Your plumbing is a major part of the guts of your home. It can be an efficient system, but only if you are performing the necessary routine maintenance. Even with your regular maintenance, problems can arise, including water leaks, both large and small. While it might seem easier to just try do the leak repair yourself, not having a water leak fixed can result in larger and more expensive problems down the line.
Here are just 5 reasons why a small leak can have large consequences, as well as the importance of getting the right help to address your plumbing issues.
Damage to Your Home’s Structure
If you have a small leak that is not detected or that goes unrepaired for a long period of time, then water damage can occur. Standing water can cause damage to the structure of your home, including framing behind the walls.It can if left undetected cause mold and mildew to grow. An undetected water leak can cause instability in a foundation or even cracks.
The cost to repair water damaged walls, foundations or structures can run into the thousands and even can temporarily displace a family from the home. If ever any spots are noticed or damage is visible, contacting a plumber or emergency plumbing service is recommended.
Water Damage to Drywall
Leaks behind the walls can also lead to damage of your drywall. While you might be able to dry the walls with sufficient airflow, the reality is that moisture can get trapped into the walls and become the beginning of a mold problem. Victims of water damage who do not allow the home to be completely remediated before closing up the walls risk problems with mold down the road.
Destruction of Flooring
Those beautiful hardwood floors, which add so much to the value and beauty of your home, could end up being damaged beyond repair by even a small leak. As water pools on the floor, the wood soaks it in and begins to buckle. Upon drying them out, the floors might need extensive repairs or to be replaced entirely. Again, another extensive cost related to dealing with water damage.
This proves equally difficult if you have carpet. Carpet without professional remediation can smell, grow mildew or mold and even rot the wood underneath. It is best to have a licensed plumber address the water leak issue and provide you a remediation checklist to use to get your home back in order after the leak repair is made.
Impact on Your Plumbing System
Another long-term cost related to a plumbing leak is the wear and tear on the whole system. If a leak is not properly addressed, then it can continue to grow, putting pressure on the rest of your water system. Leaks also can identify weak spots in your plumbing, so one leak could actually be a sign of potentially more to come.
Increasing Utility Bills
If you live in the city, then you likely pay a water bill each month for your water usage. When you have a small leak that is unaddressed, it can end up costing hundreds of dollars on your water bill. For those living in the country using well water, the costs of a leak come in a higher electric bill, because the water pump continues to pull water from the well to maintain the water pressure.
Clearly, there are plenty of good reasons to address a small or large leak in the plumbing of your home. To make sure the leak is repaired correctly and to detect any other potential leaks, you should consider working with a licensed and certified plumber. Our team can help you find a suspected leak and repair the problem before it causes significant damage. Contact us today for emergency plumbing services or routine maintenance on your plumbing system.
Proactive Plumbing has provided dependable plumbing services, installations and repair for more than 15 years. We service Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido and other areas of San Diego County.