While it may seem insignificant now, a leaky pipe can actually cause huge problems for your home and lifestyle if left unattended. They are one of the many nearly silent destroyers of a home. And while many people are content to throw a bucket under a leaky pipe and wait until they have the spare cash for a plumber, this can actually end up costing them more money down the line.
Problems With Low Water Pressure
One of the main problems that occurs from a leaky pipe isn’t actually the water damage itself, but the potential loss in water pressure. Plumbing systems are designed to be air tight, using specialized seal and varying widths of pipe 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, much better. But a leaky pipe can actually have a negative impact on water pressure, leaving you with worse pressure. This can, in turn, have a negative effect on how your appliances all run as well, which can end up costing you money in higher operating costs. Not to mention the chances that a small leak will turn into a full-on burst pipe.
Leaky Pipes Can Lead To Burst Pipes
Leaky pipes can also turn into burst pipes, surprisingly enough, especially if they are ignored for too long. When a pipe bursts, many problems occur immediately. One, most obviously, is that it shuts down your entire water system. You have to turn absolutely everything off when a pipe bursts, meaning you have no water whatsoever. And while you should know how to turn off the main water valve in your home, it’s best to never actually have to use that information. Leaky pipes are already weak points in your plumbing system, and that can mean your home is more likely suffer the second result of ignoring leaky pipes.
Costly Water Damage
The second major problem that results from a burst pipe is water damage. Water damage can be incredibly costly and may have many long-reaching effects outside of the obvious costs involved. Mold, 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 and, if water begins to seep out, it can cause the seal to separate even further. Eventually, the pipe can burst, showering your home in 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, 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 professional at least every two to three years, and perhaps more frequently if you live in a place with frequent temperature changes around the freezing mark.
