Is there a reason for the unexplained jump in your water bill? Do you have floors that are cracking or doors that will not close properly without any apparent cause? You may be like some of our neighbors who have been put off by talk of “slab leaks” and are left to wonder if their own home is in for the same.
There is no need to be concerned on your own; we can put it down to what is underfoot. We at Dallas Plumbing & Air Conditioning have been of service to the homeowners of North Texas since 1903, so we know from experience the effect this part of the country’s soil has on a plumbing system. Give us a ring at 214-227-9459 to discuss the matter.
The clay soil in North Texas is expansive and thick. With rain comes swelling and expansion. In the long dry runs of summer the clay does the opposite and pulls away. The foundation and pipes buried in the ground have to endure the pressure of this perpetual give and take, with the plumbing bearing the brunt.
Why Your Pipes Suffer from Clay Soil
In the Fort Worth and Dallas area the majority of homes are built on a concrete slab. It is common for drain and water lines to be routed under or through it. Should the soil make a move, the slab follows suit and the pipes in its path are bent and put under stress.
Decades of good service from a pipe can come to an end when the earth around it shifts, resulting in a break or a joint coming apart.
Soil Movement: What We Come Across
We get calls from Collin and Tarrant County about a few recurring issues, most of which can be put down to the clay. Among them:
- Slab leaks from a water line going under the concrete
- A sewer or drain line breaking as the joints separate
- A hidden leak showing up as a higher water bill
- Dampness or warmth on the floor where a hot water line is leaking
- A supply line that is compromised, lowering your water pressure
- Cracks in the foundation in tandem with other plumbing woes
- Drains backing up once the soil settles and the pitch of the sewer line is altered
Things to Look Out For
With clay soil much of the damage is done out of view. Before one is aware of it a pipe can be leaking under the slab for weeks. But if one knows where to look the home will tell you.
If all the faucets are off and you can still hear running water, or the meter is moving after you have put everything to rest, make a note of it. Be on the alert for mildew, odd warm spots on the floor or puddles with no source. An unprovoked rise in the water bill is usually the surest indicator of a slab leak. Some homeowners do not act until the problem is in plain sight and the repair is more of an undertaking than it had to be. An early intervention is worth it to avoid the expense and aggravation.
Lessening the Risk
One cannot alter the soil, but there are ways to prevent it from being so volatile. Steady the moisture in the soil by watering the foundation in dry periods. Make sure gutters and downspouts are pointed clear of the home. Put a stop to a small leak before it is a big one. Older homes in particular should have their plumbing given an occasional once over. And monitor your usage each month for any change.
Leave the Professionals to It
You are not going to want to tackle a buried line break or slab leak yourself. To find and fix the leak properly requires the experience and tools to do the job. As a family firm into our third and fourth generation, we have been meeting the demands of North Texas plumbing for a century and more.
Our service extends to over 150 zip codes in the region including Dallas and Fort Worth, with no trip or per-mile fee to you. We provide 24/7 emergency service and free estimates so as not to leave you waiting when there is water in an unwelcome place.
Do not let the clay under your home do more damage than it has to. Contact us at 214-227-9459 and we will have a look.
