Drip, drip, drip — the sound of a leaky pipe or faucet can drive you crazy. Unfortunately, the annoyance is the least of your concerns when it comes to plumbing leaks. Plumbing leaks have the potential to be costly and destructive, creating just as much trouble for your wallet as they do for your home maintenance.
And at least when you hear that annoying dripping sound, you know about the leak. There are some leaks that might be happening out of sight and out of earshot, so you aren’t even aware of them until a major problem arises.
“Wow,” you’re probably thinking. “I didn’t realize leaks were such a big deal!”
Don’t panic — most plumbing systems have a leak at some point or another. They aren’t the end of the world as long as you’re proactive. The important thing is taking the right steps to catch them early and fix them.
What’s The Risk?
If you’ve never thought about the problem with plumbing leaks beyond how annoying they are, here’s what you should consider. A little bit of water is no big deal — but when all that water builds up over time, it causes trouble.
First, it’s a waste of money. If you have a drip coming from a pipe or faucet every two seconds, that adds up to 30 drips a minute — about 3,000 gallons a month! Depending on the rates you pay, that could be anywhere from $50 to $70 added to your water bill. That’s somewhere between $600 and $840 a year!
But it’s not just your water bill that you can expect to increase when you’re wasting water. Your electric bill is likely going to go higher because your air conditioner runs more aggressively to combat the moisture.Leaks can also set you up for a major problem with mold or mildew. If you live in a home with a humidity or moisture problem, you’re all too familiar with these allergenic growths that take root over any kind of porous surface. Mildew is the type that’s grayish white in color and has a powdery texture to it. Mildew isn’t nearly as bad a concern because it forms only the surface of material. While its spores might cause allergic reactions in those with sensitive respiratory systems, it’s easy enough to kill with bleach or vinegar.
The bigger problem is mold, which is black in color and takes deep roots inside walls, upholstery, baseboards, furniture — pretty much any porous material it can find. When you see it, it might look like dirt upon first glance. But don’t be fooled! When mold gets especially bad, it can consume your wood and drywall, compromising the structural integrity of a building. So what starts as a small mold growth, if left to thrive, could mean your walls and support structure of your home starts to deteriorate. Like mildew, mold will also cause respiratory issues for some people.
If your leak has gone on for so long that you’re starting to see mold and mildew, address the leak to stop the accumulation of water, and then seek out a remediation company that can put a stop to the mold and mildew growth in your home.Moist environments are also attractive for pests. Once they determine that there’s consistent wetness, you might start to find you’re sharing your home with things like cockroaches and centipedes. Another pest that likes moisture? Termites! And like mold, termites can be a serious threat to the structural integrity of your home.
Depending on where the leak is located, it can be an immediate threat to your health and safety. If a pipe running to your kitchen sink has an opening in it, then your tap water — that is, your drinking water — could be exposed to contaminants that could make you sick. A leak that’s spilling water close to electrical wiring runs the risk of short circuiting and starting a fire.
What Should I Do?
Now that you understand the risks of plumbing leaks, you’re ready to stay diligent about catching leaks before they become too much of a problem. Always be on the lookout for signs of water damage, such as discoloration on your walls or ceiling, or a softness to your baseboards or wood furniture.
In other situations, you might become aware of a leak because the water pressure feels low in your sink or shower. Finally, don’t forget that a regular plumbing inspection by a reliable plumber — about once a year, but possibly more if you live in an older home — can give you peace of mind that everything is in the condition it should be in.