Slab leak detection can be difficult. Hiring a professional is the quickest and easiest way to detect leaks and get the problem repaired in a timely fashion. It’s important to hire the right professional for the job. You want someone who is certified, licensed and has the training needed to work with large slabs of concrete.

Tips To Hire a Slab Leak Detection Specialist You Can Trust

Check Angie’s List

Check Angie’s List. The site has reviews from actual clients and allows you to find as much information as possible in one place. The site offers an abundance of information and gives you all of the professional’s contact information.

Talk to Friends and Family

Your friends and family are an excellent resource when it comes to finding plumbing professionals. Most have had a plumbing emergency and are more than willing to tell others about their experience. They can provide you with the names and contact information of several slab leak detection experts who are worth contacting, as well as the names of those you may want to avoid.

Look at Their Website

Once you’ve found a slab leak detection professional, search their website. Are they certified by the Better Business Bureau? What services do they offer? Look for any discounts they may be advertising or if they offer a guarantee for their work. Their website will provide you with an abundance of information, all you have to do is look for it.

Ask for References

When you call to make an appointment, ask if they have any references that you can check out. Most will be more than happy to share them. They know a good word from a previous customer speaks volumes and many are more than willing to tell about their experience.

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If your plumbing starts to give you fits, you may decide to try and make some of the repairs yourself. There are several plumbing mistakes many people make that end up costing them a lot more than if they would have just called a plumber in the first place.

Here are some common plumbing mistakes DIYers make:

Applying Force or Using Too Much Pressure

Applying too much pressure on a struck shut off valve will not solve the problem. Trying to force a slip nut or piece of loose piping can result in damage to not only the pipe you’re working on but others that are close to it. Take it easy and try to work it loose. Never force it.

Forgetting to Turn Off the Water

Trying to fix your plumbing with the water on is like trying to keep flour from going through a sifter. It rarely works, and if it does, you will end up with a mess. Turn the water off before you start messing with the pipes.

Overtightening Fittings

Don’t overtighten fittings or connections. This can cause them to strip or, in some cases, snap off altogether. Instead of bearing down to tighten things up, simply make them snug and then give a slight bit more pressure to seal it.

Starting the Work without the Right Tools

Always have the right tools before you start. This will keep you from having to leave halfway through the job to go to the hardware store to get a tool you need to make the necessary repairs. A professional plumber will have the right tools that make the job easy.

Not Replacing all the Worn Parts

Make sure you have all of the right parts. Don’t take for granted that only one part will be bad. If one part is worn, odds are others will be too. Replace them all at the same time, so you don’t have to repeat the job in six months.

Overusing Caustic Drain Cleaners

Avoid using caustic drain cleaners. If you can’t make the necessary repairs yourself, a professional will have to pick up where you left off. Odds are he will get stuck dealing with the nasty chemicals as well as the drain problem.

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