Some people may think of leaking pipes as just another minor hassle that many homeowners have to deal with, but the truth is that damaged pipework can lead to all kinds of serious problems.
They can even be potentially hazardous, depending on the extent of the leak and the related damage it has caused to your home.
If You Are Concerned
If you’re worried that you may have a leaking pipe somewhere on your property, below, you will find some of the warning signs to look out for, so that you can hopefully patch up the leak before it becomes too severe.
If you do see any of these signs, it’s important to call in an experienced and reputable professional, such as A1 Service Plumbing, highly rated plumbers in Apopka, FL, so they can resolve the problem for you.
But first, let’s take a look at the common dangers that can result from a leaking pipe, and what can cause them to leak in the first place.
The Potential Consequences Of A Leaking Pipe
1. Water Contamination
It is possible that a leaking pipe can contribute to the contamination of your drinking water, which could be a serious health hazard. This is because untreated water around the pipe can enter through the leak and become mixed with your treated drinking water. This untreated water could contain all kinds of chemicals, from pesticides to animal waste, which could make you and your family very ill.
2. Structural Damage
If a leak goes undetected for some time, it can result in accumulated water damage. As weeks or even months pass, this can build up to cause severe structural damage to your home which could require thousands of dollars to repair.
3. Mold And Mildew
Leaking water from a damaged pipe creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold to thrive. Mold, in particular, can be very hazardous to human health, particularly if you have older people or infants living in your home, who will be more vulnerable to the effects of exposure.
Related: How to Effectively Deal With Water Damage
Possible Causes
Now that you know just how serious a leaking pipe can be, it’s time to explore some of the possible causes. Knowing what can contribute to a damaged pipe can possibly help you prevent such a problem from occurring in the first place.
Here are some common triggers:
- Burst pipework caused by freezing temperatures.
- Increased water pressure due to a blockage.
- Loose or poorly installed connectors.
Warning Signs
Finally, let’s explore some of the early warning signs that can give you a heads-up that something is amiss with your home’s piping.
Sometimes, even if you can’t spot the physical signs of a leak, a sudden increase in your water bills can give you a clear indication that something is wrong.
Similarly, the sudden appearance of damp spots on your walls or ceilings – not to mention that dreaded black mold and mildew – can indicate the presence of a leak. You may even be able to hear the problem, as damaged pipes can make strange gurgling sounds, even when no faucet or toilet is in use.
If you see or hear any of these warning signs, it’s important that you call a plumber right away, to evaluate the extent of the problem and patch things up as quickly as possible, to get your home back in sound working order.
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