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Tag: water leaks

  • 5 Tips for Dealing With Mold Damage From Winter Water Leaks

    5 Tips for Dealing With Mold Damage From Winter Water Leaks

    Mold damage can be a massive headache, especially during winter when water leaks are more common. If you have had a water leak in your home and are now dealing with mold damage, don’t worry – we’re here to help! This blog post will discuss five tips for dealing with mold damage. Following these tips should help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

    1. Find the source of the water leak – The first step in dealing with mold damage is to find and repair the source. If you cannot locate the source, it may be best to hire a professional to help you identify and fix any potential issues. Doing so can help prevent future mold growth.

    2. Cut off access to moisture – To reduce the risk of further mold growth, make sure that any areas affected by moisture are sealed off from additional exposure. This includes windows and doors, insulation, or other materials that could absorb water vapor.

    3. Clean up the mess – Once you have cut off access to moisture and identified any potential sources of leaks, it’s time to start cleaning up the mess. Use a wet vacuum to suction up any excess water, then use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area.

    4. Remove infected materials – Unfortunately, some materials exposed to water may need to be removed for the area to dry out effectively. This includes carpets, wallpaper, furniture, and other items that could be affected by mold spores.

    5. Bring in a professional – Once the source of water damage and mold growth has been identified and fixed, it’s time to remove the mold. If the area affected is small, you can attempt to remove the mold yourself by using a detergent solution, scrubbing brush, and protective gear (goggles, face mask, gloves). Ensure you open all windows to ventilate the area while you are working. Once cleaned with the detergent solution, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter attachment to help capture any remaining airborne spores.

    Contact a professional remediation service for larger areas of mold growth and more severe infestations, as they have the specialized equipment and experience needed for safe removal. Professional services will also be able to advise on any additional steps, such as sealing and sealing off the affected area to prevent a recurrence.

    Whatever you decide, take the proper precautions when dealing with mold from water damage. Wear protective gear, open all windows for ventilation, hire professionals if necessary and ensure that the source of the water damage is completely repaired and remedied to avoid future issues. With these tips and precautions, you can quickly eliminate mold from water damage.

    Dealing with mold damage can be stressful, but by following these tips, you should be able to get your home back in order in no time. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional assistance! Good luck!

  • 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]

  • Familiar Sources of Home Water Leaks

    Familiar Sources of Home Water Leaks

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30342″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Almost all components of your home will experience wear and tear over time. Even the best contractors cannot build something that will last forever. As your home or business ages, so do the fixtures, fittings, pipes, and utilities. A great way to stay one step ahead of a pesky water leak is to see the warning signs before the issue worsens. Below are some of the most common sources of water leaks and how to detect the problem.  

    Washing Machines

    Regarding water consumption, the laundry room is second only behind the bathroom. This means that paying attention is a good idea if you notice water collecting outside the washing machine.      

    Clogged Water Pipes

    A water pipe clog can lead to water and sewage leaks. Your main culprits are usually going to be your kitchen drain sink. Many kitchen sink drains become clogged when grease or other debris builds up. Toilet pipes can also become blocked when too much toilet paper is used, or something is flushed down the lines that cannot fit down the pipe. 

    Corrosion, Joints, and Fittings 

    Older homes commonly used galvanized steel or cast iron for water pipes. These materials have a much shorter lifespan than PEX or even PVC piping which is widely used today. Rust, calcium buildup and deterioration will cause these pipes to crack and leak. Often, these leaks will happen behind walls, under flooring, and even beneath concrete slabs. If you suspect a water leak has occurred, contact a leak detection specialist as soon as possible.  

    Loose Connections or Excessive Water Pressure 

    We all like a nice shower with good water pressure. However, when your water pressure is too high, it can cause undue stress on your pipes and faucets. Plumbers or manufacturer instructions should let you know what your pressure settings should be set to. Loose connections are prone to water leaking, especially if your water pressure has been set too high.  

    Extreme Temperature Changes 

    Utah is known for how quickly and drastically our temperatures can change.  Pipes expand when they heat up and contract when they get too cold. Sudden changes can cause your pipes to crack and break, especially when quickly plummet to freezing temperatures.  

    Fight Against Water Leaks

    Homeowners today have way more tools at their disposal to fight against leaks and the damage they can cause to our homes. If you suspect that you have a water leak, we invite you to contact us today. Our skilled technicians can pinpoint the source of the leak and provide a comprehensive list of solutions. We can also install automatic leak detection sensors that automatically shut off your water until the problem can be fixed.   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Don’t Let Water Leaks Happen in Your Garage

    Don’t Let Water Leaks Happen in Your Garage

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30308″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Let’s face it, unless you do a lot of yardwork, mechanic work, or have your garage set up as a hobby area, they tend to get ignored.

    In general, our garages tend to be used as storage and rarely visited unless you are grabbing something to bring to your home. Our garages tend to fall behind in general upkeep, and repairs are put on the backburner. It is understandable to prioritize other parts of your home, especially since guests don’t often visit your garage.
    But there are some dangers towards allowing your garage to be out of sight, out of mind. Double-checking that your garage is free from leaks is one item that should make its way to the top of the to-do list.

    How Can Leaks Enter Your Garage?

    Most garages in Utah are built with concrete. It is essential to remember that concrete is both absorbent and porous. Moisture and water can get into your flooring and walls. Winter and the rainy times of Spring are the times of the year when water is most likely to find its way in and begin to cause damage.

    Water Under Your Foundation

    Liquid water from rain or snowmelt can find its way into cracks that are too small for the eye to see. These cracks can result from regular wear and tear or the natural movements of the earth. Remember, Salt Lake City is on a fault line, and tiny tremors are not uncommon. Water and sewer lines can also be damaged, leading to underground leaks that can cause damage to your home.

    Cracks on Your Walls

    Like water from the ground, water can find its way in from a leaky roof. Every leak is different, and so are the warning signs they produce.  Sometimes visible water lines can be seen flowing down the side of the wall. Other times you will see darker spots that are damp from moisture.  Sometimes the leak can be found relatively easily by starting at a high point in your attic and moving your way down.  Other times the source of the leak can be from a cracked chimney, loose weather stripping, or the waterproofing around your vent pipes has eroded.

    What to do About a Leak?

    Knowing the source of where the water is coming from is the first step. By understanding how the problem is happening, you will be empowered to find the right solution.

    When it comes to water in your home, think of the Grand Canyon. Even slow or small amounts of water can cause a lot of damage if they at not repaired right away. This is perhaps nowhere more true than in your garage, where temperatures are far colder than in your home. Water expands as it freezes and can cause significant damage to the areas it rests. If you live in Utah and need leak detection services, consider calling us today.[/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]