Why You Should Never Ignore Small Leaks

When you live in a home long enough, you’re bound to experience some plumbing problems. The change of the seasons, natural wear and tear, and hidden issues are going to cause a problem to arise at some point. However, not all of them might seem like an emergency. A manageable drip from a pipe that you can catch in a bucket or bowl, or water dripping from the base of a faucet into the sink, might seem like the kind of problem that you can handle a little later, when you have the time or money. However, failing to take care of it now can see you paying a lot more down the line. Here’s why you should never ignore a leak, no matter how small.

The Costs Of Plumbing Leaks Are No Joke

If it’s a small, controllable plumbing leak, then you might think that it’s not urgent, by any means. However, if it’s a consistent leak, it could be continuously increasing your water bills over time. Even a little drip can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons, given enough time. The increase in your water bills is one factor, but you also need to consider the fact that your plumbing systems are not designed to be actively running 24/7 and that, eventually, the wear and tear from constant activity is going to increase the risk of pipe failure, which will undoubtedly require a much bigger fix.

Leaks Can Come From Outside Your Plumbing

If you see a minor drip coming from the ceiling of the home, then it should warrant even faster action than a dripping tip. A roof leak, even a small one, can lead to major structural damage. By the time the leak appears inside the home and below the attic, you should be acting ASAP. This can not only spread wood rot and structural damage inside the home, but could also indicate roofing damage that could get much worse over time or with exposure to bad weather, such as a storm. Getting a roofing professional out and up there should be your next step.

Water Damage Can Spread Quickly

Similarly, if you’ve noticed a leak hitting housing materials without any protection, or dripping through walls or sealings, then there’s a good chance that there is at least some minor water damage. In the best-case scenario, you might need to replace a patch of drywall or ceiling. However, if it’s been spreading further under the surface, especially if it’s been travelling through the home, from up to down, there’s a good chance of weakened structural materials out of view. In that case, you might need to start getting in touch with a water damage restoration specialist. The sooner that you’re able to act against a leak, the better your chances of preventing that.

Mold And Mildew Move Fast, Too

If water is running through or against housing materials and furniture, then it creates the perfect conditions for mold to grow around them, as well. Even the increased moisture in the air due to a leak can be enough to foster mold growth if the ventilation isn’t able to clear up the air quality well enough. Mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours and can quickly spread, especially in dark or enclosed spaces like behind walls or under the sink. Aside from affecting building materials, it can even affect the respiratory health of your home. While cleaning up the mold can help if you reach it quickly enough, if you don’t deal with its source and contributing factors, it is going to come back.

They Can Attract Pests, As Well

There are plenty of pests that are attracted to moisture from leaks, including rodents, termites, ants, and cockroaches. Leaks can provide access to drinking water, as well as nesting materials, due to the fact that moist materials are a lot easier to tear into. Then pests can spread damage even further, eating into your housing materials, your insulation, your wiring, and your personal possessions. If you have a leak that’s coming in from the outdoors, especially near the basement or crawl space, this can even open up a path for the pest to come in. In order to seal up the entrance, you need to stop the leak, as well. Leaks affecting that part of the home are often due to a lack of drainage around the property.

Leaks are never a small problem; they’re just a problem waiting to grow big. Make sure that you get the team you need on top of it, whether it’s the plumber, the roofer, or just you with a little weatherproofing tape.