Modern plumbing systems have added a lot of convenience and can prevent the spread of water-borne diseases. Quite likely, you rely on your toilets, showers, and sinks day in and day out, and you may rarely even think of them. That said, if you’re suffering plumbing issues, such as pipe leaks, it’s important to get them fixed right away. Among other things, water can quickly cause a lot of damage.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential problems and issues that a leaking pipe could cause. We’ll also briefly cover some tell-tale signs that you’re experiencing a pipe leak and what you can do about them. If you find a leak, you should contact professional pipe repair services.
Water Damage to Walls and Floors
A leaking pipe can quickly damage drywall and other construction materials. Often, drywall that has suffered water damage will have to be removed and replaced, which can be quite expensive and disruptive. Water damage could also cause your studs to rot, which may necessitate even more expensive repairs.
Floors are also susceptible to water damage and standing water is a major concern. If you have nice hardwood floors, water may not cause damage right away. If you spill a drink, for example, you can clean it up before there is any harm done. With pipe leaks, however, it’s common for the water to stand for a long time, which can result in serious damage.
A Ruined Foundation
Pipe leaks can even result in damage to the foundation of your home. This is serious because if your foundation is severely damaged, your home could become uninhabitable. Repairing damage to the foundation is often expensive, and sometimes impractical to the point of being essentially impossible. While foundations are typically quite sturdy, the threat of water damage should never be underestimated.
Rising Utility Bills
If a water or sewer pipe is leaking, it could quickly lead to rising water and sewage utility bills. Many folks are already struggling to pay for rising utility bills as water and energy costs, in many areas, have been on the rise. A pipe leak can waste lots of water. Repairing a pipe will often pay for itself in utility savings alone. Further, reducing waste helps protect the environment and eases pressure on local utility systems.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that fixing leaks can save homeowners 10 percent or more when it comes time to pay their water bills. Further, the Agency points out that over a trillion gallons of water are wasted per year due to leaks. By fixing leaks, you can contribute to a greener world.
Avoid Major Messes
If a water or sewage pipe leaks, you’re going to have to clean up the mess. Especially with sewage pipes, the mess itself can be quite dangerous. By making sure that none of your pipes are leaking, you can avoid messy and unsanitary conditions.
Signs of Pipe Leaks and What to Do About Them
It’s probably pretty obvious by now that you should address a pipe leak as quickly as possible. However, you may not realize that your pipes are leaking. Sometimes water damage is obvious and easy to spot. However, other times a pipe is leaking out of sight, and you may not recognize the problem quickly. This can result in more damage to your home or other property.
First, keep a close eye on your water and sewage utility bills. If your bill suddenly rises, and you can’t explain why, it could be because of a leak. Outside, if you notice that part of your lawn is growing in much more thickly than other parts, it could be because of a water or sewer leak. If you’re finding mold in the home, this could also be a sign of a pipe leak.
Ultimately, it’s a good idea to bring in plumbers from time to time to inspect your water and sewage systems. If there is a problem, catching it early could save you a lot of money and hassles. Regular inspections can also provide peace of mind. Plumbers can replace pipes when needed or may be able to tighten connections and joints to stop leaks. Various patches can also be used to stop leaks. The right solution will depend on the specifics of your problem.
