Tag: underground leaks

  • Finding Water Leaks Under Concrete Slabs

    Finding Water Leaks Under Concrete Slabs

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30349″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Before we begin addressing things you can do to confirm an underground water leak, it is essential to discuss what water leaks can mean for your home or business. Water damage is one of the most destructive forces affecting your home. Even a tiny amount of water can cause extensive damage, leading to costly repairs and potentially even rendering your home uninhabitable.

    Water damage can occur for various reasons, such as heavy rains or flooding, burst pipes, or leaks in your roof or foundation. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to act quickly to mitigate the damage and prevent further harm.

    What to do if you Have a Leak?

    The first step is to remove any standing water from the affected area. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by mopping the floor. Once the place is dry, you will need to assess the extent of the damage.

    If there is any water damage to your walls, ceiling, or floors, you will need to call in a professional to make the necessary repairs. These repairs can be costly, so be sure to take pictures and document the damage for your insurance company.

    If the water damage is extensive, you may need to evacuate your home until the repairs can be made. In some cases, such as when mold or mildew has begun to grow, it may be necessary to gut the affected area and start from scratch completely.

    Water damage is nothing to scoff at – it can cause serious harm to your home and your family. If you suspect that your home has sustained water damage, act quickly to mitigate the damage and protect your property.

    How to Find Hidden Water Leaks

    You can do a few things to confirm a water leak under a concrete slab. First, check for any signs of water on the slab’s surface. This may include pooled water, wet spots, or even efflorescence (white powdery deposits).

    If there are no visible signs of a water leak, you can try using a moisture meter to test the moisture content of the concrete. If the readings are higher than usual, it could indicate a leak.

    If you suspect there is a water leak under your concrete slab, it’s essential to have it checked out by a professional. Water leaks can cause severe damage to your home, so don’t delay getting it fixed.

    Other Ways to Perform Leak Detection

    First, take a look at your water bill. If you see a sudden or unexplained increase in your water usage, it could indicate a leak somewhere.

    Next, check all the exposed pipes in your home for leaks or moisture. If you see any wet spots or drips, that’s a good indication of a problem.

    You can also check for leaks by doing a “water meter test.” To do this, simply turn off all the water sources in your home and check your water meter. If the meter is still running, there’s a water leak somewhere.

    Taking steps to detect a water leak early on can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. So if you think there might be a problem, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and investigate further.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • My Water Bill Is Way Too High

    My Water Bill Is Way Too High

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30248″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Summer of 2021 marks one of the driest years we have ever had as a state.  Local lawmakers have instated new regulations to help fight back against our low water levels.  This includes a limitation on when irrigation water for sprinklers could be turned on.

    These regulations also include fines for going over a certain number of gallons used per month.  As concerned local citizens, we should all do our part to prevent wasted water.  It is always essential to keep an eye open for hidden water leaks.  This summer, perhaps most of all.  Below are some reasons why you have a high water bill and what can be done about it.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

    There is an outdoor water leak somewhere.

    When most people think of a catastrophic water leak, they have images in their heads of bursting pipes and water blasting in all directions.

    Although burst pipes do happen, most of the water leaks we repair are no larger than a pinhole in a line.  Even a small hole to see with the naked eye can cause hundreds of gallons to be wasted every month.  It is a shame to think that many of us are letting our lawns turn brown, to know huge amounts of water are being wasted through an underground pipe.

    Leaky toilets, faucets, or water fixtures

    It may or may not surprise you to learn that household toilets account for around 30 percent of all indoor water use in a home.  A toilet that is constantly running can waste over 6,000 gallons of water in a month.  This year, high water usage can mean hundreds of extra dollars added to your water bill.  The good news is that most leaks in these areas are easy to identify and fix.  For example, you should be able to hear the sound of your toilet tank filling up and never stopping.  That faint hissing sound you are hearing is the sound of water being wasted.  Leaks in a faucet or showerhead can often be verified by simply looking at the fixture to see if water is dripping.

    Hidden leaks that have yet to be identified

    Remember that your water usage should stay relatively the same if you have not changed your water usage habits.  A large water leak will happen every once in a while, but the signs have yet to surface.  For example, water can leak and collect under the concrete slab your home is built on.

    These leaks can lead to vast amounts of damage to the foundation of your home or property.  In other cases, there may be a crack or breakage in the lateral line of your home.  These are the pipes that feed water from your metered connection to the rest of your home.

    These pipes can be damaged from tree roots, seismic activity, and even animals if you live in a more rural area of Salt Lake or Utah County.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]