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Slab Leaks vs Shower Drain Clogs: How to Tell the Difference
Slab Leaks vs Shower Drain Clogs: How to Tell the Difference

Slab Leaks vs Shower Drain Clogs: How to Tell the Difference

Slab leaks and shower drain clogs happen, but they’re certainly not pleasant to deal with. No one wants…

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Slab leaks and shower drain clogs happen, but they’re certainly not pleasant to deal with. No one wants to deal with structural damage or standing water in the shower. A slab leak that goes on undetected for long can erode your home’s foundation and cause it to crumble over time. On the other hand, a shower drain clog can bring your normal routine to a halt. So, what’s the difference between the two, and how can these issues be fixed?

Slab Leaks vs Shower Drain Clogs: How to Tell the Difference

High Speed Plumbing is a trusted plumbing service that specializes in slab leak repair, clogged shower repair, and more. In this post, we look into the differences between slab leaks and shower drain clogs.

Slab Leaks

As the name implies, a slab leak occurs when the pipes beneath a home’s concrete foundation begin to leak. These leaks tend to be elusive as they occur out of sight, usually 2-6 inches beneath the foundation. A slab leak can occur due to foundation settling, which is the downward movement of the soil beneath a home. The pipes running underground can break or tear when the slab shifts or settles unevenly.

Excessively high water pressure is also a common cause of slab leaks in homes. The normal water pressure in residential properties should range from 40 to 80 PSI. However, a faulty pressure regulator, municipal supply changes, and pipe clogs can cause water pressure to rise above this safe range. High water pressure can weaken pipe joints and create small cracks. If your water pressure is excessively high, check the condition of the pressure regulator or call a nearby plumber to find the root cause.

Old and corroded pipes are more likely to develop leaks due to normal wear and tear. Apart from the increased likelihood of leaks, corroded pipes can impact water quality and lower the value of your home. If your pipes are several decades old, it’s a good idea to schedule regular inspections with a skilled plumbing service.

Common Signs of Slab Leaks

  • The sound of running water even when all faucets and appliances are turned off
  • A sudden, unexplained jump in water usage and reduced pressure
  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Puddles of water or water-damaged soil near the foundation
  • Water meter still moving when all water sources in the home are turned off

What Is a Shower Drain Clog?

A shower drain clog is a much more localized issue. It occurs when hair, soap scum, dirt, and debris accumulate inside the drainpipe, restricting water flow. Over time, this buildup can cause water to drain slowly or not at all.

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Unlike slab leaks, shower drain clogs are confined to the shower area and typically don’t affect your home’s overall water system.

Common Signs of a Shower Drain Clog

  • Standing water in the shower
  • Slow drainage while showering
  • Gurgling sounds from the drain
  • Foul odors coming directly from the drain
  • Water backing up only in the shower

If the issue is limited to one fixture and other drains in the house are working normally, the problem is likely a clog rather than a slab leak. Call a local plumber to perform an inspection when you notice any of the signs we’ve outlined above.

Contact High Speed Plumbing for Clogged Shower Repair and Slab Leak Repair

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to keep your plumbing in top shape, leaks and clogs happen. If you’re looking for clogged shower repair or slab leak repair, contact the pros at High Speed Plumbing. For years, we’ve been the go-to plumbing service for all your plumbing repair needs. No job is too big or too small for our highly trained and experienced plumbers. Call us now to book an appointment!