Water damage is undoubtedly one of the worst things that your property can face, leading to structural wear, musty odours and decreased value. But it doesn’t necessarily need to be something dramatic like a burst pipe or a sewage backup that makes it happen. Tiny leaks in pipes or the tiny drips of faucets can also lead to huge disasters. If you’re wondering how something as benign as a leaky faucet can turn into a huge problem in the near future, the following blog is just for you.
Small Leaks Big Problems: How It Happens
With work, socialising and daily errands, we understand how hectic life can be. And this can lead to you ignoring that dripping pipe in the laundry room or the leaky faucet in the bathroom. But those small chores that you keep putting off can turn into costly regrets before you know it!
Take a look below to learn how small plumbing issues can turn into huge regrets fast.
Hidden Damage
The main reason why most small leaks get overlooked is that they’re located behind wall panels, under floorboards or in attics and basements. Basically, they’re out of sight. This means that by the time you notice that something’s wrong, that tiny crack has managed to do some serious damage to your property and may require a water damage restoration service instead of a plumbing repair.
Material Damage
Leading from the previous point, those tiny leaks can cause major destruction to your building’s material. Those wood panels on the walls? Rotted. Metal shelving in the basement? Rusted. That drywall ceiling? Softened. That tiny leak can slowly destroy your property from the inside out.
Musty Odors
When the water is allowed to sit for too long, it’s eventually going to emit a musty smell. This can give your property an unpleasant odour, and you won’t be able to find the source because the leak is most likely hidden.
Mold Growth
That musty smell is a telltale sign of mould. Remember that mould needs a damp environment to grow, so by the time you smell that musty odour, the mould has already had plenty of time to spread throughout your property and needs a mould remediation service to fix.
Health Issues
Leaky faucets can make you sneeze. Sounds ridiculous, right? Yet that’s exactly what happens when you put off pipe repairs. That mould can trigger allergies and worsen respiratory issues like asthma, gradually leading to health complications.
High Utility Bills
If you’ve got a tiny leak somewhere, your bills will tell. Those tiny drops of moisture coming from damaged washers or water heaters can make themselves known in the form of hundreds of dollars in increased expenses.
Resource Wastage
Water is a precious resource, and a hidden or ignored leak can lead to gallons of wasted water if left untreated. By putting off repairs, you may be unknowingly harming the very planet you live on.
| Beware!According to the EPA, a faucet that drips once a second can waste over 3000 gallons annually! |
Structural Damage
It isn’t just the panels and drywall that are impacted by small leaks. As they’re left undisturbed, that moisture can seep into your foundations, corroding drainage lines and weakening your property’s foundations before you know it.
Costly Restorations
As if those bills weren’t enough! That leak might have been fixed in a few hundred dollars, but thanks to the delay, it’s escalated to major property damage that’s going to require multiple thousands to restore.
Lowered Property Value
You might think that you can just sell your property to get rid of the problem. Not going to work. Due to the structural damage, you’ll have a hard time finding willing buyers and an even harder time getting a decent amount for your property. So, those tiny leaks have successfully devalued that property you worked so hard to acquire and build.
Conclusion
To conclude, the phrase ‘small leaks big problems’ is absolutely true. These tiny pinpricks of moisture can slowly destroy your structure from the inside out. They can lead to health issues, escalate to mould growth, lower your property’s curb appeal and demand thousands of dollars for repairs and restorations. We hope this blog helped you gain a better understanding of the gravity of a leaky water heater and loose pipe fitting. Schedule an inspection today to save your own property from the disasters mentioned above!
FAQs
What are some signs that I have a hidden leak?
If you spot stained walls and ceilings, your stucco siding crumbles or your meter runs when all the taps are off, you’ve a hidden leak.
How often should I have my plumbing system inspected?
Have a reliable plumbing contractor inspect it at least once a year to prevent major problems.
Can I fix a leaky pipe myself?
You can patch up tiny leaks with epoxy putty or pipe repair clamps, but only experts can do permanent repairs.