Leak Detection & Repair
Repair & Leak Detection Frisco
Nothing disrupts your day like discovering a wet mess under your kitchen or bathroom sink in North Texas. Whether it’s just a bit of dampness or enough to rot out your cabinets, no leak is acceptable. Before water damage ruins your stored products, flooring, or other parts of your property, call a trusted plumber to fix it once and for all. Earl’s Plumbing team of licensed plumbers in Frisco can tackle any drain leak, big or small. We perform comprehensive inspections to accurately identify the source of the leak and fix it right the first time. Call us today for leak repair in Frisco!
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These are the most common questions that we get asked from our customers.
How Common is a Slab Leak?
When we get calls over concerns about a “slab leak,” we ask multiple questions of the homeowner to determine the next course of action. At Earl’s Plumbing, we typically don’t jump straight to the slab leak location. It’s been our experience that about 40% of the calls we get for a suspected slab leak turn out to be something far less complicated.
Some of the most common are:
- Leaking toilets due to age or lower-end brands: This is especially common with builder-grade toilets such as ProFlo, Mansfield, Gerber, Western, Vortens, etc.
- Irrigation valves stuck open: This is common with aged builder-grade systems of more than 5 years.Pressure Reducing Valve and/or Home Shut-Off Valve: Issues with these valves are common in older homes and homes over 10+ years old in Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and Little Elm.
- Failed T&P valve on the water heater: Though uncommon, we see this problem in builder-grade water heaters after 8 years and big box retail store water heaters at around 6 years old (due to inferior parts).
- Hose spigot is leaking OR water is left on to an attached water hose: Both are easily correctable issues.
Pool autofill valve malfunctioning. We do not see a lot of these, but it is worth noting.
How Does a Plumber Detect a Slab Leak?
When it’s not completely obvious there is a serious pipe or slab leak, some initial tests and observations need to take place to rule out some other less common problems. Unfortunately, for that testing to be conclusive, some items must be properly functioning and in good working order. Those devices are the various water supply shut-off valves.
There are typically two types of water shut-off valves used in this area of Texas. Those are:
- Gate Valves: These are older-style valves. They are also less expensive and therefore often used in the new construction process. They look and operate very much like a hose spigot in that they require you to turn the handle multiple revolutions to fully open or close. The problem with these is that they have a fairly short life span and rely on a rubber gasket that seals the water off as it is tightened. This rubber gasket deteriorates over time and ceases to fully or properly function. This is compounded when the valves are in the ground and exposed to groundwater, mud, and various minerals in the soil. The handles and stems tend to rust off, disintegrate, and/or eventually collapse or form a water leak.
- Ball Valves: These are not new, but the engineering has changed to make them better. These types of valves are far superior to a standard gate valve and the only type Earl’s Plumbing will ever use. You will not find a gate valve on any of our trucks or in our shop unless it is part of the replacement hose spigot. Because of the slightly more expensive price, these are not as common as the standard gate valves. A ball valve usually operates by using a single handle lever that turns only one way and only turns a quarter turn open or close. There is no tightening required. The quarter turn lever stops at full open and stops at full close. Pretty simple, yet superior.
What is a Main Water Line or “Yard Line”?
The main water line is the pipe that supplies potable water to your home or business from the city or utility provider’s main service line. In residential applications, this is sometimes referred to as the “yard line.”
Technically speaking, the main water line encompasses the water meter, the pipe carrying water to the structure, and all mechanical valves, joints, and connections in between. Those would be the main shut-off valve and pressure-reducing valve (PRV) if applicable.
The utility provider’s responsibility stops at the meter. Therefore, the property owner is responsible for everything past the meter. That includes any possible leaks inside the meter box at the meter connection, which is a fairly common and relatively inexpensive repair in comparison.
By code, the main water line must be at least 3/4 inches in diameter or larger. This is very dependent upon the size or square footage of the home or business and how many fixtures are to be supplied. Most residential water lines are 1 inch, but occasionally we will see 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 inch lines in larger homes. That is why the plumber will almost always ask you the size (square footage) of your home.
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From fixing leaks to installing new water heater tanks, Earl’s has you covered! Explore our services below.
Identifying and Fixing Drain Leaks
Drain leaks can occur for various reasons, including improperly installed plumbing, misalignment caused by garbage disposal vibrations, corrosion of fittings and seals, and pressure from clogs causing gaps or fractures. Understanding these causes helps in preventing and addressing leaks effectively.
Call (945) 523-8700Common Reasons for Leaks
If you’re struggling with leaks in Frisco, they could be caused by:
- Loose water supply connections
- Garbage disposal vibrations causing misalignment
- Dislodged tubular joints from moving items under the sink
- Corrosion of fittings and seals, and pressure from clogs
Fixing a leak in Frisco might seem straightforward, but while temporary fixes like tightening the slip nut or using a patch can help, they often don’t address the root problem. Professional repair ensures a lasting solution, and Earl’s Plumbing experts perform thorough inspections and repairs to prevent future issues.
Clogged Sinks and Leaks
A clogged sink in Frisco can also lead to leaks that quickly spiral out of control. Clogs prevent water from flowing down the drain line, causing pressure to build up in the pipes, which can lead to cracks and fissures. Over time, this pressure can cause leaks, especially if store-bought drain-clearing chemicals are used, as they are often corrosive. Instead, consider professional drain cleaning or repairs for a more reliable solution.
Slab Leak Testing, Location, and Repair
Frisco slab leaks are a serious issue for homeowners, often leading to water damage, mold growth, and foundation problems. These leaks occur in the copper pipes running underneath the concrete slab foundation. Earl’s Plumbing offers professional slab leak detection and repair using advanced equipment to provide fast and effective solutions.
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Call (945) 523-8700Fixing Slab Leaks
Signs of slab leaks in Frisco include high water usage notifications, sudden increases in water bills, hot spots on the floor, running water sounds when no fixtures are in use, and visible water damage to flooring. Once the leak is identified, plumbers use a series of tests and advanced equipment to detect slab leaks. Methods include visual inspections, pressure tests, and acoustic leak detection. Earl’s Plumbing has extensive experience in accurately identifying and repairing these leaks.
Fixing a slab leak involves different methods depending on the situation and location of the leak. The most common method is tunnel excavation, preferred for its speed and minimal disruption. Concrete slab penetration in Frisco involves removing flooring and jackhammering the slab, while water line rerouting is typically used in single-story homes and involves some drywall repairs.
Yard Line & Meter Leaks
Yard line and meter leaks fall under the homeowner’s responsibility once the water leaves the service line and enters the property, often leading to high water bills, unexplained wet spots, and low water pressure. Earl’s Plumbing offers efficient and economical solutions, using advanced detection methods to pinpoint the exact location of leaks and ensure precise repairs.
Our experienced team prioritizes minimal disruption to your property and strives to keep costs affordable, providing the best service without breaking the bank. Trust Earl’s Plumbing to handle your yard line and meter leaks professionally and effectively, restoring your plumbing system to optimal condition.
Identifying Yard Line Leaks
Mainline water leaks in Frisco can be difficult to detect. Signs of a leak include unexpectedly high water bills, sounds of running water when no fixtures are in use, low water pressure, wet spots in your yard, mold or mildew in usually dry areas, and foul smells from drains or the yard. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional plumber at Earl’s to diagnose and repair the issue.
Tips from Our Experts
Does My Drain Clog Require a Plumber?
How Can You Tell if You Have a Slab Leak?
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Slab Leaks?
Call Earl’s Plumbing for Leak Detection and Repair in Frisco Today
For comprehensive plumbing services, from drain leaks to yard line repairs, trust the experts at Earl’s Plumbing. Contact us today for precise diagnostics, expert repairs, and superior customer service in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and surrounding North Texas areas. Your plumbing problems are our priority, and we’re here to ensure your home runs smoothly and safely.
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