Water pooling on wooden floor with colorful towels absorbing moisture, indicating a potential slab leak issue in a home setting.

How to Identify a Slab Leak

It’s something every homeowner dreads, but here at The Darville Company, one of our most common service calls is in response to a slab leak. In this post, we’ll tell you what they are, how to identify them, what to do, and how we can help.

WHAT CAUSES A SLAB LEAK?

Like the name implies, a slab leak involves a leak that impacts your “slab,” also known as the concrete foundation of your home. It happens in the same way as a lot of the other plumbing issues we’ve discussed in other blogs. 

Some of the pipes that bring water to and from your home actually go right through your slab. Like pipes in your yard, attic, crawl space, or wall, they wear and can become corroded, eventually leaking or becoming clogged. In extreme situations, they can even explode. Any of these scenarios can damage your slab.

WHAT IT MEANS

A damaged slab can throw your whole home off balance – literally! Damage to the foundation could cause parts of your home to sink. If left untreated, a leak could also lead to mold. Gross!

SPOTTING A SLAB LEAK

Since a slab leak is literally happening underneath your house, they can be tricky to spot. Here are a few signs you can look for:

  • Sudden increase in water usage/bill
  • Pooled water
  • Damp carpet or damaged flooring
  • Mold/mildew (you may see or smell it)
  • Loss of water pressure
  • Hot water heater constantly running

HOW WE CAN HELP

The Darville Company has the experts you need to inspect and repair your slab, and make sure it will remain safe and dry for years to come. More good news: some homeowner insurance will cover the cost of slab leak repair. Obviously, you’ll need to check your policy, but that sort of coverage is not uncommon. If you need slab repair, call The Darville Company to schedule your appointment today at 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the higher standard!

American Standard air conditioning unit with metal casing, featured by The Darville Company for HVAC services.

Equipment Spotlight: American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning

Here at The Darville Company, we are the Higher Standard. We take pride in America, so we’re proud to offer the very best American-made products. One of the best examples of this is our long-running partnership with American Standard. Darville offers a full complement of American Standard products, including:

  • air conditioners
  • air handlers
  • coils
  • furnaces
  • heat pumps
  • packaged systems
  • ductless systems and mini-splits
  • thermostat controls
  • air quality products
  • zoning products

Also, each product includes competitive warranty options.

ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD

American Standard is a quintessential American company. Hard work, quality products, and good service have made American Standard a staple in homes and businesses for 90 years. Their focus on energy efficiency and total home comfort falls right in line with the expectations we have for product performance.

AIR CONDITIONING OPTIONS

One of the premier products that we offer is American Standard air conditioners. They are designed to not only keep you cool, but to save you money while doing it. Whether you’d like the most efficient, quietest, or highest-value unit, we can find the one that is best for you. Among these options is the new AccuComfort series of air conditioners. 

The AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 20 consistently adjusts not only for temperature, but to make sure your unit isn’t overworking. This keeps you comfortable and saves you money at the same time. 

If noise is a problem, try the AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 18. The system runs efficiently like the Platinum 20, but with the quietest operation noise compared to any competitor unit.

Or maybe it’s value you’re looking for. American Standard’s Silver 14 Air Conditioner could be the perfect fit. It’s quiet and efficient, all at an affordable price. If you are interested in any of American Standard’s HVAC systems, call Darville today at 432-580-9675 or reach out through our Contact Form! Darville. The Higher Standard.

HVAC technician checking air conditioning unit with pressure gauges outdoors, emphasizing maintenance and efficiency for optimal cooling performance.

When Is It Time to Get Your A/C Checked?

Here in the Permian Basin, we’re used to seeing hot temperatures ALL. SUMMER. LONG. 2019 has been no different. It was at or above (sometimes way above) 90 virtually every day. If you’re like us, you rely on air conditioning to keep you cool all summer long. But the fall is finally here! If it’s been running strong, do you even need to get your A/C checked? Here are some tips so you’ll know.

How Often Should I Have My A/C Unit Checked?

It’s generally recommended that you get your whole system checked at least once a year, but once in the Spring and once in the Fall is optimal. For starters, an expert inspection will catch things that a regular homeowner might miss. For example, a small leak anywhere in your system might not cause any discomfort now, but if it’s not caught and fixed soon, it could become a major, and potentially expensive, problem. Things like a clog in your drain line won’t impact your cooling but could cause problems in your attic if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Does The Inspection Include?

Some of the things you can expect from an inspection for the Fall include: 

Replace standard filter or wash air cleaner, inspect & adjust all belts & pulleys, inspect heat exchanger, flue assemblies, burners & draft diverters in season as necessary, electronically test for poisonous, deadly carbon monoxide gas in the heating season, check operation of electric heat strips & fuse links, test and check operating temperatures, clean the pilot assembly & test flame, test for gas leaks at furnace connections, ensure your unit is in good working condition.

What’s The Benefit?

A regular inspection can determine and boost the general efficiency of your unit. Even if it’s just a tune-up, the increased efficiency will help your unit run more smoothly, and could easily save you $100 or more in energy costs over the course of a year.

The Darville Company has been serving Odessa, Midland, and the entire Permian Basin for over 70 years. Call us today at (432) 580-9675 to schedule your HVAC inspection. You’ll be glad you did. The Darville Company is The Higher Standard.

A smiling man in a green jacket stands in front of a large American flag, promoting The Darville Company's community pride.

Darville in the Spotlight

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We at The Darville Company are proud of our history. We’re proud of Odessa, a community we’re so blessed to serve.

Mark recently had an opportunity to visit with the Odessa American about our company’s history – read the story here.

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