The Dangers of Ignoring Plumbing Leaks

If you’ve ever had a leaky pipe or faucet and thought nothing of it, you’re not alone. The EPA has figured ten percent of homes have plumbing leaks that waste 90 gallons of water or more in a single day. Even more, when larger plumbing fixtures like toilets leak, they can waste up to 4,000 gallons of water a day – adding hundreds of dollars to your utility bill from ignoring plumbing leaks.

Wasted water and lost money are not the only dangers of ignoring plumbing leaks. As Brooklyn plumbers, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that can be done by even the smallest leak. Here’s why you should have a leaky pipe or faucet repaired sooner than later:

Foundation cracks – When pipes leak underneath a home’s foundation, the structural damage can happen faster than you might expect. If ignored, the water can erode the concrete, leading to costly cracks and general water damage. It’s important to periodically inspect your basement for damp spots or standing water. Keep in mind that hot water lines can also leak, causing warm spots on your basement floor.

Plumbing Leaks Can Lead to Mold

When the pipes behind your walls leak, they leave behind damp drywall that can eventually lead to black mold. More than just a musty smell, this dangerous buildup can result in a number of hazardous health issues including respiratory problems, breathing difficulties, chronic fatigue, and sinus issues. Furthermore, mold repair is more costly than simply having a leak fixed or replacing a section of drywall.

Toilet Plumbing Leaks Are Wasted Money

Whether your toilet leaks or is faulty, it can be one of the most wasteful components of your household plumbing. Inefficient toilets can often add more than $2,000 to your yearly water bill and most problems are related to age and wear and tear. Over time, the rubber flapper can decay, leading to a continuous leak. While professional repairs can fix a leaky toilet in an afternoon, you might want to consider upgrading to a more efficient, WaterSense model that could save upwards of 13,000 gallons of water a year.

Even if pushing off repairing plumbing leaks in Brooklyn saves you time, it won’t save you any money. Proactive maintenance of your entire system is the best investment to make to ensure your home is 100 percent leak free. To find out more about how to control leak repairs in Brooklyn, give Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning a call at 718-748-1254 today.