Leaking water pipes can cause some severe issues if not repaired. Some leaks will immediately begin to create costly problems and damage. In contrast, others will require more time to cause severe damage. But the reality is that all leaking pipes must be repaired to stop potentially expensive and even dangerous issues within your home.
WASTED MONEY
The first thought you might have about a leaking pipe is that you are paying for the water running across the floor or down the wall. And while residents in some parts of the country might not be concerned about the loss of a few gallons or more of water, places like Arizona and California find it incredibly troubling due to the almost constant drought conditions. And a water leak is a tremendous waste of a precious natural resource and your hard-earned money.
MOLD
Mold requires three specific conditions to grow. The first is a somewhat warm temperature, which your home provides. The second is food, which is also present in your home in wood and other building materials. And the final condition that mold requires to grow is moisture. Under normal circumstances, mold does not grow in your home because there is not enough moisture. But when you have a water leak, mold will quickly begin to thrive in your home. And there are two reasons that mold growth is a problem.
- Mold will eat away at the materials that your home is made of, including wood, drywall, and other porous materials. When this happens, the structural integrity of your home is compromised, and it becomes unsafe.
- Growing mold releases mold spores into the air, creating a respiratory health hazard. And anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma will be especially prone to breathing problems when exposed to mold spores.
CONTAMINATED WATER
When a water pipe has a hole that allows water to leak out, it will also allow contaminants to enter the line. That means a water pipe with a leak underground will quickly be contaminated with dirt and other debris. You will begin to notice that your water is an odd color, has a nasty taste or odor due to the contaminates. And that contaminated water can result in you and your loved ones becoming ill after consuming it.
PEST INVASIONS
Standing water, puddles, or moist building materials will attract pests such as termites, ants, and even rodents. Once these pests invade your home, you are facing additional expenses to have them exterminated or removed. Stopping the leak is only the first step to eliminating the hazards associated with bug and rodent infestations.
Why Worry About A Small Leak?
Any plumbing leak has the potential to create severe damage to your home. And the truth is that no leak remains small for very long. The water will continue to erode the pipe and increase the size of the hole and the amount of water that is leaking into your home. And more water means more damage to your home and more expenses to have it repaired.
Warning Signs Of A Water Leak
The best way to avoid costly water damage and expensive repairs is to keep an eye out for signs of a water leak and then act quickly if you see any of the following:
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Pooling water under pipes
- Damp carpet
- Unexplained moisture in a normally dry area
- Constantly damp spots near the foundation of your home or in your yard
- Excessively green areas of your grass
Hidden Water Leaks
Some water leaks will be much more challenging to detect. These hidden leaks often occur under the concrete foundation of a slab home. Because the leak is under the concrete, the signs to look for are a bit different and can include:
- Unusually warm areas in your concrete floor
- Bubbling or heaving of linoleum flooring
- Warping or heaving of wood flooring
- Moisture in the grout lines between floor tiles
If you notice any of these signs or a water leak, call (301) 278-8786 immediately to schedule an appointment with the pros at A Better Plumber.
