The Best Slab Leak Repair Services Begin With Easy Rooter

Causes of Slab Leaks Can Include Plumbing Materials

We know that slab leaks in Banning and Palm Springs occur when there is some form of failure in your home’s plumbing system. We already examined that weak water lines, water hardness or softness, and faulty construction / inspections can enable slab leaks, but let’s take a closer look at slab leaks caused by specific plumbing materials. In some cases, the materials are the main problem that create a slab leak, and what they are made of, their age / condition, and the quality of the installation can impact the likeness of a slab leak. Here are some of the common materials slab leak repair plumbers run into:

• Galvanized Steel – plumbing pipes made from galvanized steel were commonly used in homes built in the 1950s. One benefit of galvanized steel is that it’s strong. However, it is known to easily corrode. Galvanized pipes are also known for clogging more easily because the coating inside the pipes has a limited lifespan that wears away and this leaves them vulnerable to the pangs of mineral buildup and rust that will eventually lead to clogged lines that minerals and waste passes through. The average lifespan of galvanized pipes is 50 years, so if you have one of those stunning mid-century modern ranch-style homes the Inland Empire is known for, and you still have the original plumbing, your pipes have already passed that expiration and you should definitely call Easy Rooter for an inspection. 
• Cast Iron Pipes – These pipes can corrode over time and cause clogs, as well as jeopardize the pipe’s structural integrity. Much like galvanized steel, they share the same downsides, but are also known for being strong materials.
• PVC Pipes – These white, plastic pipes are usually used for waste lines and became popular because they are lightweight and easier to work with than galvanized steel pipes. They are also more inexpensive and though fairly durable, they can be punctured under the right conditions. Furthermore, PVC pipes cna make sounds because they vibrate more than metal pipes. 
• Copper Pipes – Rigid copper pipes remain a popular option in today’s construction landscape, and are especially popular for hot and cold water lines. Copper is flexible, durable, and corrosion-resistant, and copper pipes should have thicker walls if they are going to be run through the slab. With this in mind, installation must be flawless or the homeowner could eventually deal with a slab leak. If these pipes receive a dent, they can wear thin and eventually leak by creating a small hole. 
• ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) – These black pipes were the first plastic pipes to ever be used in residential plumbing systems. One of the biggest drawbacks is that keeping ABS joints together can be challenging, and expert installations are required. A failed joint beneath the slab will result in a slab leak, and for this reason several municipalities don’t allow the pipes to be used in new construction.
• PEX – PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) is the latest type of plumbing known for being affordable, having high resistance to extreme hot and cold temperatures, and for being highly flexible. PEX is known for performing well after the material’s warranty so long as the installation is done correctly. Today, most home builders will either use PEX or copper plumbing lines. The most common problems associated with PEX plumbing lines that can lead to slab leaks are when they are not installed correctly and get bent beyond their limit, defective manufacturing issues, or expansion fitting problems.

As you can see, all plumbing line materials have their pros and cons. Ultimately, a slab leak can occur regardless of material type, and Easy Rooter Plumbing in Banning serving the dessert communities are trained to repair any of these materials, or even repipe the system, if required, using a superior plumbing line material that’s better suited for your home.