6 Reasons You Need to Repair Leaky Pipes Right Away

Plumbing problems can be a real concern when you're a home owner. When you have serious plumbing problems such as clogs, you take care of them quickly. However, leaks don't always appear to be of a serious nature, which means they're often overlooked and ignored. Unfortunately, leaky pipes can cause big problems for you and your home. Here are some potential problems you'll face if you ignore those leaks.

If you have a leak in one of your pipes, you may think that repairs can wait, especially where a minor leak is concerned. However, even a minor leak can lead to mold growth. The excess moisture inside your home creates the perfect environment for mold to grow and thrive. Unfortunately, mold doesn't merely cause unpleasant odors.

The green fungus that grows as a result of pipe leaks also creates an unhealthy environment for you and your family. In fact, mold growth increases the severity of allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. To prevent mold growth in your home, take care of plumbing repairs in a timely manner.

Pest infestations are another problem associated with leaky water pipes. Pests such as cockroaches, mice and mosquitoes require easy access to water, which leaky pipes provide them with. The longer your pipes leak, or the bigger the leaks are, the worse your pest infestation will be. Whether you have a few drips from your kitchen faucet, or you have a larger leak behind the walls, quick repairs will stop the pest infestations.

If you switched to low-flow faucets and fixtures in your home, but your water bill is still out of control, there's a good chance that a leak is to blame. Leaky pipes can cause your water bills to go through the roof. Repair the leaks and reduce your monthly water bills.

Leaky pipes can undermine the structural integrity of your home, especially when those leaks occur inside the walls. That's where the frame and the drywall is located. As water is absorbed into the wood, the strength of your home is compromised. Excess water can also cause your drywall to deteriorate. If these types of damage occur, you'll be faced with costly repairs.

The water pressure inside your home can be adversely affected by pipe leaks. This happens for a couple of reasons. First, leaks allow water to escape to other areas of the pipes, which affects the flow through the faucets. Second, even a small leak can decrease the amount of pressure that builds up inside the pipes. The end result is decreased water pressure throughout the house.

Most leaky pipes start with a small hole. In fact, some leaks begin with a hole about the size of a pin. While they're that small, they're easy to repair. However, if left in disrepair, the water can cause your pipes to rust. Unfortunately, rusty pipes are more likely to burst, which will increase the severity of the damage. Ensure immediate repairs to minor leaks to reduce the risk of further pipe damage.

Minor pipe leaks are a major concern. Unfortunately, leaks aren't always easy to identify. If you think you have a leak, but you haven't been able to locate the source, turn your water off at the meter. Write down the number on your meter and wait about fifteen minutes. If the number on your meter has changed, contact us at Mike's Plumbing. We can locate the source of the leak and take care of any necessary repairs for you.