If have a small pipe leak in your home, it might not seem like a plumbing emergency. However, there are many reasons to take small pipe leaks seriously. Even a minor leak that drips several drops can create a health and safety concern in your residential property. Here are tell-tale signs that your leaking pipe is a plumbing emergency that needs the attention of a professional.
1. Structural Damage
Water leaks can cause wood to weaken and rot, compromising your home’s structural integrity. Your rafters, ceiling joists, and roof and wall frames can become permanently damaged due to pipe leaks. If you suspect water leaks in your slab, contact a slab detection expert immediately to avoid unnecessary property damage. Fixing water leaks as soon as possible is vital if you don’t want hefty repair bills in the long run.
2. Mold and Mildew
Due to the dry climate in Lubbock and the surrounding area, mold and mildew are not as much of a problem here as they are in other parts of the country. However, mold growth is a common health and safety hazard you can face due to water leaks in your Lubbock home. When inhaled, mold spores can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. These microbes can also cause respiratory complications, especially in vulnerable people such as family members with pre-existing health conditions, young children, and the elderly. Contact your emergency plumber once you notice mold growth. When left untreated, these microbes can spread very fast in your home, and they can be difficult to remove.
3. Bursting Pipes
Your pipes can burst due to extreme weather conditions and high water pressure. Burst pipes can cause disruption and major damage to your residential property. If you notice water gushing from a broken or burst pipe, shut off the main water valve and contact your local plumbing expert.
4. Pest Infestation
Pests love dark and damp areas. Moisture can soften materials near hidden water leaks, encouraging the pests to burrow in. Pests are not only challenging to exterminate, but they’re also disease carriers. You can avoid high exterminator bills and health problems by fixing pipe leaks once you notice them.
5. High Utility Bills
Even if a pipe leak in your residence isn’t causing immediate mold growth or property damage, the wasted water can affect your water bills. Depending on the rate and size of your pipe leak, you might be wasting 10% or even more of your monthly water expenses. Hidden pipe leaks can also increase your gas or electricity bills. These bills can spike because your air conditioning system has to work harder to cool your living space if the humidity level is high.
Get Professional Help Today
Water leaks can cause property damage, and you should not take them lightly. While some pipe leaks are pretty easy to locate and even fix by yourself, others are difficult to find and complicated to repair. In addition to your regular inspections, you can schedule a professional plumbing inspection to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly. Professional plumbing maintenance can help prevent water leak problems if detected and repaired early.
If you notice any of these warning signs above, contact Action Air & Plumbing immediately. Our experts will inspect your Lubbock home’s plumbing and make the necessary repairs to prevent major issues and property damage.
