A plumbing leak can be a very serious thing. When left undetected, leaks can be particularly devastating. This is why it is so important to be proactive with leak detection and make repairs as soon as a leak is detected. Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems and often occur from normal wear and tear. Regular plumbing maintenance is the best way to keep leaks at bay. Here are some of the dangers of undetected leaks.
High Water Bill
A high water bill can often be the first indicator of an undetected leak. Plumbing leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water over time. The longer the leak goes, the more water is wasted, and the higher the water bill is. If you find yourself in shock when you open up your monthly water bill, you may want to call your plumber to perform a thorough inspection. Undetected leaks can sometimes occur within the foundation of your home, in which case, if there are no visible signs, leak detection technology, will need to be used in order to properly locate the leak. Some signs to look out for include: unexplained puddles of water, the sound of rushing waters, water damage, and saturated ground when it hasn’t rained.
Water Damage
Another danger of undetected leaks is water damage. When a leak occurs it can damage the surrounding area. Surfaces that are porous like wood floors, carpet, and drywall can all be affected by water damage. Water damage can lead to expensive repairs, and the longer the leak goes undetected the more damage can be done.
Mold
Mold is one of the most dangerous repercussions of undetected leaks. The truth of the matter is mold is all around us. Most mold is harmless, however, undetected leaks can provide the perfect environment for dangerous black mold to flourish. Toxic black mold can make people very, very sick. People with asthma or compromised immune systems may be particularly susceptible. Black mold can cause respiratory infections, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. In severe cases, nausea and vomiting, severe headache, and cognitive dysfunction can occur.
Incorporating regular leak detection into your plumbing maintenance is a great way to prevent mold from growing. Since mold needs moisture to grow, the site of a leak is prime real estate. If you see or smell mold, it is important to find the source. While often it can result from poor ventilation, it could also mean there is an undetected leak that needs to be fixed.
Undetected leaks can cause a lot of damage, which makes repairs more expensive. Ongoing leak detection is a great way to protect the integrity of your home and the health of your loved ones. Check faucets, under sinks, and around water-using appliances. Also pay attention to your water bill, as we stated above an unexplained hike in your water bill is often the first sign of an undetected leak. Suspect a leak? Give us a call (626) 774-7167.
