The most challenging and costly plumbing problems many property owners face are slab leaks. In this post, the trusted Anaheim professionals with HomeX Plumbing & Rooter, discuss the top five causes of slab leaks and how to prevent them.

1. Pipe Corrosion

Over time, chemical reactions between metal pipes and the surrounding soil or water can erode pipes. This leads to weak points that eventually fail and lead to leaks. Older homes with outdated plumbing materials, like galvanized steel, are particularly at risk.

Consider an upgrade to corrosion-resistant materials like PEX or coated copper pipes. 

2. High Water Pressure

Have you been looking into the top five causes of slab leaks and how to prevent them? High water pressure is one concern. Extreme water pressure puts undue stress on your plumbing system and weakens pipes over time. The issues created by high water pressure are more pronounced in older homes that also have ordinary wear and tear in play.

Water pressure regulators are the best modern device for keeping pressure at safe levels.   

3. Foundation Shifting

The stress caused by foundation shifting often causes slab leaks, especially in regions like ours that are prone to seismic activity and drainage challenges when heavy rains strike. Foundation movement is a major problem for buried plumbing, and sudden changes can crush or crack even recently installed systems.  

We recommend that property owners ensure their drainage systems are up to the challenge of handling runoff on the occasions when we experience unusually heavy rainfall and runoff.  

4. Poor Installation Practices

Incorrect plumbing installation or use of substandard materials can easily lead to system weakness against regular expansion and contraction caused by water flow.

Always hire competent, licensed plumbers to handle repairs, updates, or installations on your property. Avoid the risks that come with burying problems only to have them lead to major trouble later. 

5. Abrasion and Friction

Pipes under a slab typically suffer from abrasion and friction as they expand and contract through the seasons. Constant movement wears down the outer surface of the pipes, which often causes pinhole leaks or larger cracks.

Protective insulation and spacing during installation, along with regular plumbing maintenance, help prevent this problem.

General Leak Prevention Tips

The best way to handle the common slab leak causes is through preventative care. Here’s what to do:

• Schedule regular inspections. An expert plumber can identify many hidden signs of trouble that can be addressed before small issues turn into major repairs.
• Install water leak detectors. A system-wide detector provides real-time information about even small leaks to help you take prompt action.  
• Maintain safe water pressure. A regulator helps avoid the trouble that comes with both low and excessive water pressure. 

Count on HomeX Plumbing & Rooter for Expert Assistance With Slab Leaks in Anaheim, CA

If you’re concerned about any of these top five causes of slab leaks and how to prevent them, count on HomeX Plumbing & Rooter for expert help when you need it. 

Call us in Anaheim and around Orange County at (714) 426-9207 for help with precision water leak detection and plumbing maintenance.