or even collapse. This can damage the home's framework and compromise its structural integrity. Not to mention that foundation repair and releveling can be exorbitantly expensive!

With all of these potential consequences, it's easy to see why slab leaks should be avoided or, at the very least, nipped in the bud as quickly as possible. Homeowners should always be on the lookout for these signs of a slab leak:

High water bill (but no visible leaks)
Walls are cracked in parts of the house
Uneven floors
Foundation cracks
Warm spots on the floor (indicates a hot water line leak)
Low water pressure in the house
Wet areas around the house's edge (or spots where grass grows thicker)

How Do Plumbers Deal With Slab Leaks?

If homeowners suspect that they have a slab leak, the first step is to call a professional to perform slab leak detection. This typically involves using acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, or video inspection (feeding a tiny camera into the pipes themselves) to find the exact location of the leak.

Once the leak is found, plumbers and slab leak specialists have a few options for repairing it and will work with the homeowners to determine which repair method is most appropriate for their specific situation. Depending on the extent of the damage and the homeowners' wishes, pros will either:

Excavate the pipe by breaking through the foundation
Seal the pipe by inserting an epoxy pipe liner into it (often called trenchless leak repair)
Re-pipe or re-route, which involves installing a new pipe in a different location to replace the damaged one
Tunnel under the slab to repair the affected pipe without breaking through the floors or foundation

These slab leak repair options can vary significantly in cost and duration, so hiring a reliable and trustworthy plumbing contractor who will work closely with homeowners to find the right solution for their budget is essential!

About All Pro Plumbing

Since its founding in 1996, All Pro Plumbing has become one of Lakeland, Florida's most trusted and highly-rated plumbers. Their dedication to honesty, unbeatable service, and top-rate workmanship have made them a 7-time Angi Super Service Award winner. Their trustworthy licensed experts are available for emergencies 24/7, so don't wait to call All Pro Plumbing for slab leak repair in Lakeland, FL!

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Don't Get Pinched By High Water Bills This St. Paddy's Day!

3 Ways To Conserve Water This Saint Patrick’s Day

Everyone celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in their own way - some hit the town and party it up, while others stay home and enjoy a nice dinner of corned beef and cabbage. But everyone upholds one tradition: wear something green or get pinched!

A similar rule (though not quite as festive or fun) applies to homeowners: save water or feel the pinch of inflated water bills! Even though homeowners may not realize it, many little things can add up to massive amounts of water waste every month. So this article will reveal a few of the most common causes of water waste - and how homeowners can avoid them!

Use the Tap Sparingly

One of the most powerful ways to reduce water waste is to turn off the faucet whenever it’s not being used directly. The most obvious example of this is brushing one’s teeth - leaving the water on while brushing can send multiple gallons of water down the drain each time. The problem is less noticeable for things like handwashing or dishwashing - just turning off the tap while scrubbing or soaping can make a big difference for a day.

Another water-saving habit along these lines is to turn off the shower while lathering up or shampooing. The average shower lasts around 8 minutes and uses about 17 gallons of water, so leaving the water off for even a couple of minutes will significantly impact water usage. These habits may seem somewhat inconvenient at first, but with a little practice, homeowners can make a fun game of saving water wherever they can!

Invest In WaterSense Fixtures and Appliances

On top of reducing the time the home’s water taps stay on, homeowners can replace those taps with more water-efficient fixtures. The Environmental Protection Agency gives its “WaterSense” stamp of approval to fixtures that reach a certain water efficiency standard.

For example, today’s standard sink faucets use 2.2 gallons per minute, while WaterSense faucets use only 1.5 gallons. WaterSense showerheads have a maximum flow rate of 2.0 GPM (gallons per minute), down from the 2.5 GPM of typical showerheads. Toilets are by far the biggest consumer of water in an average home. Still, upgrading to water-saving models (which use only 1.28 gallons per flush instead of 1.6 or more) can go a long way toward water conservation.

Upgrading to a high-efficiency washing machine or dishwasher can also have a lasting impact on water consumption and energy usage. These changes may require a bit of an upfront investment. Still, they can save homeowners money in the long run with the reduced utility bills - especially when combined with the other water conservation habits discussed here!

Flush With Care

A clogged toilet is an annoying and unpleasant problem, but most people don’t realize that it can also waste a significant amount of water. When a toilet gets partially clogged, it can cause a pressure imbalance between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe, causing water to siphon out of the bowl. Homeowners may have noticed that their toilet bowl fills up to the normal level only to drain over time - this is the siphoning effect at work.

Homeowners will then need to refill the bowl for the toilet to flush properly, doubling the amount of water used per flush. Even without the siphoning effect, homeowners may need to flush multiple times to fully empty the toilet bowl since water is having trouble getting around the clog.

This is why preventing toilet clogs also helps conserve water in a roundabout way. Fortunately, preventing clogs is easy. First, homeowners should only ever flush toilet paper (and human waste, of course) down the toilet - that means no napkins, paper towels, tissues, hygiene products, contraceptives, or baby wipes. Secondly, homeowners should avoid flushing too much toilet paper at once - occasionally, flushing twice is better than clogging the toilet! And if the toilet does become clogged despite their best efforts, homeowners would do well to call a plumber to fix the problem as soon as possible, before any more water is wasted!

About All Pro Plumbing

All Pro Plumbing has been proudly serving the Lakeland community since 1996. Their commitment to outstanding customer service and unbeatable workmanship has earned them numerous 5-star ratings and awards, including the Angie’s List Super Service Award for 7 years. They offer up-front pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job - so there’s no better choice for plumbers in Lakeland, FL!

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Make Plumbing Maintenance Part of New Year's Resolutions

What is Included in Plumbing Maintenance?

A common New Year's resolution is getting healthy. Every year people flock back to the gym at this time of year in an attempt to undo a year's worth of bad habits. Unfortunately, a lot of people fail once enthusiasm wanes.

The secret to keeping good habits alive all year long is to figure out how to implement tasks in small steps so that the habit becomes natural. Sometimes it is best to get started on a small, easy task and use the skills learned to coast onto bigger things. A great place to start is around the home with plumbing maintenance.

Plumbing maintenance makes a great New Year's resolution because it is a small habit that pays dividends in the long run, just like good health. For the last year, plumbing has had a lot of work to do, and the best way to ensure that it keeps doing its job is to give it some TLC from a professional. Here is a quick guide to what plumbing maintenance entails and why it can be a great way to start off the new year.

Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning is the perfect place to start for good plumbing health. Last year drains had to handle kitchen grease, soap scum, and hair, all while performing flawlessly. Unfortunately, these things can cling to pipes and slowly cause big problems. To start over fresh, homeowners can try some DIY durian cleaning tips or hire a professional.

Some DIY drain cleaning tips that experts approve include:

Flushing drains with hot water
Cleaning P-traps
Pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain
Snaking with approved devices

Chemical drain cleaners should be avoided since they can cause serious damage to pipes. Professional drain cleaning can be hired for homeowners who aren't confident in these methods.

Professional Plumbing Maintenance

Just like a yearly checkup at the doctor, plumbing maintenance is a yearly checkup for plumbing. Plumbing maintenance allows an expert to perform tasks like:

Checking for leaks
Stopping running toilets
Test the water pressure
Inspect pipes

Allowing a professional the chance to inspect plumbing can give the homeowner advanced notice about potential problems. This allows them to plan for repairs instead of being blindsided by a plumbing emergency. Homeowners may also notice benefits like reduced utility bills and fewer necessary repairs.

Water Heater Maintenance

The water heater is one of the most important appliances in any household, and it works tirelessly to provide hot water for washing and cleaning. It needs some annual attention to keep up the hard work year after year. Some of the steps that a professional will perform when they show up for a water heater maintenance visit are:

Draining the water tank
Flushing sediment from the bottom of the water heater
Inspecting the anode rod
Checking the heating elements
Looking for signs of corrosion
Inspecting for leaks

With yearly water heater maintenance, homeowners can expect their water heater to last longer and operate more efficiently, saving them money as the years go by.

About All Pro Plumbing

All Pro Plumbing is a top-rated contractor ready to handle plumbing maintenance in any home or business. With highly-rated reviews and emergency plumbers, they are always ready to solve plumbing problems fast. Call today for plumbing maintenance in Lakeland, FL.

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Put a Sump Pump on the Holiday Wishlist

Installing a Sump Pump Over the Holidays

Every year, it seems harder and harder to shop for some people’s Christmas gifts. Some people just seem to have everything or, at the very least, want very little. This means that friends and family have to think outside the box to find a gift that can be meaningful instead of just good enough to fulfill an obligation.

An outside-of-the-box idea for a Christmas gift is a new sump pump. Homeowners with sump pumps will love the originality and helpfulness of such a gift. The truth is that homes equipped with sump pumps need to be protected from the excess water that their sump systems handle. Here is a handy guide to get started for those on the market for a sump pump as a gift or for themselves.

Why are Sump Pumps Important?

Sump pumps are crucial to the health of certain properties. Sump pumps are engineered specifically to deal with excess water that threatens a basement or foundation of a home. Sump pumps are commonly found in basements, used to pump sewage upward to a sewer line and landscaping where rainwater runoff tends to pool or wash away soil from a foundation.

When sump pumps fail, the results can be disastrous. Most often flooding is the direct result since water, or sewage, can’t be pumped away. In the case of a sewage sump pump, sewage will backup and fill an existing space like the basement. This is why it is always crucial that sump systems are reliable and functioning.

Types of Sump Pumps

Different sump pump styles are used for different applications. Along with different applications, each style of sump pump has pros and cons. The options for sump pumps are:

Submersible Sump Pump: Submersible sump pumps sit in a sump pump basin with the entire motor and pump housing submersed in fluid. They are quiet and reliable but can be a repair or replacement mess.
Pedestal Sump Pump: The pump housing on these sump pumps is submersed, but the motor is up out of the sump pit. This makes these sump pumps louder, but they are generally cheaper.
Combination Sump Pump: Combination sump pumps offer total security for a home with primary and secondary sump pumps.

When considering a sump pump for a gift, it is a good idea to research what pump is already used in a home and find a suitable replacement.

Back Up Sump Pumps

Sump pumps do important work protecting a home from excess water. This means there should be no opportunity for failure. Unfortunately, too many homeowners will only find out their sump pump has failed once the property has flooded. That’s why every sump pump should have a backup or secondary sump pump.

Secondary sump pumps should be in place in every location where a sump pump is located. Most models have some type of alarm system to indicate the failure of the primary pump. Additionally, a secondary sump pump should have a backup battery system to operate even during a power outage.

About All Pro Plumbing

All Pro Plumbing has over 25 years of experience protecting local homes from floods with sump pump installation and repairs. Their award-winning service is available 24 hours a day for emergency plumbing service. Call today for superior sump pump service in Lakeland, FL.

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This Thanksgiving, Don't Forget To Thank A Plumber!

Support Local Plumbers For Their Necessary Work

Where would the world be without plumbers? It would be a much dirtier, smellier, and more dangerous place. Since the invention of indoor plumbing, technology and comfort in modern society have grown by leaps and bounds. Plumbers and plumbing technicians are essential for modern society, and this article will cover some of the basics of plumbing services to remind the public of their important job.

Services for Water and Sewer Lines

Plumbing systems may seem simple enough: turn the valve, out comes water from the tap and continues down the drain and out of sight, but the unseen part is much more complex and takes training to repair. A few examples of the problems that plumbing companies solve every day include the following:

Backflow: This is an issue of water flowing backward away from the house. This can cause contamination with pollution and microorganisms. Making sure a home has a working backflow preventer is the job of a certified professional.
Clogs: Clogged drain pipes are one of the most common problems plumbing technicians deal with. Hydro-jetting can solve almost any clog.
Water Hammer: This happens when a valve is quickly closed, shutting off water flow. The vibration can shake pipes and cause loud noises and corrosion. This can be corrected by a professional.
Tree Roots: Tree roots search for moisture and often find weak spots in drainage pipes. This can lead to sewer line clogs that a professional plumbing technician can only handle.
Leaks: A trained pro can easily repair old corroded pipes or loosened connections. Otherwise, they can lead to further damage to homes and pipes.

Gas Line Issues and Gas Leak Repair

As the colder weather approaches, many people turn to gas furnaces as a heat source. They can be very efficient when working correctly, but they can be extremely hazardous if something goes wrong. Plumbers are qualified to work on any plumbing repair, whether those pipes are used for water, propane, or natural gas. Gas leaks can be incredibly dangerous, poisoning the household and possibly causing an explosion. If a homeowner suspects a gas line leak, they should get it checked out immediately. Symptoms of a gas leak include:

Dizziness
Nausea
Disorientation
Fatigue
Headaches

Keeping the Water Hot with Water Heater Repair

Water heaters are stalwart but silent partners of everyday operations in any household. They are easily taken for granted but contribute to almost every part of the house through baths and showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. The problem with a reliable water heater is that no one is expecting it when it goes wrong. Most plumbers offer water heater maintenance, so service doesn’t have to wait until there is no hot water. A technician can check the pressure release valve, the tank, and the heating element, verifying what works and needs to be changed. Repairs and replacement parts can be dealt with before it becomes an issue.

About All Pro Plumbing

Serving Lakeland, FL a,nd the surrounding communities with 25 years of experience, All Pro Plumbing offers flat-rate pricing and 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs. Call today to request their award-winning service.