What Will Happen If You Ignore Leaks in Your Home?
Countless households all over the world are losing huge amounts of water on a daily basis. Leaks are the main culprits for billions of gallons lost per year and incredibly high bills in both commercial and residential settings. When left untreated, even the smallest issues in the water system can cause excessive damage to the entire property. Read on, and you’ll find out what will happen if you ignore water leaks and let them evolve over time.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Water Damage
Damage to the Property
Neglected water leaks can cause a lot of damage to the structure of your home. Drips and wet spots can make cracks in the walls and the foundation, leaving behind the damage you can’t repair without investing a lot of money and effort. Although it might seem that minor cracks in the foundations are not a big deal, they could cause excessive damage over time and even lead to flooding, which is a special kind of disaster you’ll have trouble fixing.
Mold and Mildew
When you see seepage forming on your walls, it’s time to take action and prevent the development of further problems. Persistent moisture in the house leads to mold and mildew, the fungus that can jeopardize the house’s foundation and ruin your belongings. It usually grows on the walls where the leakage occurs, but it can be found in other places as well, especially in the areas with limited air circulation (behind the closet and upholstery, in carpets, and more).
Mold and mildew are not only very bad for your home but your health as well. The fungus causes allergies, asthma, and an array of other symptoms such as a runny nose, red and watery eyes, sneezing, and skin irritation.
Bad Smells
Following mold and mildew, water leaks also cause bad smells in the house. If you let the water leak develop, you’ll probably notice musty odors at some point. The only way to avoid and prevent this in the future is to run regular leak inspections and fix all issues on time.
Health Problems
As we mentioned above, excessive and persistent water leaks are very bad for the residents. Mold and mildew can cause respiratory and skin issues, especially for those who already have asthma, eczema, and other underlying health conditions. Thus, keeping the house clean and free of water leaks is crucial for a healthy life.
High Bills
Do you know that even the smallest water leaks can cost you a lot of money in the long run? When the leakage occurs, you’ll first notice an increment in the water bills, and things will get worse over time. Plus, if you neglect the problem, the leak will develop even more. Then, you’ll have to deal with excessive repairs that will certainly cost you an arm and a leg.
Poor Plumbing Efficiency
Nobody wants to run out of water in the household or deal with decreased water pressure. It’s a bothersome issue that affects all residents and usurps everyday routine. To prevent this from happening and ensure your water system runs smoothly, inspect your house regularly and resolve even the smallest issues as they come up.
Home Appearance
Along with jeopardizing the structure and foundation of your home, water leaks also affect your home’s appearance. The walls, woods, drywall, and insulation tend to absorb the excess water, which leads to warping, stains, bubbling, and other kinds of deterioration. None of these consequences look good on the house, and you’ll notice your home’s appearance is getting worse over time. If you want to keep your household looking good from the inside and the outside, make sure to fix leaks on time.
Common Household Water Leaks
Detecting water leaks is not always easy. Just as there are many types of water leaks, the causes behind them can be various. If you’re up for a good old DIY investigation, follow our list of common household water leaks and their causes.
Causes of Water Leaks
- Clogged Drains — Most households will have to deal with this problem sooner or later. The drains get clogged for many reasons, including buildups of dirt and debris, punctures in the pipes, and more.
- Toilet Leaks — Toilet leaks are also quite common and usually occur due to a damaged flapper, flush valve, or malfunction of other components.
- High Water Pressure — Many homeowners don’t know that high water pressure can damage the entire plumbing system. To avoid the leaks that could come from this, always check the pressure and keep it around 60 psi.
- Corroded Pipes — Pipe corrosion is an inevitable issue. Although highly durable, the pipes still wear out over time and need to be replaced. However, there’s a couple of things you can do to avoid premature corrosion, such as balance the pH levels in your water.
How to Find a Water Leak
If you want to search for a water leak on your own, make a solid plan before you get to the DIY work. Considering all the above, you should first check your drains, toilet, pipes, and water pressure. Some leaks are pretty obvious, and you’ll be able to detect moisture in the area underneath them (think water spots under the sink when the pipe joint is leaking). For detecting hidden water leaks, however, you’ll need to invest more effort and inspect remote areas in your home. This is where professional help can come in handy, especially because plumbers have the necessary equipment to find even the smallest leaks in the system.
We also recommend professional water leak detection services for larger issues in the plumbing system. If you can’t pinpoint the leak, yet you know it’s there, hire a plumbing contractor and let the experts perform the job quickly and precisely.
Consult a Professional Leak Detection Company
If you’re in need of leak detection services in Phoenix, Leak Science is here for you. We are a highly qualified and experienced leak detection company that specializes in swimming pool leak detection and pool restoration. With a team of experts and professional equipment, we offer quick and accurate water leak detection for our clients in the Valley. Make sure your home is safe and beautiful, and contact Leak Science today!