Wasted water isn’t the most serious consequence of having leaking pipes, even for the most conservation-minded property owners. While most homeowners want to keep utility costs down when they can, the real risk of leaks is the damage they can cause to the home and personal property. Left unchecked, some of these issues can create health hazards for people and animals or cause eventual structural damage.
5 Problems Caused by Water Leaks
1. Appliance and Fixture Failure
For many people, the first tangible sign of a water leak is poor pressure in the shower or poor performance from appliances. Depending on the location of the leak, you may notice a major drop in pressure right away or it may be more subtle. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to leaking pipes, so don’t be afraid to investigate any changes in your system.
2. Mold and Mildew Growth
One of the most underestimated risks of water leaks is mold and mildew growth. Depending on how long the leak goes unabated, it could allow massive colonies to develop within the walls or floors of the building. This creates a potentially life-threatening situation for people with weak immune systems and is a general air quality concern for anybody.
3. Wood Rot
Many supporting beams in modern structures are made from wood, which is susceptible to water damage even when chemically treated. Water from leaking pipes tends to pool or rest on surrounding surfaces, which means any exposed wood will start to rot and decay quickly. Even a few weeks of unabated exposure could jeopardize the structural integrity of the beams.
4. Pests and Infestation
The presence of standing water can be a major factor in pest infestation as well. Cockroaches and many other types of household pests thrive in areas with available water. In some areas, parasites like woodworm can also take hold under these conditions and cause serious long-term issues for the property owner.
5. Supply or Sewage Contamination
Another risk of pipe leaks is the potential for contamination of the clean water supply or contamination of the soil from a sewage line. There are a lot of potential complications with both of these cases. It’s best to avoid water that might be contaminated until you can schedule a professional inspection and quality test.
Be Prepared for Plumbing Disasters
The best way to prepare for plumbing emergencies is to have a professional plumbing service lined up and ready to go. Residents of Scranton, PA can rely on Freedom Flow to find water leaks and develop a complete solution for all their maintenance, repair, and replacement needs, so call today.