If you're a homeowner, it's important to keep an eye on your plumbing. Unfortunately, many people ignore potential problems thinking they'll go away on their own or be too expensive to fix. However, this can often lead to much bigger issues down the road. In this blog, we are going to review some dangers of ignoring plumbing problems.
Water Damage
Plumbing leaks can cause water damage to your home, which can be expensive to repair. If left unaddressed, small leaks can turn into big ones, increasing the amount of damage and the cost of repairs.
Mold And Mildew
Plumbing leaks provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be dangerous for your family, particularly if anyone has allergies or respiratory problems. In addition, mold can be extremely expensive to remove and may prevent you from selling your home.
Sewage Backups
Ignoring a clogged drain can lead to sewage backup, which is not only gross but can also be dangerous to your health. Sewage contains harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness, so it's important to address any blockages as soon as possible.
Plumbing Emergencies
If you ignore a plumbing problem long enough, it will eventually turn into an emergency that requires the help of a professional. This can be expensive and inconvenient, so it's always best to nip potential problems in the bud before they get out of hand.
Where's The Leak?
Now that you know the dangers of ignoring a leak, it's time to become detectives. Let's find the small leaks before they become bigger.
Start With Your Water Bill
Is your water bill higher than normal? If you notice a sudden increase in your water usage, this could be a sign of a leak. But where? Let's keep looking for those clues.
Exposed Pipes
The next place to look is your exposed pipes. These can normally be found in your basement and sometimes in your garage or outside. Inspect all exposed pipes for signs of leaks, such as dripping or pooling water.
Follow Your Nose
Do you have a smelly basement or rec room? Musty odors may be a sign of mold growth. Pay attention to any musty odors, as this could indicate mold growth due to a leak.
Dampness
Keep an eye out for any unexplained wet spots on walls, floors, or ceilings. These are likely to be caused by a leaky pipe. Water damage is no joke. What is damp today could cost you thousands of dollars later.
The Biggest Culprits
Plumbing leaks can happen anywhere in your home, but some areas are more prone to leaks than others. Here are some of the most common places to find plumbing leaks.
Underneath Sinks
Plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, and showers often have supply lines connecting them to the water source. These lines can sometimes become loose or damaged, causing a leak. Homeowners often tell us they have been smelling something nasty for weeks before they noticed the water under the sink.
In The Walls
Leaks can also occur in the pipes that run through your walls. If you notice damp spots on your walls or ceilings, it could be a sign of a hidden plumbing leak. Although the leak may be small at first, it will spread. Be sure to call as soon as you notice the problem.
Under The Toilet
If you have been following our blogs, you know we say that plumbing projects should be left to the professionals. One of the calls we get most often is for leaky toilets. Unfortunately, installing a toilet is not as straightforward as it may seem. Almost all of the calls we get about leaky toilets are because of a problem with the installation.
In The Yard
If you have an irrigation system or sprinklers, make sure to check for leaks regularly. Outdoor plumbing is exposed to the elements and is more likely to develop leaks over time. This is where we see the water bills skyrocket. If the leak is further from the home, it takes homeowners longer to find it. Making a regular walk around the yard can help you catch it before quite literally pouring thousands of dollars down the drain.
Near Outdoor Spigots
We usually see this on the first warm day after winter. People, who have forgotten to close off the outdoor water and bleed the pipes, may experience a burst pipe. Although people think that the problem will be a dramatic burst of water, it is sometimes just a constant drip.
If you think you may have a plumbing leak, it's important to take action right away. Leaks can lead to water damage, mold growth, and higher water bills.
If you suspect a leak, be sure to contact Linthicum Plumbing at (410) 768-5350 to take a look and address the problem before it turns into a bigger, more expensive issue.