Salem, UT Plumbing: Leak Detection and Repair Tips

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Hidden leaks wreck budgets and walls. If you suspect a mystery drip, you need clear steps to confirm it fast. This guide shows you exactly how to find hidden water leaks and when to call for professional leak detection and repair. We cover simple checks, meter tests, and tech the pros use. If you’re in Utah County, our licensed team documents every finding on camera and fixes problems with guaranteed work.

Why Hidden Leaks Are So Costly

A small, slow leak can soak insulation, feed mold, and weaken framing without obvious signs. In Utah County’s dry climate, water can evaporate before you notice, leaving mineral stains instead of puddles. Hard water scale can also mask pinhole leaks until they widen.

What that means for you:

1. Higher bills from continuous seepage.
2. Damage behind walls and under floors that insurance may limit if labeled “gradual.”
3. Air quality issues from damp cavities.
4. Frozen‑thaw cycles around Provo and Orem that expand cracks and turn a drip into a slab leak.

“He was also very thorough in diagnosis the source of the leak before he cut into the wall so as to minimize the wall hole.”

Step 1: Read Your Water Meter the Right Way

Your meter is the truth teller. Use it to confirm a hidden leak before you start opening walls.

How to test:

1. Turn off all water uses indoors and outside, including ice makers and irrigation timers.
2. Locate the meter box. In many Utah neighborhoods it sits near the curb by the main shutoff.
3. Watch the leak indicator. On many meters it is a small triangle or star. If it moves with all water off, water is moving somewhere.
4. Record the reading. Wait 30 to 60 minutes with everything off. If the numbers advance, you likely have a hidden leak.

Pro tips:

• If the indicator is still, perform a longer test for slow seepage. Recheck after 2 to 3 hours.
• If the meter only spins when the irrigation is on, you may have an underground yard line leak.

“He found the issue same day, and fixed it very efficiently. Thanks to him our leak is solved.”

Step 2: Isolate Inside vs. Outside Leaks

Once you confirm flow, figure out if the leak is on the house side or the service line between the meter and the home.

• Close the main shutoff valve where the water line enters your home. If the meter keeps moving, the leak is outside between the meter and the shutoff.
• If the meter stops when the valve is closed, the leak is inside the home’s plumbing.

Why this matters: Outside leaks often require line locating and soil‑safe excavation. Inside leaks might be behind walls, in ceilings, or under slabs.

Local note: Along the bench areas of Springville and Mapleton, older galvanized service lines are common. These corrode and weep underground, creating soft spots or greener grass.

Step 3: Hunt the Usual Culprits Room by Room

Work through fixtures and appliances in a logical order.

Bathrooms:

• Toilet dye test. Drop 5 to 10 drops of food coloring into the tank. Wait 15 minutes. If color shows in the bowl, the flapper is leaking.
• Inspect shutoff valves and supply lines for crusty scale or green oxidation.
• Check under the vanity with a dry tissue for dampness at the P‑trap and tailpiece.

Kitchens and laundry:

• Run the faucet and look for seepage around the base and under the sink.
• Check dishwasher and fridge water line connections. Feel the floor for warmth from radiant or slab leaks.
• Inspect washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks, or damp crimps.

Basement and mechanical:

• Look at the water heater. Drips from the T&P valve or drain pan signal internal issues.
• Examine humidifiers and water softeners. Hard water in Utah County accelerates gasket wear.

“After doing a yearly check, a large leak was found under my sink, going into the foundation. Chris quickly identified the leak and took care of all the details.”

Step 4: Use Your Senses and Simple Tools

You do not need specialized gear to pick up early clues.

• Listen for hissing or faint running water when everything is off.
• Feel for warm spots on tile or concrete that can indicate a hot water slab leak.
• Smell musty odors in closets sharing walls with bathrooms.
• Look for baseboard swelling, bubbling paint, or hairline cracks that follow a damp path.

Helpful DIY tools:

1. Moisture meter. Affordable models can confirm damp drywall or flooring.
2. Infrared thermometer. Scan for unexpected hot or cool streaks along walls and floors.
3. Flashlight and inspection mirror. Check behind traps and around valves.

Safety first: If you suspect a slab leak or see active electrical near a leak area, shut off power to the affected circuit and call a licensed plumber.

Step 5: When to Call the Pros for Leak Detection

DIY checks are great for confirming you have a leak. Finding the exact location without damage is where pros shine.

What we bring to the job:

• Camera‑based line inspection. We thread a sewer camera to see inside drains and record the video so you can review the problem and the result.
• Locator‑enabled pinpointing. Our cameras send a signal to a handheld locator that tells us exactly where the head sits underground. That reduces guesswork and unnecessary digging.
• Multiple clearing and repair options. Depending on the cause, we may auger, hydro‑jet, or use flex‑shaft tools to cut roots, descale, or remove grease before repair.
• Repair and restoration choices. From spot repairs to relining sections of pipe, we match the fix to the problem and your budget.

Hard facts you can bank on:

• In Utah, plumbers must hold an active Journeyman license to perform plumbing work. Our team meets that standard.
• We back repairs with a written one‑year warranty and offer 30‑day clear‑line guarantees on jetting and drain cleaning.

“We had a tub leak and three plumbers could not figure it out. I called Eric’s and they figured it out.”

Step 6: Understand the Leak Types and Best Fixes

Not all leaks are equal. Matching the fix to the failure prevents repeat problems.

• Fixture leaks. Flappers, cartridges, and supply lines are common wear parts. Replace, do not patch.
• Pressurized line leaks. Pinhole leaks in copper or PEX fittings often show as warm spots or ceiling stains. Spot repair is possible, but widespread corrosion may call for repipe sections.
• Drain leaks. These occur at slip joints, traps, or cracked drain lines. Tightening a slip nut can help, but camera inspection finds deeper issues like offsets or roots.
• Slab leaks. Hot water lines under concrete can split. Non‑invasive detection plus rerouting overhead often beats breaking long trench lines in finished spaces.
• Yard or service line leaks. Saturated soil or meter movement with the house valve closed points outside. Locator tools allow precise, minimal‑dig repairs.

How tech speeds resolution:

1. Camera inspections confirm what failed and where.
2. Locators mark the exact depth and location before we cut or dig.
3. Hydro‑jetting clears blockages that hide the real break.
4. Flex‑shaft descaling restores diameter and removes root intrusions before relining or repair.

Step 7: Prevent the Next Leak

Once you fix the current issue, reduce future risk with simple habits.

• Annual walkthrough. Check every shutoff, supply line, and trap for dampness.
• Replace rubber supply hoses with braided stainless for washers and toilets.
• Install drip pans and leak alarms under water heaters and upstairs laundry.
• Control pressure. If your static pressure is above 80 psi, add or service a pressure‑reducing valve.
• Soften hard water. Scale causes stress on valves and heaters. A maintained softener helps in Utah County.
• Clean drains the right way. Skip harsh chemicals. Professional jetting and flex‑shaft descaling protect pipe integrity.

“We had a recurring water leak, after several failed attempts by other plumbers, Eric's team was able to correctly diagnose the problem and fix it.”

DIY vs. Professional: What’s Worth Doing Yourself

DIY makes sense when:

• You need to confirm a leak using the meter test.
• Toilet flappers or supply lines are visibly worn.
• You can safely access and tighten a weeping P‑trap.

Call a licensed pro when:

1. The meter indicates flow but you cannot find moisture.
2. You have slab, ceiling, or foundation dampness.
3. The leak involves gas water heaters or electrical risks.
4. You need camera proof for insurance or HOA documentation.

Why documentation matters: We record what we inspect and the outcome. That video proof protects you during insurance claims, real estate sales, or HOA requests.

What a Professional Leak Detection Visit Looks Like

Homeowners appreciate knowing what will happen and how long it will take.

Typical sequence:

1. Interview and survey. We listen to your symptoms, review bills, and walk the space.
2. Meter and isolation test. Confirms location zone inside or outside.
3. Camera inspection. We run the line, identify breaks, roots, or offsets, and record the video.
4. Locate and mark. The handheld locator maps the exact underground spot and depth.
5. Clear and verify. Auger, hydro‑jet, or flex‑shaft to clear debris and reveal true faults.
6. Present options. From spot repair to relining or replacement, with set pricing.
7. Repair and documentation. We complete the work and share before‑and‑after video.

Timeline: Many leaks are located and repaired same day. Complex yard lines or reroutes may need permits or utility locates that add time. Our team keeps you updated and protects floors with shoe covers and clean work practices.

Costs, Warranties, and Guarantees You Should Expect

Pricing should be clear and predictable. We use set pricing rather than open‑ended hourly rates, so you approve the exact scope before work begins.

What we guarantee:

• 100% satisfaction promise on our service.
• One‑year warranty on completed repairs and installed fixtures or equipment.
• 30‑day clear‑line guarantee on hydro‑jetting and drain cleaning services.

These protections mean if a covered repair fails in the first year, we fix it at no charge. If a cleaned drain backs up within 30 days, we return to clear it.

Local Watchouts in Utah County

• Freeze‑thaw can stress shallow yard lines in Spanish Fork and Payson, especially near driveways.
• Hard water from wells and the Provo River supply scales valves and heaters, raising leak risk.
• Older homes in Pleasant Grove often have mixed piping from past remodels. Transitions are leak points if not supported and sealed.

If your home fits these profiles, a quick camera check can prevent expensive surprises. We offer visual proof so you can decide with confidence.

“Right on time they determined the problem and replaced the broken line by 6:00 pm. Price was less than expected.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a hidden leak if I see no water?

Shut off all fixtures, then check your water meter. If the leak indicator spins or numbers rise, water is moving. Listen for hissing, look for warm floor spots, and check for musty odors.

Will homeowners insurance cover hidden leaks?

Policies vary. Sudden damage is often covered, while long, gradual leaks may not be. Document the issue with video from a licensed plumber to support any claim.

Can a plumber find a leak without opening walls?

Yes. Camera inspections, electronic locators, and moisture tools pinpoint likely areas. We only open what we must, then repair and document the outcome.

Is hydro‑jetting safe for old pipes?

Used correctly, yes. We inspect with a camera first, set the right pressure, and use flex‑shaft descaling when jetting is not appropriate.

What if the leak is under my slab or yard?

We locate and mark the line precisely, then recommend rerouting or targeted excavation. In some cases, pipe relining is a cost‑effective alternative to demolition.

Wrap Up: Stop Damage and Take Back Control

Now you know how to find hidden water leaks and when to call in licensed help. For fast, documented hidden water leak detection in Utah County, call Eric's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning at (801) 852-5651 or schedule at https://ericsplumbinganddrain.com/. We provide set pricing, camera proof, and guaranteed repairs so you can protect your home today.

Ready to Schedule?

Call (801) 852-5651 or book online at https://ericsplumbinganddrain.com/. Get camera‑verified answers, locator‑precise repairs, and warranties that protect your budget.

About Eric's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning

Family owned and local to Utah County, Eric's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning delivers set pricing, not hourly rates, so you stay in control. Our licensed Journeyman plumbers use sewer cameras, locator tools, hydro‑jetters, and flex‑shaft equipment to diagnose and fix problems right. We back repairs with a one‑year warranty and offer 100% satisfaction guarantees, plus 30‑day clear‑line guarantees on jetting and drain cleaning. From Provo to Saratoga Springs, count on clean, professional service and documented results.