Anyone that has experienced the sinking feeling, after discovering a
plumbing leak will understand how disruptive it can be. A leak can cause a host of problems in our homes and sometimes we may not even be aware of the true extent of the problem. Also, it’s important to understand that a plumbing leak will only get worse over time. This can lead to even greater amounts of costly damage and more extensive repairs. Let’s take a closer look at five good reasons why you need to ensure that
plumbing leaks are repaired quickly.
- Damage to Walls:
The pipework for your plumbing system in many cases is run behind your walls to keep your home tidy. This is great from an aesthetic perspective, but it does introduce other issues when a plumbing leak occurs. When a leak develops behind a wall, you may notice a water spot on the wall and some people ignore this warning. It should be stressed that the water spot is probably the tip of the iceberg and more extensive damage could be occurring. The drywall will become wet, and over time it could be destroyed altogether.
- Damage to Flooring:
A serious plumbing issue can cause a great deal of damage to your floor coverings. Water flows downhill, so any leaks that are occurring elsewhere could lead to water pooling under your floors. Many people, notice loosening tiles and discolored or warped floorboards when this happens. A plumber needs to be called in to stop the leak and avoid the cost and considerable inconvenience of replacing the flooring in the affected areas.
- Damage to Fixtures:
When a plumbing leak occurs, the pipes and drains in your home are also subject to additional pressures. Even showerheads and faucets can be ruined by changes in water pressure, caused by leaks in the plumbing lines or failing gaskets. If the leak is not repaired quickly, fixtures may have to be replaced at considerable expense.
- Experiencing Mold Growth:
It may be the case, that moisture under the floors and in the walls causes mold growth in your home. This is easily identified by a musty odor and the appearance of black spots of mold growth. Obviously, this will only spread and become more intensive over time, and it could lead to health complications. Treating the mold in isolation, may offer some temporary respite, but the mold will return if the underlying plumbing problem is not fixed quickly.
- An Increased Water Bill:
Another consideration is the cost of the water that is wasted because of a plumbing leak. The wasted water will increase your monthly water usage, and of course, this will result in a larger bill. This should become apparent if you notice a strange increase in your water bill compared to previous bills that you’ve paid. A swift plumbing repair, will not only fix the leaks in your home, but it will also reduce your monthly water bill back to the expected amount.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
