Tag: utah

  • How to Protect Yourself from Flash Floods

    How to Protect Yourself from Flash Floods

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30261″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Floods are one of the most common natural disasters that the United States experiences; they kill more people annually than hurricanes, lightning, or tornadoes.

    Floods can arise from many situations such as; rain, snow, storms, or even broken dams. If there’s a flood, it will come without warning. Flash floods can wreak havoc on communities, causing landslides, building and house damage, impossible transportation conditions, and even power outages. 

    The technicians at Utah Leak Locate would like to ensure that all of their clients stay safe, so if you are ever caught in the middle of a flash flood, take these few steps to remain safe.

    Resistance Is Futile.

    Water pressure from floods is extremely strong. According to some studies, six inches of moving water is enough to knock you down. A foot of floodwater is enough to move your vehicle like a little matchbox car. No matter how low the flood may seem, we recommend that you refrain from walking, swimming, or driving through floodwaters. Avoid bridges; they may collapse.

    High Ground Is Your Friend.

    In a flood, go to higher ground as soon as possible. However, some experts say that if the highest point in your home is a closed attic, do not get in it. The last thing you want is the attic to start flooding while you’re stuck inside it. Only get on the roof if it’s necessary. Try a balcony. 

    Evacuate.

    It’s not the time to be a rebellious child and defy authorities in emergency evacuations. These people are trained to help evacuate hundreds if not thousands of people during a flash flood. Follow their instructions; they do know better than you. If you feel like staying right where you are, at least get to the highest ground/floor in your home or office.

    Don’t Exit Your Vehicle.

    As stated before, a flash flood will happen without warning; you could be anywhere. If you find yourself stuck in your car, do not attempt to go out of your vehicle. However, if you’re stuck in a car in the middle of the flood and there’s water going into the car, get on the roof and signal for help as soon as possible.

    Electrocution Hurts.

    If you are standing in or near water, do not use wet electrical equipment. Also, keep in mind that in the event of a flash flood, a landslide could damage power lines and electrically charge the water around you.

    Prepare Yourself. 

    We have experienced a flash flood in Southern Utah on July 25th, 2021. It’s always wise to prepare yourself for these situations as you are but a sitting duck without knowledge and preparation. Research your local area’s official flood risk and make sure to enquire of any information to help facilitate your evacuation during these events. Consider also investing in flood insurance to protect yourself from financial devastation.

    Floods are the most common type of natural disaster and can be life-threatening. Achieve the most drainage possible with our services at Utah Leak Locate to prevent damage to your home and your belongings. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 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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  • Finding a leak in Sandy Utah.

    Finding a leak in Sandy Utah.

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]When it comes to finding leaks things can get tricky. It’s best to have a licensed professional specifically trained to determine the exact location and source of your problem. Utah Leak Locate is proud to offer a list of things you as a home or business owner can keep in mind when faced with the task of locating leaks.

    1. Is the leak a gas? Typically you will smell a sulfur type smell in the air. But most leaks go unnoticed. Call Utah Leak Locate for a whole home or business inspection of your piping and appliances if you have any suspicion of a leak no matter how small. Or if your house is over 10 years old. DO NOT WAIT IF YOU HAVE A GAS LEAK! CALL TODAY FOR A WHOLE HOME OR BUSINESS INSPECTION.
    2. Its always best to address any leaks immediately. Most start out as a small pinhole leak then grow bigger causing the ground to sink, raising your utility bill dramatically and in most cases allow dirt to enter your piping system which can also do harm to your plumbing fixtures. Your best bet is to call a professional right away. We service leaking water mains, sewer mains, gas lines, air lines, medical gas leaks, and many others both above ground hard to find leaks in ceilings and walls, as well as underground leaks.
    3. If possible, turn off the valve supplying the leaking pipe, fixture, or appliance. Many times the valve to shut these items off are located in close proximity to the leak. Be sure to know the location of these valves upon ownership or occupancy of your home or business. Utah Leak Locate will be happy to show you these valves and also a label for your convenience. For gas leaks your outside gas meter shut off instructions are shown above.
    4. Choose a reputable company. There are few companies who have the high end locating equipment required to locate difficult leaks. Choose someone with great referrals. One way to do this is to look at the companies’ reviews. Customers use this as a way to help others find the good companies. Another helpful tip is to find someone local. Chances are you will save the time and the job. We are conveniently located in the middle of the Salt Lake Valley in Sandy Utah. We currently serve the following counties. Utah, Salt Lake, Wasatch, Morgan, Summit, Weber, and Davis counties.

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