While it may seem insignificant now, a leaky pipe can cause huge problems for your home and lifestyle if left unattended. Leaky pipes are among the many silent destroyers of a home. Many people might be tempted to throw a bucket under a leaky pipe and wait until they have the spare cash for a plumber. However, this can actually end up costing more money in the long run.
Problems with Low Water Pressure
One of the main issues resulting from a leaky pipe isn’t the water damage itself but the potential loss of water pressure. Plumbing systems are designed to be airtight, using specialized seals and varying widths of pipes to force water into small spaces. The result is water rushing out in a way that’s useful and, in the case of showers, feels much better. However, a leaky pipe can negatively impact water pressure, leaving you with worse pressure. This can, in turn, affect how your appliances run, leading to higher operating costs. Additionally, a small leak can escalate into a full-on burst pipe.
Leaky Pipes Can Lead to Burst Pipes
Leaky pipes can surprisingly turn into burst pipes, especially if ignored for too long. When a pipe bursts, many problems occur immediately. Most obviously, it shuts down your entire water system. You have to turn everything off when a pipe bursts, meaning you have no water whatsoever. While you should know how to turn off the main water valve in your home, it’s best never to have to use that knowledge. Leaky pipes are already weak points in your plumbing system, making your home more likely to suffer significant damage if left unattended.
The second major problem resulting from a burst pipe is water damage. Water damage can be incredibly costly and may have many long-lasting effects beyond the obvious expenses. Mold growth, destruction of property, foundational damage, and more can all result from ignoring that small leak. The reason is that the seal between pipes, where leaks most often occur, becomes weak. If water begins to seep out, it can cause the seal to separate further. Eventually, the pipe can burst, showering your home with water that will cost you a substantial amount of time, money, and effort to recover from. Instead, it’s a better idea to have that leaky pipe inspected and fixed early.
If you have leaky pipes or suspect that water is seeping from your plumbing system, it’s important to call in a plumbing professional as soon as possible. Not only can they help you avoid some of the bigger problems described above, but they can also inspect your entire plumbing system to ensure it’s running its best. Professionals recommend that you have your pipes inspected by a licensed plumber at least every two to three years, and perhaps more frequently if you live in an area with frequent temperature changes around the freezing mark
Costly Water Damage
The second major problem resulting from a burst pipe is water damage. Water damage can be incredibly costly and may have many long-lasting effects beyond the obvious expenses. Mold growth, destruction of property, foundational damage, and more can all result from ignoring that small leak. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims in the country, costing billions of dollars annually.
The reason is that the seal between pipes, where leaks most often occur, becomes weak. If water begins to seep out, it can cause the seal to separate further. Eventually, the pipe can burst, showering your home with water that will cost you a substantial amount of time, money, and effort to recover from.
Preventive Measures:
- Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections with a licensed plumber to catch leaks early. Professionals recommend inspecting your pipes at least every two to three years.
- Insulation: Insulate pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements and garages, to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
- Smart Technology: Consider installing smart water leak detectors that can alert you to leaks and shut off water automatically to prevent extensive damage.
Instead, it’s a better idea to have that leaky pipe inspected and fixed early. If you have leaky pipes or suspect that water is seeping from your plumbing system, it’s important to call in a plumbing professional as soon as possible. Not only can they help you avoid some of the bigger problems described above, but they can also inspect your entire plumbing system to ensure it’s running its best.
Why Choose a Professional?
- Expertise: Licensed plumbers have the expertise to accurately diagnose and fix plumbing issues.
- Comprehensive Inspection: They can provide a thorough inspection of your plumbing system, identifying potential problems before they become major issues.
- Long-Term Savings: Investing in professional inspections and repairs can save you money in the long run by preventing costly water damage.
Professionals recommend that you have your pipes inspected by a licensed plumber at least every two to three years, and perhaps more frequently if you live in an area with frequent temperature changes around the freezing mark
