Did you know that if the alkalinity of your water suddenly increases, it could be due to a slab leak? According to the EPA drinking water should have a pH of between 6.5 and 8.5. Water with a pH level lower than 6.5 is considered acidic, and it has the ability to leach chemicals and metals from your water pipes, like lead and copper. Water with pH levels that are higher than 8.5 are not harmful to human health, but they can contribute to scale build-up on your faucets and fixtures. High pH levels may even mean that you have a slab leak.
Concrete pH Levels and Slab Leak
Many homes and businesses are built upon concrete slab foundations, which are durable, reliable and affordable. However, when a home or business is built on a concrete slab, the water pipes are often ran through the slab, and this can pose problems if you develop a slab leak. This is because slab leaks are not easily detectable, depending on the severity, and in some instances, a change in your water’s pH level may be the only clue.
The concrete used for foundation slabs generally have a pH level between 12 and 13, which is extremely base. If you have a water leak under your slab, you may notice that your pH levels are elevated, especially if you’ve had your water tested in the past and know the average pH level. The water, as it passes through the leaking pipe, can pick up minerals from the concrete slab, thus increasing its overall pH level.
The Case for Testing Your Potable Water on a Regular Basis
For businesses and homeowners, it makes sense to test the pH levels of your water on a regular basis. Many home improvement stores as well as Walmart and Amazon sell water testing strips that can be used to test your potable water’s alkalinity. If you notice the alkalinity rising, you may have a slab leak. This is especially true if you’ve noticed other slab leak signs, like wet flooring or carpet, sounds of running water when no water is in use or nearby and an ever-increasing water bill.
Causes of Slab Leaks
Slab leaks are typically caused by aging and corroded plumbing pipes, and they can occur is any pipe running below your slab, including your potable water lines and your drain and sewer lines. Slab leaks can also be caused by shifting earth or the plumbing pipe rubbing against the underside of the concrete foundation.
Repairing a Slab Leak with Nu Flow
Repairing a slab leak may seem like a challenging and costly task, and it often is when you choose traditional pipe replacement for your slab leak repair. This is because traditional plumbing repairs for slab leaks involve removing the flooring and digging through the concrete slab to reach the pipe. This method of repair is time-consuming and involves hiring other contractors to repair the damage to your slab and floor.
By contrast, Nu Flow’s pipe lining service can repair the pipes below your foundation without digging through your floors and the concrete slab. Instead, your flooring and slab are left in-tact for the repair. Our pipe lining technicians accomplish this task by performing a camera inspection of the affected pipe in order to locate the leak. Then, we perform the pipe lining service via existing access points. This means we do not have to dig to reach your plumbing pipes, and your pipe repair can often be performed faster than a traditional pipe replacement.
For more information on our slab leak repair services and to schedule a camera inspection or building pipe assessment, call us at 815-790-9000.