Do not ignore leaky pipes; fix them before they cause major damage

Leaky pipes may seem harmless, but left unchecked they can destroy your home. 

While burst pipes get most of the attention due to the damage they cause, do not ignore leaky pipes. Even small drips, if not promptly repaired, have the potential to cause water damage, mold, structural issues and more. 

Catching and fixing pipe leaks early is key to preventing flooding, rotting, high utility bills and other problems, in the future.

Warning signs to spot leaky pipes

Watch for these signs of leaks:

• Higher water bills
• Musty smells emitting from walls and/or floors
• Bubbling water from pipes 
• Discolored water stains
• Spongy spots on floors or ceilings

If you notice any of these signs, water is likely escaping from somewhere. If it is not fixed, the leak could get worse and cause more damage.

Dangers of putting off leaky pipe repairs

It is tempting to ignore a minor leak, but this allows bigger issues to develop over time.

Flooding

Leaking pipes can lead to burst pipes, which unleash water rapidly. This will lead to flooding, which will cause major damage if not stopped immediately. 

Toxic mold

Chronic leaks can enable hazardous mold to grow inside your house. Mold can make your family sick and is costly to eliminate.

Structural damage  

Leaking water can compromise anything that is not concrete such as floors, subfloor, studs, joists, etc. Rotted wood must be replaced to ensure the structural integrity of your house.

Rot and warping

Wet materials warp and rot, destroying appearance and structural stability. Depending on the amount of damage, it could be costly to fix or replace rotted or warped items.

Risk of electrical fire

Water that comes in contact with electrical systems can short-circuit those systems, which is a serious fire hazard. 

How Professionals Find Leaks

Experts use advanced methods to pinpoint leak locations accurately for proper repairs:

• Acoustic listening devices that amplify water sound
• Video inspections to visually identify leaks
• Flood tests isolate sections to identify leaks
• Thermal imaging detects moisture issues

Prioritizing Leaky Pipe Repairs

Schedule repairs immediately if leaks are:

• Causing flooding
• Dripping constantly  
• Impacting electrical   
• Coming from the water line main

Even small drips should be fixed soon, as problems will worsen quickly if they are not addressed. Do not take any chances!

Call Plumbers 911 – the leak repair experts

While simple drips may be DIY-friendly, it is best to call Plumbers 911 for a referral to an affiliated plumbing contractor who can expertly identify and fix most leaks. Their licensed plumbers have the training and skills to:

• Accurately diagnose issues
• Access all infrastructure
• Make code-compliant repairs 
• Improve functionality

Do not let small leaks become huge headaches! Call Plumbers 911 and talk with our network of contractors, who can fix your leak before it causes catastrophic damage.

Plumbers 911 is a referral service affiliated with the best locally licensed, bonded and insured plumbing contractors in the area. They employ highly qualified plumbers who receive over 10,000 hours of training and undergo rigorous background checks.