• 05/03/2024

Category: Leak Detection

Fix-Up these Common Plumbing Problem Areas this Fall

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It seems like we were just hanging out at the beach, visiting the park in shorts, and enjoying the warmth of the summer sun in general. Then the weather started to shift. The sun is still out, but the days aren’t as warm. Now many homeowners have begun the mad rush to prep their homes for the winter months. Let your worries drop away. Prevent plumbing problems at your house by following our fall home maintenance guide below.

1. Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves, needles (from evergreen trees), berries, and small twigs all get caught in your gutters, preventing water from flowing off your roof and away from your house. Take the time to clear them now before the cold comes. Pooling water can get into your home through your roof. That pooled water can cause freezing in the winter on your roof or even on your sidewalk, causing slipping hazards. 

2. Shut Off Outdoor Water Sources

Water taps and facets on the outside of your house need to be shut down for the season. There should be an “off” setting inside. Make sure to clear the water from these facets and the connective pipes to prevent freezing during the winter. This practice will also help stop basement flooding. While you are at it, disconnect, drain, and store your gardening hoses.

3. Close Up Your Pool and Pond

Now is the time to shut down your outdoor water features if you still haven’t. The manufacturer will have instructions on how best to close down your pool or pond for the season. Clear any leaves or debris that gathered here during the early fall. Then empty the water and scrub down the pool or pond before adding a cover so it can be all ready for spring. 

4. Protect Your Foundation by Clearing Around Your Home

Piles of debris capture water and lead to problems down the line. Clear any leaves or branches from the perimeter of your home, including any decking or porches. When the cold comes, these blockages can lead the water right inside your home. 

Call in the Professionals for Complete Safety

After these steps, your home will be set up for the cold to come. The sooner you get to these steps, the better for your home. The team at Kelly Plumbing and Leak Detection are licensed and certified plumbers experienced in preventing and solving leaking problems.

Give us a call today at 972-774-8722 to schedule a visit from one of our professional plumbers

Signs That You Might Have a Slab Leak

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The slab of your home is the concrete foundation. A water leak here typically occurs below this concrete layer. This type of water leak in particular, if left alone, can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of your home. Early detection is vital to avoid costly repairs.

Detecting a leak in or under the slab can be difficult, so let’s take a look at the most common signs that you may have a slab leak.

 

Increase in Water Bill

Your water bill and all utility bills will vary month to month. Variability in your water bill could be due to someone visiting and using extra water, taking extra showers, more cooking at home, etc. However, if your statement jumps up with no clear cause, that could be due to a water leak. Even a small drip uses a considerable amount of water over 24 hours.

Do you suspect a leak based on your high water bill? Compare your bill to the bill for the same month of the previous year. If there is a significant difference, contact a plumber.

 

Low Water Pressure

A drop in water pressure may be a sign of a slab leak. Another leak may not cause a decrease in water pressure, but a slab leak occurs in your main water line. This area on your water line is the entry point for water into your house. Even a small leak here can have a noticeable impact.

 

Water Creating Pools

Pools of water on your floors can also be a sign of a slab leak. Water tries to flow to the lowest point possible. When there is an issue in the slab piping, water will escape through the foundation from the outside. As time goes by, these puddles of water on the floor tend to grow larger.

Look to the areas where you have major plumbing such as your kitchen and bathrooms. If you can rule out a water fixture problem or a hose in the area, you may have a slab leak.

 

Hot Areas on Your Floor

Have you noticed strangely hot areas of your floor? You may have a slab leak. A slab leak causes flows of hot water to seep into places it doesn’t belong. The leaked hot water causes the concrete to heat up.

You should be able to notice a difference in hardwood, linoleum, or tile flooring. Cat owners, did you recently see your pet laying in a particular area? You may have a hot spot.

 

Mildew or Mold Growth

A slab leak usually works behind the scenes. The water seeping through the slab in your basement may lead to the growth of mildew or mold behind your walls or under your carpets. It’s tough to solve or identify problems you can’t see. Instead of looking for this issue, you could notice a musty smell. If you do, call a plumber right away to protect your family’s health.

Kelly Plumbing Company technicians have the skill and experience to identify and fix your slab leaks or any other plumbing issues. Contact us today 24/7 to see schedule your service.

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KELLY PLUMBING COMPANY

Phone: 214-229-8249