When Should You Address That Leak: Now or Later?

Unless you’re faced with broken pipes or a burst washing machine hose, you may not feel the need to call a plumber to your home in Flagstaff, AZ. A dripping faucet or a small leak in your water heater don’t seem like large problems, but left unaddressed they can lead to costly waster waste and damage your home. Keep reading to find out why you should call a plumber as soon as you notice a leak you can’t fix yourself rather than waiting it out.

Wasted Water

Water is our planet’s most valuable natural resource. Even small leaks can add up to a large amount of water waste over time; a single dripping faucet wastes up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. If the environment isn't your first concern, consider your pocketbook. You can save ten percent or more on your water bill simply by fixing leaks around your home or having a plumber fix them for you.

Water Damage

Although it seems innocuous, water can cause significant damage to your home, especially over time. Water trails damage paint, plaster, wood, carpeting, and linoleum. Water-damaged flooring and walls must be replaced, costing you money. If the damage is particularly bad, areas of your home could become structurally unsafe, requiring expensive repairs. Wet insulation doesn't work as well, meaning you may end up paying more to heat or cool your home if you have a leak in your attic or inside a wall.

Mold Growth

Mold is a common household problem associated with standing water that a plumber can fix. Within only 24 hours, mold growth can take hold and spread quickly. Mold not only damages the surfaces it grows on, it also contaminates your indoor air. Airborne spores exacerbate allergies and asthma, and may cause headaches, nausea, and trouble sleeping or concentrating on tasks. Left untreated, mold can also cause upper respiratory infections and illness.

Bigger Plumbing Problems

Sometimes, a leak is a symptom of a larger plumbing problem lurking just around the corner. Failing gaskets or fixtures often leak before they break completely; fixing a small leak is infinitely easier than handling a large-scale flood in your home. Water leaking from your water heater may have many causes, but the two most common are a faulty temperature-pressure-relief valve or a corroded tank. If your temperature-pressure-relief valve isn't working correctly, it could cause your water heater to explode. A leaking tank is a sign that mineral scale has corroded the tank walls and your water heater needs to be replaced.

To learn more, visit our website for a list of our services, available 24/7 in Yavapai, Coconino and Maricopa Counties. You can also find some excellent tips, from the pros, on plumbing issues you can and can’t handle yourself on our blog.