Utah Leak Locate

Tag: winter

  • Water, Sewer, Air and Gas Leaks Winter Can Bring

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Winter is right around the corner and it is only a matter of weeks before we are all walking through snow.  Depending on your personal preference the reality that winter is almost here either brings a smile or a frown to your face.  Regardless of how you may feel about it, one thing is for certain, winter causes leaks.  It is hard on your plumbing and piping systems whenever seasons change and temperatures fluctuate in extremes.  Freezing, expanding and contracting and even corrosion from ice or snowmelt take a toll each and every winter. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Locate leaks during the cold season

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]The best thing we can do as responsible home and business owners is to stay on top of leaks before they occur.  It all begins by knowing where to look, some places are obvious while others may not ever come to mind.  Below are some of the most common places where leaks can occur during the winter season.

    In the basement:  The bottom level of your home or business is always going to be one of the largest culprits when it comes to indoor water leaks during the winter.  The reasons we tend to see water collecting in basements makes enough sense.  Being a low point it is a natural area for snowmelt to gather.  Our technicians commonly see the water getting in from outside due to cracks in the walls or foundation of the home.  Your drainage system also comes into play as it is important for water to leave your properties foundation in an effective manner.  This is especially true if your home or business is at the bottom of a hill or if your eaves, troughs, French drains or downspouts were not professionally installed. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Pipe damage due to extreme weather:  Utah is known for its harsh winters.  In order to survive our piping systems need to be properly fortified and insulated.  Normal wear and tear can also result in burst pipes, water mains, and sewer lines that are underground or beneath concrete slabs.  The most common type of leak in pipes are only the size of a pinhole.  However, these can grow and expand during the winter.  It is important to have a cracked pipe leak detection company to investigate your home or business should you suspect a damaged pipe.

    Your utilities are not working properly:  One final reminder we want to provide in this article is to do a quick inspection of your water utilities as it beings to get cold.  Issues show themselves differently in the winter than they do in the summer.  Keep a sharp eye out for bends, cracks, leaks, water collection and anything unusual.  If your home or business has a sump pump make sure that it is working correctly.  If pumps or drains are not properly removing water it can collect, freeze, expand and cause damage to your property.  It is also sound advice to take a look at your hot water heater.  We recommend during a flush on your water heater before winter is in full swing in order to remove sediment that has built up. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”29863″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”blue” css_animation=”fadeInRight”][/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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  • 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]