Utah Leak Locate

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  • Different leaks that can happen in your home or business

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we say at Utah Leak Locate, “every leak should be considered an emergency.”  This is true whether we are talking about a water, sewer, air, or gas leak in your home or business.  As part of maintaining your property, we recommend a quick inspection on a monthly basis.  We cannot tell you how many times our customers have not visited their basement for 3 months just to find that their basement has flooded.  This is upsetting to us because the permanent damage could have been avoided if the water leak was found earlier.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Places where leaks can commonly occur.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Water Leaks:  Basically any pipe in your home or business is going to be susceptible to leaks at one point or another.  It is easy to determine if a leak is occurring when pipes are visible.  The real concern is when pipes are behind walls, under the floor or even outside under concrete or asphalt.  Indoor water leak warnings include seeing discoloration on the walls, ceiling or floor.  You can also sometimes be able to smell rot or mildew if a leak has occurred.  Outdoor leaks can include anything from a drop in your grass to water seeping and collecting on concrete even though it hasn’t rained and the sprinklers have not been running.  If you have seen any sign of a leak call a professional leak location company today.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Gas Leaks:  As a home or business owner you should be aware of the appliances that are gas powered.  Typically you can see that your water heater, stove, boilers and various cookers.  Gas leaks occur for similar reasons that any leak occurs.  Common examples include poor fittings on the pipes and lines that supply gas to the utility.  It is important that you inspect your gas-powered appliances, and during their installation, you only have a licensed repair professional perform the installation.  Gas leaks should be considered an emergency situation.  Not only can breathing in the fumes be harmful to your family, employees or pets, you are running a huge risk of fire.  If you are experiencing a gas leak shut off the gas immediately, and call emergency gas line repair services.

    Sewer Leaks: Whether you own or home or operate a business, no one ever wants to deal with a sewage leak as a result of a broken line.  Sewage leaks are usually the result of a damaged or broken sewer line.  Warnings signs can include your toilets frequently getting blocked or backed up.  In some situations, you can also see foundation cracks on floors or concrete slabs that are the foundation of your home or business.  It is important to call a sewer leak detection company so that they can pinpoint the source of the leak.  This will allow you to understand the severity of the damage as well as keep repair costs as low as possible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”29692″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”blue”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1528380579151{background-color: #1e73be !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Local leak location company.

    [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Utah Leak Locate is the only company founded in Utah of its kind.  Our leak detection specialists have been able to save countless customers for large repair bills, and save their property from extreme damage.  Recently we were able to save a historical site in Salt Lake City from permanent damage.   We have expanded our service area to continue helping those dealing with leaks of any kind.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Finding leaks in your hydronic snowmelt heating system

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    What causes a snowmelt system to leak?

    Hydronic snowmelt systems are a convenient and non-corrosive way to keep your driveway, parking lot, or sidewalk free of ice and snow. For those who may not know, a hydronic snowmelt system is a series of closed-loop tubing that goes under concrete slabs around your home or business. Just like any water utility, leaks can happen especially as years of wear and use begin to pile up. When locating a leak in your snowmelt system, you want to pinpoint the underground leak below the concrete slabs.

    How underground water leaks are detected.

    Whether we are talking about a residential application, industrial, commercial or in a municipality, the process is similar. Experienced technicians will use high-end leak location equipment to find the source of the leak. The difference really comes down to working with a company that has invested the proper resources to use top of the line detection equipment. Examples can include acoustic equipment that is fine-tuned to literally hear the small hissing noise a water leak will produce. Other times our technicians will use tracer technology that uses special gases to target and isolate the damaged pipe. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”29548″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”blue” css_animation=”fadeInRight”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Concerns with repairing damaged snowmelt lines.

    The main concern with repairing any water leak is to stop the water from flowing as soon as possible. Constantly flowing water poses cost concerns with wasted water. More importantly, these leaks can lead to foundational or structural damage to your home or business. Another large concern is being able to fix the problem with as little cost and excavation as possible. This is where working with the best leak location companies really pays off. Rather than tearing up a large area of concrete, professionals will be able to reduce the amount of construction because they know right where the leak is. Think of it as looking for a needle in a haystack with a metal detector. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 6 signs you may have a leaky pipe

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]A leaky pipe in your home or business can cause big headaches if not properly fixed. Sometimes these leaks are as obvious as hearing or seeing running water. As a company, we come in for the other times when a leak is hidden or underground. As a diligent property owner, you can pay attention to the signs that you may have a leaky pipe.
    Signs you may have a leaking pipe.

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    • Low water pressure: There are several culprits behind low water pressure. Typically we can see this issue arise from clogs and or sediment build up that constricts the amount of water that can flow through your interior piping system. If you have tried over the counter drain cleaners or had a plumber come out to no avail, you may have a leaking or damaged pipe.
    • Water damage in home: Wet or discolored spots on your ceiling, floor or walls, could be a sign of a leaking pipe. If left untreated it could cause mold or mildew to grow behind your walls which poses health risks and cause damage to a home’s foundation. If you notice these warnings signs it is in your best interest to call a local leak location company right away.
    • Water won’t stay hot: When you turn on your hot water for the first time in a day and it only stays hot for a few minutes, this could be a sign of a leak in your water heater. We recommend checking the base of your water heater to see if a liquid is gathering. Not only is a lack of hot water an inconvenience, it can be a sign of a larger plumbing issue.
    • Slow drainage: In extreme cases, slow draining could be caused by a broken pipe causing a pool of water in the main drain, which can lead to permanent damage to your house and foundation. In less severe cases, slow drainage could also be caused by a clog. It is time to call a professional if you notice these problems keep persisting as your piping system might be compromised and ready for replacement.
    • Odd smell: If you clean your bathroom on a regular basis and it still has a musty or rotten egg smell, this could be a sign that you have a busted or leaking pipe. Leaking pipes behind walls can cause mold or water damage as stated above on sign number 2, which may be the reason for the smell. When we cannot see a leak our sense of smell comes in handy. If you are concerned about a water or sewage leak call a leak detection specialist as soon as possible.
    • High water bills: If you have a higher than normal water bill and don’t recall any changes in your water usage, this could be a sign you have a leak in your pipes. A leak in your pipes can cause a continual drip which adds to your water usage. Even slow dripping is an issue that will add to your water bill and potentially cause major damage.

    [/gem_list][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]And there you have it. A leaky pipe is usually not something we think of regularly. Water, sewage, air or gas leaks always seem to come at the most inconvenient times. We recommend taking extra care when the seasons are changing as these temperature fluctuations will cause extra strain on your plumbing. Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns. If you live along The Wasatch Front and would like to schedule an appointment, please call our main office at (801) 613-0969 to speak with a representative.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Locating a leak in a water main

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Utah Leak Locate was recently called upon to locate a leak in a 24-inch water main. This was a particularly challenging job because it was located under the street at a busy intersection on 5600 West and 3100 south. We always strive to save our customers money and help fix a leak in the most efficient and economically feasible way. We are happy to see the relieved look on our customer’s faces when they realize how much money we save them from other companies offering the same service. This particular project was even more satisfying because we were called upon by the city. All things considered, we were able to save the taxpayers around $40,000 by pinpointing the exact area the leak was occurring.

    Locating a leak in a water main

    Whenever we are called upon to locate and repair a leak in a water main there are several key priorities we put above all others.
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  • Avoiding plumbing and water leaks during winter

    Avoiding plumbing and water leaks during winter

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Utah is a hard state to live in when it comes to indoor plumbing. Winter is an especially difficult time of year due to our large temperature fluctuations. In a matter of 48 hours outside temperatures can go from 60 degrees down to 10 degrees and back up again. This constant heating and cooling will cause your pipes and fittings to expand and contract, which can cause water leaks. Below are some of the more common areas that will leak during winter as well as what you can do to avoid these leaks when it gets cold outside.

    Outdoor and exterior fixtures
    If you have outdoor pipes that are not insulated it is highly recommended that you insulate these pipes before winter hits. You can wrap the pipes in electrical heating tape and take things even one step further by purchasing insulating foam from a hardware store and wrap the exposed pipe. You should also winterize your outdoor pipes and faucets by disconnecting your garden hose from the house and storing it in a warm place.

    Water heater leaks
    Keeping your water heater clear of sediment will help prevent rusting and leaks as time goes on. If you live in an area where there is a high amount of sediment in the water, it is important to clean and flush out your water heater. This is an important task for any home or business owner. We recommend that you take care of this task before freezing temperatures hit. We are happy to help with any water heater leaks and maintenance issues.

    Sump pumps and basement leaks
    It is always a fantastic idea to inspect the areas of your home that is not frequently visited for leaks. During the winter your basement is one of the areas most likely to experience water leaks from either seeping snowmelt water or burst pipes. Your sump pump and water collection pit are areas that we recommend you take extra care to thoroughly inspect. If standing water and debris is not properly cleared out then it can freeze and cause your sump pump to stop working.

    Leak prevention is the key to surviving Utah’s winters

    Prevention is always going to be the best method when it comes to avoiding leaks. Not only can these practices give you peace of mind, they will also help you save money by avoiding and preventing large problems occurring in the future. If you have any questions or concerns about how to detect and prevent water leaks please call our office at (801) 613-0969 to speak with a leak detection specialist.
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  • How to detect a water main or sewer leak

    How to detect a water main or sewer leak

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    How to detect a water main or sewer leak.

    As a home or business owner being able to see the warning signs of a leak in your water main or sewer main can save you from catastrophic damage. We wanted to write a quick article showing some simple ways that allow almost every homeowner to diagnose if they have a leak and determine if they need to call a professional detection company.

    Detecting a water main leak.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”30052″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Water meter – If you can locate the pressure dial on your water meter you can quickly diagnose if you have a leak. The dial should normally be moving if the water is being used in the house. But, if the dial is moving while there is no water being used, then you most likely have a leak somewhere in your piping.
    Water main – Detecting a water main leak is more complicated. Make sure to shut the water main valve and drain the plumbing. You do this so that you can listen for a leak occurring, just like listening to a running faucet. Putting your ear on the furthest end of the plumbing is a low-tech way to listen for any leaks or unusual noises. Professional leak detection services will utilize complex devices that you could use for this task. If you think there might be a chance of a leak or if you’re unable to detect the leak yourself, it is best to call a trained professional who specializes in diagnosing leaks.

    Detecting a sewer leak

    Running toilet – If you have a running toilet you might have a sewer leak. An easy way to find out if your toilet is running is to shut off the water valve behind your toilet and then add some food coloring or fabric dye to the main tank of the toilet. Wait about 10-30 minutes and look at the toilet bowl. If there is colored water, you have a running toilet.
    Leaking sewer drain – Although a sewer drain leak is commonly mistaken for a water main leak, finding a sewer drain could be easier with these steps. IN most cases, a sewer joint can usually be found near the outside of the foundation wall of the property. If you have a sewer leak, there may be water present on the basement floor. An accurate way to test for a sewer leak is to do another dye test. This is done by removing the cap from the sewer trap that should be on the side of the house. Then pouring some food coloring or fabric dye into the sewer trap. After you should run a sick for a few minutes or flush a toilet. After waiting an hour or so, if you have a leak there should be dyed water pooled on your basement floor or on your foundation wall.

    Do not ignore signs of a leak.

    Remember that the above-provided information is designed to simply help you as a home or business owner to decide if you need to call a leak detection and repair company. Leaks can cause massive amounts of damage especially if they go undiagnosed or happen during weather changes. If you know or suspect you have a leak contact Utah Leak Locate at (801) 613-0969 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Everything you need to know about helium leak detection

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]At Utah Leak Locate we understand one important rule. To get the best results you need the best technicians with the best equipment. As such we are happy to announce that we can now offer helium leak detection services as part of our already extensive line of work. So what is helium leak detection and how does it work?

    Helium leak detection explained

    Although we certainly can detect and locate helium leaks, our helium mass spectrometer tool actually uses helium to find smaller leaks or leaks that are located far below the ground. The use of helium as a tracer gas was developed during WWII in the Manhattan Project. Helium is a fantastic tracer gas because of its small molecular build-up. Basically, helium will go anywhere that it can, allowing technicians to detect the presence of helium in even the smallest cracks that are not visible to the naked eye. Helium detection can be very precise because helium is virtually not present in the atmosphere. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”30049″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    How can helium leak detection benefit your home or business?

    In most cases seismic and audio based leak detection techniques can be applied when finding the source of a gas or water leak. However, if the piping is far below ground it is not possible to use sound-based tools. Rather than having to dig 20-30 below the surface, helium detection equipment can be used. These ultra-sensitive tools can detect the presence of helium when introduced to the system. If it detects the helium through the piping you know that there is a leak present and even though you cannot see it, you know right where it is underground.

    Although helium leak location techniques may not be the first choice, depending on your situation it may be the wisest. If you believe that you have a water or gas leak we encourage you to request an examination by one of our trained professionals. They can advise you what method of leak detection is going to be best. Their end goal is going to be fixing your leak in the most cost-effective way possible. With the as little disruption to your property as well. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of helium leak detection call our office at (801) 613-0969 or leave a comment in the section below.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • How to prevent a leak during winter.

    How to prevent a leak during winter.

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Extreme temperature fluctuations put stress on any homeowner’s plumbing. This inconvenience means that the coming of winter could have an impact on your property’s plumbing by the rapid contraction and expansion of water inside the pipes.
    These steps will help you avoid your pipes from cracking in the cold of winter. And will help you prevent leaks as the seasons change.

    Steps you can take to prevent leaks

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    1. Protect pipes from freezing
      As winter temperatures plummet, the water inside your pipes could easily freeze. This causes most piping to burst. This could cause potential flooding to your home or business, a problem that we all want to avoid. To reduce the probability of this happening, wrap all un-insulated pipes in a blanket of foam, or similar insulating material. By keeping your pipes at a higher temperature during winter you decrease the stress that cold temperatures cause.
    2. Fix any pre-existing leaks beforehand
      Any existing leak should be fixed immediately, especially before winter comes or any major climate change that could affect the water inside your piping. If you suspect a leak contact a local leak repair and location company to assist you right away. Much like the windshield on your car, small cracks will grow as water freezes and expands.
    3. Disconnect all outdoor hoses
      Make sure to remove any hoses before the water freezes, it could eventually spread to any connecting faucets and pipes. Which in turn will leave you with a hefty repair bill.
    4. Close and drain outdoor valves
      If you have any outdoor shut-valves, make sure to remove anything connected to it, and drain it thoroughly. Any water that is still in your valves could cause serious damage.
    5. Clean house sump pump
      If you have a sump pump, make sure to clean the sump and the pit on which it sits in. If it should freeze it would cause a blockage in the pump and cause excess water to flood your basement. Save yourself from potential massive flood damage and cleanup bills.

    One final thought about protecting your home from winter leaks.

    Winter should be about huddling inside your warm house and creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Avoid your pipes from leaking and the extensive and expensive process of having to have your pipes repaired. Prepare yourself and your piping before winter hits, call your local plumbers to help you get your home or business winterized and ready for the harsh cold winds of winter. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • How to protect your basement from water leaks?

    How to protect your basement from water leaks?

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Even though we live in a desert state, we can usually count on Utah’s weather to be all over the place. As the seasons change we can go from extremely hot and dry forecasts to freezing temperatures with lots of snow. One thing is for certain, home and business owners need to stay on their toes to avoid leaks. Basements are typically one of the key areas where leaks can occur. As the lowest point of the house, basements are oftentimes below accumulating groundwater. Basements are usually the least visited area of the home so any leaks can sometimes go unnoticed for a long amount of time. If you suspect a leak it is important that you call a professional leak detection company for repairs at (801) 613-0969 to schedule an appointment today.

    Protecting your basement from water leaks

    Keep an eye on outdoor water. Accumulating water outside your house is a large culprit behind many basement leaks. This is especially true if you live on the east bench in the Sugarhouse or the Cottonwood Heights area with a lot of hills. As a homeowner, we recommend that you keep your gutters clean and free of debris. It is also essential that ground and rainwater is properly running away from your home so it cannot accumulate around the base of your house. If necessary you may want to consider either a sump pump or even french drains to help with transferring the water. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”30043″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Check for cracks and holes in and outside your home. Cracks in your walls, concrete slabs or outside the house need to be fixed, especially before winter happens and water is allowed to freeze and expand those cracks. These types of issues are almost a sure-fire way to ensure that water will leak into your home. Foundational cracks and holes can arise from the home setting, too much outside water pressure on the house or even poor initial construction.

    Notice the signs of a leak. Water leaks are an inconvenient nuisance. They are however typically easy to detect once the damage has begun. We recommend that homeowners visit this basement regularly to check for water leaks, especially during and after heavy rainfall. You can notice things like visible damage to your walls, water accumulating inside your home, the smell of rainwater or mold inside your basement. You may also be able to hear a leak occurring by listening for the sound of running water.

    Staying on top of leaks

    By staying vigilant you can keep on top of leaks both inside and outside your home. If you see the warning signs of a leak it is best to take care of the issue right away to avoid further damage and potentially higher repair costs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • How to determine if you have an underground leak?

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]When it comes to water leaks residents can usually use their senses to notice the warning signs of a leak. Dripping water can sometimes be noticed by the moldy or mildewy smell they leave behind. Obviously, if you can visually see water running then you know you have a leak, but in cases where the leak is hidden behind a wall or even underground, you have to use your ears to listen for a possible leak. You can probably imagine several different areas in your home or business where a leak can occur. Images of looking under your kitchen sink to see a small drip usually comes to mind. What may not come to mind right away are underground leaks, especially ones that are outside of your home.
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    Warning signs of an underground leak

    An increase in your water bill. We always recommend that homeowners take note of their monthly water bill. If you see a sudden increase in charges that you cannot explain it could mean that you are experiencing a leak somewhere inside or outside of your home.
    Signs that water has been running or dripping. Running water can cause damage by corrosion or even from sweeping away load-bearing dirt and rocks. In extreme cases, leaks can even cause a sinkhole or areas of concrete slabs or sidewalks to the dropdown.
    Water collecting or leaving dark water spots. Much like seeing the damage water can cause, you should keep an eye out for water collecting in puddles that never seem to dry out. You can also see wet marks on the sidewalk or pavement even if the sprinklers haven’t run recently or rain has fallen.

    Professional underground leak detection

    So what do the professional companies do to locate leaks? The good news is that with the latest technology a leak detection company can locate all your sewer and water main leaks with almost pinpoint accuracy. This is achieved by utilizing sonic equipment that can “listen” for leaks. Many of our technicians describe even the smallest leak sounds like a running creek when using this equipment. By using top of the line tools contractors can pass those benefits on to the customer. This accurate detection means less of your property has to be dug up, reducing not only the impact of the repair but also the cost to repair. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]