leaks Archives - Super Plumbers

How to Deal With Slab Leaks Effectively

What Does Slab Leak Mean?

When a home is built, the first step is to lay out the site and determine where the house will be located. Most of the homes being built now are designed to be constructed on a large pad of poured concrete called a slab. While the site is being laid out, electricity and plumbing lines are dug and laid into the ground below the level of the future concrete so that they can be protected. Once these utilities are buried, the concrete slab is poured over the top.

Over time, leaks can occur in the piping running under a home's concrete slab. These leaks are called slab leaks, and they can be more stressful than other plumbing leaks because they are hidden from view. This article is a quick guide to help homeowners deal with this plumbing problem more effectively.

Signs of Slab Leaks

Like any plumbing problem around the home, slab leaks show signs that they are present. The main catch with slab leaks is that they usually occur underneath about 18 inches of solid concrete and soil, making them more challenging to detect. Some of the things that homeowners should watch out for that can indicate a slab leak are:

Water bubbling out from under the edge of the foundation or pooling water
Inexplicably high water bills
Mold or stubborn musty odors
Hissing or running water sounds coming from under the floors
Warped and buckled flooring or wet carpets
Water damage on walls

Catching and repairing slab leaks as early as possible is the most crucial part of preventing the damage they can do, so as soon as the signs are noticed, call a professional.

Damage Caused by Slab Leaks

As with any plumbing problem, slab leaks and the damage they cause continue to get worse until it is repaired. Plumbing problems tend to cause other damage when they occur, and slab leaks are no different. Most commonly, slab leaks can lead to high water bills and water damage. Water damage from a slab leak can cause walls and floors to be ruined and allow mold growth.

Additionally, moisture and water from a slab leak can cause issues with the home’s foundation. The soil under the foundation can move when a water leak forms in the piping under a slab. This soil movement can undermine the foundation’s support and can lead to massively expensive foundation problems and damage.

Getting Professionals to Deal With Slab Leaks

Working with reliable plumbing contractors can make slab leak detection and repair much easier and faster. If the signs of a slab leak are present, homeowners should research local plumbers and find one with experience dealing with slab leaks. These professionals will have the tools and knowledge required to precisely locate leaks without excavation.

Once they finish slab leak detection, plumbers will determine the best method for repair so they don’t have to do too much demolition and can make the slab leak repair noninvasive. Making small holes in the slab for repair or trenchless pipe repairs will make the job less invasive, and things can return to normal for homeowners quickly.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated company serving Tyler and the surrounding areas. They offer competitive, upfront pricing, personalized service, and financing options. Call them today for slab leak detection and repair services in Tyler, TX.

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What Should Homeowners Know About Slab Leaks?

Detecting and Responding to Slab Leaks

Slab leaks occur when water seeps through the cracks in a home’s foundation, causing damage and potentially affecting the home’s structural integrity. They often occur when the plumbing system running underneath the house is damaged. Because the leaks are under the home's foundation, they can be difficult to detect and repair. This is why it’s so important for homeowners to know what to look for and how to respond.

In this article, plumbing experts share valuable information about slab leaks and some helpful tips all homeowners should remember to keep their homes protected. The longer the leak goes unnoticed, the more damage can occur, so it’s important to call a plumber immediately after spotting signs of a slab leak.

Understanding Slab Leaks

The term "slab" refers to a sheet of concrete used in building the foundation of a home. Slab leaks are caused by leaks in the piping under the slab. Slab leaks can be difficult to detect because they often occur beneath the foundation of a home, but there are a few good ways to notice them, like:

Paying attention to wet spots on the floor
Listening to the sounds of dripping or running water
Looking for soggy spots on the lawn
Tracing back musty odors to their source
Monitoring water bills for spikes in usage

Why Are They Dangerous?

Slab leaks often go unnoticed for long periods, which is why they can cause such significant issues. Some of the consequences of slab leaks include:

Foundation damage
Water damage
Mold growth
Damage to walls
Insect infestation
Wood rot

Most importantly, a slab leak can compromise the integrity of the home’s foundation. Eventually, this can lead to sinking, warping of floors, and significant cracks inside and outside the home. The resulting foundation repairs that are necessary can be more than the cost to repair the plumbing.

What can Professionals do to Address the Problem?

Slab leak detection and repair services are important for homeowners who want to avoid the costly damages that slab leaks can cause. Slab leak detection services can help identify the source of the leak, while slab leak repair services can help fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

Slab leaks can be repaired in several ways, depending on the severity of the leak. Minor leaks can often be repaired with a sealant or epoxy, while more serious leaks may require replacing pipes or a sump pump.

A qualified professional will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for each case. Slab leaks can be difficult to repair, so it is important to choose a qualified and experienced contractor who has the knowledge and expertise to fix the problem correctly.

When it comes to slab leaks, prevention is key. Homeowners can take steps to prevent slab leaks by ensuring their home's foundation is properly drained and by regularly checking for cracks or other damage. By taking these steps, homeowners can help avoid the costly repairs necessary to fix a slab leak.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated business providing the residents of Smith, Gregg, and Wood Counties with personalized service for over ten years. They offer 24-hour emergency service, flat-rate pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.

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Stay on Guard Against Gas Leaks This Summer

Be Prepared to Respond to Gas Line Leaks

As the folks in Texas have learned after harsh winters, natural gas is a modern necessity. Natural gas can cheaply and conveniently heat homes, cook food, and prepare water for washing. As a result, natural gas is present in nearly every home in Tyler.

Unfortunately, the properties that make natural gas such a commodity also present some hazards. When natural gas plumbing becomes compromised, serious consequences can result. Finding a plumber who specializes in natural gas leak detection and repair can mean the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster. Take notes from these local plumbers and keep homes safe from gas leaks this summer.

What Makes Leaks so Dangerous?

Natural gas is a naturally occurring fuel that is removed from underground and transported to homes in piping. It arrives at the home ready for constant use. The problem with dealing with an evaporated gas is that leaks can occur in piping that allows spaces to fill with gas. When natural gas is mixed with the right quantities of oxygen, it can be flammable or even explosive, leading to fire damage.

If natural gas isn’t ignited, there is still a potential for asphyxiation. Natural gas can displace oxygen in a closed-off environment that can lead to suffocation. Natural gas is naturally odorless, but special odors are added to it during transport, making it more easily detectable to humans. However, when gas is diluted enough or a homeowner’s sense of smell is dulled, professional gas leak detection will be needed to help find dangerous leaks.

Indications There are Gas Leaks Present

Gas leaks are dangerous but recognizing the signs can help prevent situations from escalating. Some of the best indicators that gas leaks are present are:

Sulfur smell or rotten egg odor
Dead vegetation in lawns
Dead houseplants
Constant headaches or nausea when indoors
Hissing sounds coming from gas lines
Soap and water mixture bubbles around pipe joints

These signs are all easily noticeable to people who aren’t plumbers. Some of these situations indicate small leaks, while other leaks will be more noticeable. If any of these signs are noticed, one should call professional gas leak detection specialists immediately. These plumbers have special devices that can quickly pinpoint the cause of the gas leak, and they can make gas line leak repairs immediately.

How To React to a Suspected Gas Leak

Time is of the essence when gas leaks are involved. For homeowners that suspect a gas leak, immediately vacate the area where the suspected leak is. If there is time, open a window or leave doors open to ventilate the area. Call a qualified plumber for help and turn the gas off at the meter. When leaving, don’t turn any electrical devices on or off as this could cause a spark that could ignite the gas.

Once help arrives, give the plumbers the full details of the situation. Emergency plumbers can quickly perform gas line repairs and restore safety to the situation.

About Super Plumbers

For over a decade, Super Plumbers have been keeping Tyler, TX residents safe. With fast emergency service, they are always ready to respond. Upfront and competitive pricing sets them apart from the competition. Contact them today to schedule gas line leak detection or repair service.

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What You Need to Know About Faucet Leaks

How to Protect Your Home From Leaky Faucets

There are few things worse than an incessantly dripping faucet. No matter how much you try to ignore the drip… drip… drip… it’s still there, day and night. You can hear it when you’re on the phone, on the computer, reading a book, or doing your laundry.

And even more than the annoyance that it is, you know that faucet is probably costing your money. Every drip of water that washes down your sink adds up and soon you’ll have added gallons of water onto your monthly bill. Like it or not, that leaky faucet must get fixed. Thankfully, that’s one of the many reasons why plumbers exist.

In this article, you’ll learn about the signs to watch for when a faucet is starting to turn leaky. You’ll also learn about the services you can benefit from if you find yourself in this situation and how much money a fixed faucet can save you.

Signs You Need Faucet Leak Services

Plumbers can handle far more than simply unclogging a toilet or a stopped up sink. One service you might not think to call a plumber about is a leaky faucet.

If you know what to look for, you’ll be able to identify a leaky faucet before it becomes a problem and know when to call a plumber.

Rust in the Sink: If you see a streak of rust or discoloration running from the faucet down into the sink bowl, you’re probably dealing with a slow leak. You may not notice the water dripping out, but this is a common sign that points to water leaking. Catch it an get it fixed before the leak becomes worse.
Water Running: If your facet has water that dribbles through the spout even when the faucet handles are in the “off” position, then you’ll want to call a plumber. There can be numerous reasons for this problem and a plumber will diagnose your issue.
Water on Sink Top: If you turn the water handle on and the top of your sink or countertop gets wet, it’s not because you’re a happy splasher. You likely have a leak in the faucet itself. Have a plumber fix this before you get floods of water on your counter instead of the trickle it starts out with.

The Benefits of Plumbing Services

Plumbers have a variety of methods for taking care of a leaky faucet. When you call them, they’ll first examine your faucet and diagnose the problem. Depending on the type of faucet and where the leak is occurring, it could be a quick fix or require a faucet replacement.

Inside each faucet, there is a gasket. The gasket helps keep water from flowing out when it shouldn’t. When this gets worn down, water can start to trickle through even when your handle is in the “off” position.

If the source of your leak is a gasket, a plumber can replace this and get you back to normal in no time. Depending on the severity of your leak, a plumber might have to order parts to fix your faucet. However, only a plumber will know what to do and what to look for when fixing your faucet.

How Much Can a Leaky Faucet Cost?

Leaky faucets are understandably frustrating and no one wants to pay a repair bill for something so annoying. However, if it is left unfixed, you’ll pay much more in the long-run. Leaks never shrink, so you’ll end up fixing a larger problem if you let it go.

Leaking water will also add significantly to your water bill. You’ll be adding gallons each day onto your monthly water bill if you don’t get your faucet fixed. In the long-run, fixing your faucet means money saved.

Quality, Prompt Plumbing Professionals

Super Plumbers serves the Tyler, TX, area for a wide variety of plumbing needs. They offer 24/7 emergency services, competitive pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Whether you need a leaky faucet fixed or other plumbing services, Super Plumbers can do the job.