Different Types Of Slab Leak Repair And What Causes Slab Leaks

Slab Leak Repair Service By Leone PlumbingA slab is a layer of plain concrete that is used to create flat surfaces like roof decks, ceilings, and floors. It is a thick structure that is supported by beams, columns, walls, or the ground. Sturdy as it may seem, a slab is still vulnerable to leaks. Slab leaks may lead to costly repairs due to water damage and the leaking wastewater can be a health hazard. There is no better solution than slab leak repair. But how is it done? Let’s talk about the different types of slab leak repair and what causes slab leaks.

How Can You Tell That A Home Or Building Needs A Slab Leak Repair?

Slab leaks are very common in older homes or buildings since they use galvanized steel pipes or copper which are prone to corrosion. When the pipes deteriorate, it releases water and even sewage under the structure. Faulty installation of pipes is also one of the culprits. Another contributing factor to slab leaks is the natural shifting of soil, underground stream, and even earthquake. The pressure brought by these natural ground movements may cause the lines to break which leads to slab leaks. Since all of these happen underneath, it is very hard to identify a slab leak. However, there are signs to watch out for. The following signs can tell you that you need a slab leak repair. Leone Plumbing Slab Leak Repair Solution
  • Warm spots or water stains on the floor.
  • Foul odor from floors and walls.
  • Cracks on floors, walls, and ceilings.
  • Unusual water puddles around the house or building.
  • Visible soil shifts around the structure.
  • Uneven growth in lawn or foundation plants.

Different Types Of Slab Leak Repair

There are different types of approaches when it comes to slab leak repair. Depending on the impact of the damages, here are some of the different types of slab leak repair.
Slab Replacement
In worst-case scenarios, the entire slab may need to be replaced if the leak caused large damages and if the pipes are in bad condition. This is a very disruptive method and expect that it can affect your regular household or business activities.
Pipe Repair
Pipe repair requires fixing the damaged area of the pipe. This may involve replacing a section of the pipe, patching, or sealing the leak.
Trenchless Repair
A trenchless repair is the least disruptive solution since there is no need to demolish the structure.
Pipe Rerouting
This repair option is ideal if there is difficulty to access the leak and if the pipes are in poor condition. Rerouting bypasses the old pipes by running new pipes alongside them.

Don’t Take Slab Leaks Lightly!

Slab leaks can create serious damage to your property. It can damage the walls, floors, and foundation of your home or building. The longer that it’s left untreated, the more damage it can do! Let our expert plumbers help you with your urgent slab leak repair. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
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What You Need To Know About Sewer Line Repair

Leone Plumbing Sewer Line Repair ServiceYour sewer line plays an important role in moving grease, soap, and detergent through your plumbing system. If your sewer line is leaking or broken, you need to fix it as quickly as possible. However, the sewer lines are concealed in walls and floors and issues can be left unseen until something worse happens. In this case, how would you know if you need to call for a sewer line repair service?

How Would You Know That You Need A Sewer Line Repair?

There are obvious signs that you can look at in order to determine if you need to call for a sewer line repair service. Do not ignore the warning signs! Contact a professional plumber immediately whenever you experienced the following signs.
Spread Of Mold
There may be water damage lurking underneath the wall and below your floor. Water damage causes moisture on surfaces which is the best habitat for mold to grow. This is a clear sign of water damage happening in your home which may need sewer line repair.
Flooded Yard With Foul Odor
It is not normal for a yard to get flooded with a bad smell of sewage. If there is a sudden flood in your yard with a nasty smell, this is also a sign that there is something bad going on with your sewer lines that need to be treated.
Water Not Draining Properly
Your toilet can tell you the signs! If you can hear a gurgling noise as you flush, it may indicate that something is blocking the pipes that requires repair service.

Different Types Of Sewer Line Repair

Depending on the issue that your plumbing system is dealing with, there are various ways to repair your sewer line.
Snaking
Removal of tree roots from pipes by Leone Plumbing. Snaking works by using a cable with specialized blades at the end. It clears your sewer lines by cutting through roots and clogs that prevent your drainage system from running smoothly.
Hydrojetting
This method works in two ways. First, the high-powered water jet cuts through roots and clogs, clearing and cleaning the drain. Second, the camera attached to the equipment not only helps our expert plumber to see what is being cleared but also identifies other issues. ridgid camera system sonar
Pipe Replacement
There are cases when a sewer line replacement is the best option to fix the damages. Our expert plumber may find a collapsed pipe (during camera inspection) and replacing it is the only solution. Pipes may collapse due to tree root invasion and pipe corrosion.

Who Do I Reach Out To For Sewer Line Repair Service?

Our licensed plumbers are well-equipped and ready to handle your sewer line issues. Call us anytime and we are here to help.
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Check Your AC First Before Contacting An HVAC Repair Service

Leone Plumbing HVAC Repair ServiceHaving a malfunctioning AC can be stressful and can turn into a major headache! But that’s not the case all the time. A simple DIY solution can save you time and money. Before contacting an HVAC repair service, there are things that you need to look at on your air conditioner.

Simple Steps To Take Before Calling For An HVAC Repair Service

In some cases, the issue on your AC is just a simple fix that you can do without the help of a professional HVAC repair service. Here are the simple DIY steps before scheduling a repair service with an HVAC professional.
Look At The AC’s Power Supply
Check your circuit breakers to see if the circuit where your AC is on may have been accidentally flipped. If it is, switch the breaker on so that your AC unit has power again. If your circuit breaker regularly trips off, you need to call for a professional HVAC repair service. It is a safety problem that needs to be dealt with by an expert.
Check The Condenser Unit
For an outdoor AC unit, the condenser is concealed with vents that protect its sensitive coils. Over time, these vents can get blocked with dust or dirt and may trigger your AC to shut down due to limited airflow. Before picking up the phone to call for a professional, check your AC’s condenser and clear it off from debris. Your AC may work fine again after clearing the debris blocking the vents.
Check The AC’s Thermostat
You need to look at the thermostat’s settings and check that it’s not set to “heat,” “vent,” or even “off.” The thermostat should be in the “cool” setting. If you see that the screen is faint or does not come on, the batteries may need to be replaced. A new battery may make your AC work properly again.
Clean The Air Filters
Your AC can have difficulty flowing cool air if the air filters are dirty. There are types of ACs that turn off if there is limited airflow. Some may keep on running but with very little cool air circulating the room. If your AC filter is dirty, you need to clean it up or change it. Putting in a fresh filter may improve your AC’s cooling effect.
Check The Vents
If you have a running AC but your room is not cooling down, it can be that something is blocking the vents. You need to look around to see that there are no obstacles such as boxes, plants, furniture, or appliances that are preventing the air to flow adequately. HVAC Repair Service by Leone Plumbing and Heating

What Should I Do If My AC Is Still Not Working?

If your AC is still not working after doing these DIY steps, this is a perfect time to call for a reliable HVAC repair service. Do not let yourself be stressed! Contact us and our HVAC professional is here to fix your AC issues.
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Plumbing Repairs That Should Not Be Done DIY

Professional plumbing repairs solution by Leone PlumbingWater damage caused by a failing plumbing system is probably the worst scenario your house may encounter. It’s destructive, time-consuming, and disrupts your household activities. But thanks to social media and the internet! An average person can now do plumbing repairs with step-by-step procedures provided online. However, we can’t avoid repairs that are beyond our basic knowledge and experience. There are complex plumbing works that have to be dealt with by a professional plumber.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs That Shouldn’t Be DIY

Burst Pipes

Broken pipes usually happen during the winter. Extreme cold weather can make the pipes brittle and then burst when water pressure comes in, leaving your home flooded. A burst pipe is a complex repair issue that should be fixed quickly. This has to be dealt with by a professional plumber. A professional makes sure that the pipes are fixed and prevent future leaks and pipe rupture.

Water Heater Malfunction

A water heater can be a dangerous house appliance when it fails. You should NOT resort to DIY solutions as it requires a professional hand to fix the water heater parts. If your water heater makes an unusual sound, leaks, and smells (leaking gas), these are the signs that it’s failing and you need to seek help from a professional plumber.

Clogged Sewer Line

Clog issues caused by tree root invasion or other obstructions are a mess when done DIY. Issues with clogging pipes require professional attention and expertise. A professional has the necessary tools and equipment to get rid of roots invading your lines and also those hard obstructions such as rags, small toys, hairs, and accumulated oils.

Sump Pump Failure

This is another plumbing appliance that is often overlooked until a failure happens. A sump pump failure may happen during heavy rain or snow which causes basement flooding. There are many factors why a sump pump may fail. The most common issues are clogs and other obstructions in the sump pit, leaking pipes, and even the loss of a power source. A professional plumber knows what is best in dealing with these kinds of plumbing issues in the sump pump.

DIY Repair or Call a Professional Plumber?

Plumbing repairs are made easy nowadays and anyone can be an “expert” in their own right. Thanks to the DIY solutions available online everyone can search on the internet! DIY solutions are helpful especially during emergency repair situations. Though DIY plumbing can be adequate, there are still repairs that need to be done by a professional. If you feel you lack the experience and knowledge in handling plumbing repairs by yourself, it is the best solution to contact a professional. You can always contact us and our team of professionals can help you with your emergency plumbing repairs.
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Choosing The Right Water Piping Materials For Your Home

Leone Plumbing Water Piping SolutionWater piping connections are the most vulnerable part of the plumbing system. That is why you must pick the right piping materials for your home. There are many options to choose from and choosing the right pipe can be confusing. Today, let us look at the different types of pipes to find out what is best for your home plumbing system.

Different Types of Pipes For Your Residential Plumbing System

PVC Pipes
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are mostly used for sinks, toilet drains, or waste lines. This type of water piping material is lightweight and more convenient to work with than traditional galvanized steel pipe. However, using PVC pipes is not permitted everywhere. It is better to review your local regulations before installing PVCs.
PEX Pipes
PEX pipes are best used for water supply lines. This plastic piping material is known to withstand the high pressures of your water supply. Professional plumbers are drawn in using PEX pipes since they are flexible to weave through walls, ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces. Like PVC pipes though, they are not permitted everywhere and you have to check your local regulations before installing PEX pipes.
ABS Pipes
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) pipes should not be confused with PVC pipes. They are much alike except that the ABS pipe is black and much softer. It is mostly used for drain and vent lines. This pipe is easy to install, durable, and cost-effective. The only downside is it can easily warp when exposed to direct sunlight.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are best used for residential water supply lines. This water piping material is durable and safer to use than other pipe materials like plastics that leach chemicals. Though it’s costly, it is fairly durable for your residential plumbing.
Galvanized Steel Pipes and Cast Iron
Cast iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe are mostly found in older homes. These types of water piping materials are best used for water supply lines, drains, and vent lines. They are known to be very durable and can last for a long time until such time it rusts. These pipes are heavyweight and are difficult to cut through. To this day, they are mostly used in commercial buildings. Water Piping Materials By Leone Plumbing

How Do I Know If I Pick the Right Pipe?

Deciding on the right pipe for your residential plumbing has many factors to consider. First, you need to know the function that the pipe has to perform and also the area where it will be installed. You also have to look at your budget. The cost of the material may affect your decision. In addition, you have to check your local building codes to ensure that the type of pipe you choose is permitted. If you come to a point where you don’t know which options to choose, you can speak to a professional plumber or contractor. Contact us right now and our team of experts can help you decide!  
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All You Need To Know About Replacing Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene Pipes Replacement Services By Leone PlumbingWhen it comes to house renovation, one important aspect that a homeowner has to look into is the plumbing system. In the process of renovation, you may uncover plumbing issues that have to be dealt with such as obsolete pipes. Homes that are built before 1995 may have used polybutylene pipes that are outdated and have to be replaced.

Why Does It Matter To Replace Polybutylene Pipes?

If your home is built back in the mid-70s to mid-90s, you may have polybutylene piping underground. It really matters to replace polybutylene pipes due to the high risk of bursts or leaking with this type of piping. There is even a history of lawsuits filed to stop the usage of polybutylene piping due to the damages it caused. It could be a long-term problem if this type of pipe isn’t replaced. Leaking old pipes allows water to pool up inside ceilings and walls which can be a breeding ground for molds. Aside from the health hazard due to molds, leaking pipes can also increase your water bill!

How Can You Tell If Your Home Has Polybutylene Pipes?

Polybutylene pipes are known for their blue color trademark. However, they are also available in colors black and gray. But the surest identifier of polybutylene piping is a stamp that says “PB2110”. Another way that you can find polybutylene pipes is in places where they are commonly located. They are installed as water supply lines only and you can’t find them as vent pipes or drain. These are the places in your home where you can find them. Leone Plumbing Polybutylene Pipes Replacement Services
  • At your main shutoff valve
  • Connected to your water heater
  • Attached to sinks and toilets
  • At the ceiling of your basement where pipes are exposed
 

Why Do You Need To Replace Polybutylene Pipes?

Polybutylene (Poly B) piping is known as a cheap and easy solution. However, it was later found out that polybutylene piping could not withstand harsh disinfectants in the public water supply such as chlorine. Over time, polybutylene pipes may corrode and crack which will cause leaks. Leaks caused by leaking Poly B pipes are difficult to detect immediately (since it’s underneath) until you experience the damages it brings. Since Poly B pipes have a high risk to burst or leak, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends that homes with Poly B piping get their plumbing system replaced.

Replacements for Poly B Pipes

The suitable replacements for Poly B pipes are copper pipe, PEX tubing, and PVC pipe. There are factors and considerations as well as which ones to pick. It would be best if you speak with an expert to help you assess your old pipes and what would be your best option. Contact us today so our experts can help you! We have options to offer that are easy on your budget and we even have financing options available for you.    
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