Every home has its issues and eventually needs some type of home improvement, but leaky pipes are not something you want to ignore as a homeowner. This issue, even if it starts out small, can result in serious health concerns and home issues that create major problems that are either expensive to fix or can cause serious health damage. If you notice any type of leak in your home, whether it’s from a pipe in the bathroom or kitchen or coming from a bigger pipe in your basement, here is why you’ll want to have it fixed right away.
Structural Damage
When water leaks last a long time, it can create puddles that can affect the structure of your home. Most homes are made from wood studs, and if these get wet, they start to mold and become unstructurally sound. The longer the water sits on this part of your home, the weaker these studs become. This can result in serious structure damage to your home, which can be extremely expensive to fix and put you and your family in harm’s way. Even if you sense a very small leak in your home somewhere, it’s best to have this addressed and fixed right away to prevent any structural damage from occurring.
Decreased Property Value
Water damage is something that will be noticed and leaves residue if improperly fixed. Should your home have water leaks or water damage, you will easily see the property value of your home decrease. That’s because anyone who purchases your home in the future will need to do something to fix this problem, and since it’s such an expensive fix, it’s not something that you’ll want to deal with. Instead, be sure to fix these issues before they arise so that your home’s value and the equity you have in your home does not become compromised in any way.
Mold Growth
Mold results from standing water, and a leaky pipe can easily puddle in an area and create mold growth. This is not only one of the culprits that leads to structural damage to your home from the water, but it’s also extremely detrimental to your overall health. Mold spores can move around in the air, and if you and your family members inhale this, it will result in anything from minor issues to serious illnesses. For instance, some people living in mold-infested homes will experience nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing. This is especially probable to those who already suffer from asthma or allergies. However, those who live in mold for longer periods of time can compromise their immune system, and this can lead to other serious breathing and health issues.
Damaged Utilities
When water leaks occur, it can have an impact on other utilities throughout your home. For instance, this water can negatively impact your gas lines or your electrical wiring, and this can result in other serious issues. For instance, wiring touched by water can create an electronic burst that could result in a spark or fire. Water on gas lines could also reduce the safety of these lines, leaving your home more exposed to gas leaks. Should you notice any leaky pipes that are occurring near walls, it’s best to have this checked out by a professional before it leads to other damaged areas.
Where to Begin
According to a plumber in Fankston, “finding a leaky pipe isn’t always difficult, especially if it’s noticeable. However, sometimes these leaks occur behind the walls, making it harder for you to find until it’s too late“. Therefore, instead of crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, you should keep your eyes, ears, and nose open for signs of water leaks. For instance, look for areas that have a yellowish color to them, as the water will often stain areas with this tint. In addition, you can also try to listen for signs of leaks and use your nose to see if you can smell any puddled water or mildew. These are all great first signs of leaks.
In addition, it also makes sense to get a professional opinion It’s important to do a little research and get tips and tricks from professionals or to find solutions to your common water problems. You can also contact local professional plumbers to come and inspect your home for water damage.
Finally, you want to pay attention to your water bill. If you notice that your bill has gone up significantly, but you haven’t been using more water than normal, this could be a sign you have a leak somewhere. If this occurs, have it checked by a professional right away.