Slab Leaks

Early Slab Leak Detection

1. Higher water bill
2. Higher gas bill
3. Moist soil surrounding a building/structure
4. Hot floors
5. Hot or lukewarm water out of cold side of faucets or in the toilet
6. Sound of running water with no fixture(s) actually on
7. Room is humid for no apparent reason
8. Moisture or condensation found under furniture, boxes, throw rugs
9. Mildew smell
10. Water Heater or Boiler constantly running or cycling

What causes slab leaks and how to prevent them!
1. Excessive incoming water pressure: Uniform Plumbing Codes deem water pressure above 80psi to be considered excessive. However, most plumbing part manufacturers recommend 50psi as the optimum pressure rating for long lasting faucets, water heaters, and toilets. Frequently monitor the incoming pressure by testing with a inexpensive ($10.00 local hardware store) pressure gauge http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Pressure_Sensors_-a-_Pressure_Gauges/Dial_Pressure_Gauges_%281.5,_2.0,_2.5_Inch_Dials%29?source=google&keyword=%2Bpressure%20gauges&type=search&gclid=CKXkutTek64CFeUaQgodS3EDLg. Should the pressure be over 75psi consider the installation of a pressure regulator and/or adjusting an existing pressure regulator down.http://www.zurn.com/pages/catalog.asp?ProductGroupID=86&OperationID=11

2. Thermal Expansion:

General Information - What is Thermal Expansion?

When water is heated it expands. For example, water heated from 90°F to a thermostat setting of 140°F in a 40 gallon hot water heater will expand by almost one-half gallon. This is because when water is heated, its density decreases and its volume expands (see below). Since water is not compressible, the extra volume created by expansion must go someplace. During no-flow periods in a system, pressure reducing valves, backflow preventers, and other one-way valves are closed, thus eliminating a path for expanded water to flow back to the system supply. Hence, system pressure increases. http://www.watts.com/pages/learnAbout/thermalExpansion.asp?catId=64 How to curb Thermal Expansion: with the installation of a thermal expansion tank or other authorized device.
3. High PH levels in the water supply:
1.Copper pitting corrosion remains poorly understood despite a number of reports released in recent years. There have been cases of copper pitting problems in waters having high pH, low alkalinity, and significant levels of sulfate and chloride http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_res_copper_ai2.html To correct add a water softener and/or water conditioning device.


Don't let the small leaks become costly repairs.
1. Leaky toilets http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/fixleak.html
2. Leaks under sinks
3. Shower Valve leaks
4. Improper caulking around fixtures/faucets http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/caulking-your-tub-and-shower.html
5. Leaks at toilet base http://www.doityourself.com/stry/h2replacetoilet

All of these minor types of leaks can lead to very unpleasant experiences in the form of mold, mildew, and costly restoration repairs due to water damage. Its wise to perform monthly inspections of all visible plumbing. And, to correct even the smallest of leaks before it becomes a big one (left alone they all do).

Low Cost Drain Cleaning

Low Cost Drain Cleaning... Deal or Bait and Switch??? You decide

Have you heard the deals? $99.00 to clear any drain - $89.00 drain cleaning specials - $79.00 to clear your drains - $49.50 - $34.99 and so on. Heck, there are even companies that have embedded low price drain cleaning slogans on their actual trucks, and company names. Great for the consumers, right? NOT!

For starters, many of these "drain specials" come with hidden restrictions such as there must be an accessible cleanout, the line can't be longer than 100 ft., the work must be performed during normal work hours, etc. etc.

This is where the problem begins! The consumer has no idea the so called "specials" come with varying restrictions, and immediately feel betrayed by misleading advertising. Or, once the drain cleaner hits your door the dreaded high pressure sales pitch starts.

So, how can a company promote such "low prices" for drain cleaning services and actually stand by their advertising? The simple answer is THEY CAN'T... Strike That!  They can, but they won't be in business very long.

Allow me to explain: the average cost per lead (or customer) is $50.00 on up to $350.00 per lead. So let's go with the conservative number of $50.00. Right out the gate, one can see where a company who promotes anything under $50.00 is already losing money and requires a desperate scheme to make up the difference SOMEWHERE! Guess where?

Ok, I shall digress... So, the lead costs $50.00 Now let's add on the rest.

- There is gas involved - call it $5.00 per lead (conservatively)
- Office staff/overhead - call it $15.00 per lead (this cost obviously varies from company to company)
- There is the actual plumber's pay - call it $24.00 per hour (the State of California Industrial Welfare Commission has determined $24.00 per hr. to be the going rate for a competent plumber)
- There are payroll taxes, workman compensation, and other benefits to pay (assuming the company promoting such low prices actually pays taxes and has workman's compensation) one would assume so but, its best to actually check and verify such. Let's add another $15.00 as a conservative number on the taxes/benefits side.
- Lastly, any company doing business would definitely like to make a profit, otherwise what's the point, right? Let's say 10% profit margin

So, in adding the hard costs we have $50.00 plus, $5.00 plus, plus $24.00 (assuming from start to finish the job only required 1 hour - not likely, if good service is involved), and $15.00 of which equals $94.00 ADD to that a 10% profit margin and we end up at $103.40 ...

Funny that we come up with $103.40. In 1988 the going rate to clear a main sewer line was $100.00 and that was 25 years ago!

So, where is the money going to be made? 

How can a company advertising to clear your drain for $35.00 stay in business if they can't turn a profit?

I strongly recommend you take the time to research the online reviews of every plumbing service company you're considering. Save yourself some time and frustration and don't be fooled.

By Anthony Pouliot

Toll Free 1-855-893-3601

San Bernardino Co. 1-909-758-0280

Riverside County 1-951-427-1707

San Gabriel Valley 1-626-696-3490

Better, Cleaner, Faster Service!

  CSLB C36 #967595