Water is a precious resource that we cannot live without. After all, proper water management systems aid in reducing water wastage. Not only is it ethical to have a good plumbing infrastructure, but it also liberates us from unnecessary stress.
Have you noticed an unusual spike in your water bill? That can be attributed to a slab leak. Though the issue is unnoticeable at first, it becomes apparent after some time. Slab leaks occur due to a range of reasons like improper construction or poor water quality and pressure. When pipes underneath the concrete foundation wear out, water accumulation often begins.
While we often underestimate the importance of good water systems in our homes, we are excellent at ignoring issues until they grow bigger in size.
In fact, 10% of US homes are known to waste more than 90 gallons of water per day due to small plumbing leaks. It is our moral responsibility to reduce the wastage of this scarce resource whenever we can.
Detection of a slab leak usually occurs after some form of damage to the flooring or walls is manifest. This can include damp carpets, warped wood, separated walls, and warm floor spots. These symptoms should be taken seriously as slab leaks tend to grow worse over time.
An uncomfortable home with constant plumbing issues isn’t worth living in. The more time a slab leak remains unchecked, the more damage it can cause. Naturally, it is recommended to respond timely and get professional help soon.
Look for a Professional
The US alone consumes about 26.5 billion gallons of water domestically. With such a huge water consumption, quality plumbing is a definite necessity.
A professional can isolate the problem to a specific area and provide a reasonable repair estimate. Corrective action usually includes breaking concrete; hence, it is essential to hire an expert who can effectively locate the problematic areas.
An amateur plumber might initiate unnecessary breaking of concrete and be unable to repair the slab leak. If you want to avoid a plumbing nightmare, you should look for a professional in your area that specializes in remedial plumbing.
There are a few things anyone you hire should possess:
- A legal operating license
- Experience with slab leak detection and repair
- Professionalism and a good reputation
If you keep this criterion in your mind while looking for a plumber, you are good to go. You can ask for recommendations from your friends who live in the same vicinity as you do. Do not take a recommendation at face value and do go through other reviews before shortlisting a company.
While there is an abundance of clean drinkable water in the US, there is also an abundance of plumbers. If you’re from the capital of Texas, sifting out a good slab leak detection company in Austin will be tricky. Do not hire any other Tom, Dick, and Harry to solve your plumbing woes.
Be careful while shortlisting companies because not every well-marketed plumber is worth hiring.
Slab Leak Detection Services
Choose a company that specializes in slab leak detection. Some companies may offer these services for free, but others may charge a certain fee. A proper appraisal of the current situation is salient as it will guide the selection of a good repair service.
Once you are aware of the specific issue you are facing, you may move on to the next step.
Get a Repair Estimate
Do you remember the list of companies you shortlisted for the slab leak repair? You should contact those companies to get a repair estimate. Describe the issue you are currently facing and note the estimates provided by them. Don’t settle for the cheapest offer if the reviews aren’t that great.
This step will ensure that you are not being overcharged by the professional you hire. The range of repair estimates are critical pieces of information that aid in the decision-making process.
Go through the options and choose a company that has both great reviews and provides reasonable repair estimates.
Plan and Prepare
You might need to make certain arrangements before the repair of the slab leak. Plan and prepare according to your circumstances so that you can manage your work properly. Planning will help you set reasonable expectations and be ready for any contingency.
Once you’re done with preparations and the repair begins, you can leave the rest to the professional.
Get Rid of the Slab Leak
From here onwards, it is the responsibility of the professional to repair your slab leak for you. Though this might take a few days, the effort to get a slab leak repair is worth making.
Additionally, you can go through the homeowner’s insurance policies and learn that you are covered for essential pipe repairs (possibly). The slab leak will be taken care of, and the damage will be halted.
Final thoughts
To avoid water buildup, soggy flooring, and gaping walls, it is important to get repairs done. Look for the best plumbing option available in your area. Being stingy and hiring an amateur will cause more problems than you began with. On the other hand, hiring a professional who knows what he is doing is both ethical and liberating.
