“It’s a small leak.” “Yeah, I know the drip can be annoying.” “It’s not that big a deal, right? How much damage can one little leak do?”
People say things like this every day when they’re dealing with what looks like a small plumbing problem. It’s easy to understand and even easier to justify not taking immediate action to correct plumbing issues before they get worse. But before you make up your mind to ignore your leak, turn up the TV, burst into song, or “get your Elsa on” and just let it go, think again!
Water leaks don’t go away on their own. Once they start, they need to be fixed before they get out of hand. The one thing you can count on once you notice a water leak is that it will get worse until you don’t have a choice but to fix it. How much worse, or what kind of “worse” we’re talking about, will vary depending on the location of the leak, the age of your home, the materials used in its construction, and other factors. Here are just a few of the common problems you can expect to find if you don’t fix the leak quickly:
- Mold: Mold grows in dark, moist conditions, using the building materials in your home or business as food. Once you’ve got mold, you’ve got a BIG problem.
- Pests: Rats, mice, roaches, and other vermin seek out safe, secluded places with a steady water supply. By letting a leak go, you’re basically hanging out a welcome mat for pests, no matter how clean you keep your home!
- High water bills: Residential plumbing leaks waste an average of 10,000 gallons of water every year, hitting you and your family directly in the pocketbook!
- Structural damage: If water damage goes unchecked long enough, it can damage the structure of your home with drastic—and expensive—consequences!
If you’re going to be like Elsa when you notice leaks in your plumbing, do it the right way. Freeze water damage and wasted water in its tracks by contacting a certified plumber right away!
While it may seem like a small leak or a minor annoyance at first, it’s important to address any water leaks promptly. Even a seemingly insignificant drip can lead to bigger problems in the long run. Water leaks can cause damage to the surrounding structures, promote the growth of mold and mildew, and even increase water bills. It’s always better to be proactive and fix the issue before it escalates into a major and costly repair. So, even if it may not seem like a big deal initially, it’s best to take care of any leaks as soon as possible.