Why You Shouldn’t Ignore That Leak

Leaking water in your home should never be ignored – whether it’s a rainwater leak or a plumbing leak. The longer you delay dealing with a leak, the more costly it could be. It could also become a health hazard over time. Below are just a few reasons why you should never put off dealing with a leak.

High Water Bills

Ignoring a plumbing leak could lead to a high water bill. Even if it’s small drips, you could find that those small drips add up in the long run. A lot of people ignore a dripping faucet because they don’t think it will do any damage, but underestimate the impact it can have on their water bill. Hot water faucets can be particularly expensive if you ignore them because you’ll be wasting water and energy on water heating. 

Water Damage

Both rainwater leaks and the majority of plumbing leaks can lead to parts of your property getting damaged. Many materials can decay when exposed to water – wood can start to rot, brick can start to spall and metal can start to rust. Water can also damage electrics and even lead to a risk of an electrical fire or an electric shock. The more serious the leak, the quicker the damage will occur – emergency plumbers should be called out immediately if you have a burst pipe. That said, a small drip shouldn’t be ignored for long either, and this could cause damage quicker than you think. Don’t wait until you see damp patches to fix the issue as there could be internal damage happening that you cannot always see. The quicker you act, the less damage there will be, and the less it will cost you.

Mold Growth

Water damage in your property can encourage the growth of mold. This fungus thrives in damp conditions and could quickly start to spread across the walls and ceiling. Mold doesn’t just look unsightly, but it can also be a health hazard – breathing in mold spores can lead to respiratory issues, which can be fatal. If you have already started to experience mold growth after a leak, consider buying some anti-mold spray. Professional mold remediation may be needed for serious cases of mold. It’s worth noting that mold may not always grow in visible places – a musty odor could be a sign you have mold growing somewhere hidden. 

Pests

A lot of pests are also drawn to damp conditions. This includes bugs like termites, cockroaches, silverfish, earwigs, mosquitoes and pillbugs. Rats and mice may also be drawn to damp conditions. By patching up a leak as soon as you can and fixing any damage, you can prevent pests from nesting in your home. 

Neighbor/Landlord Disputes

An unrepaired leak can also lead to disputes with neighbors or landlords. If your home is joined to another property, you could find that they experience water damage or mold as a result of your leak. They may sue you if this leads to costly issues. A landlord may similarly be able to sue you if you deliberately put off telling them about a leak, which then ends up being much more expensive to fix – something to consider if you’re currently renting.