Early Detection of Leaks Prevents Home Disasters
There’s nothing more unromantic than the sounds and smells of a dripping, leaking pipe. The musty odours, moist air, and high water bills belong in horror movies, not a Valentine’s Day rom-com movie. Homeowners may wonder how they can protect their home from such a wet disaster with Valentine’s Day just around the corner - thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a challenge to take care of and prevent leaks in the home. Keep reading to discover the signs, dangers, and solutions of water leaks in the house.
What Are the Main Signs of a Water Leak in a Home?
The good news is that leaks like to leave signs that they’re happening. While finding a leak right when it starts isn’t always possible, soon, a trail of sinister signs will crop up in the house pointing to water leak troubles.
- Strange Smells: If the air in a room has started to smell more like a pond or has become as humid as a jungle, there’s probably a water leak nearby. Leaking water is a breeding ground for stinky bacteria, mould, and other irritants and quickly becomes a source for stagnant, stinky smells.
- Higher Water Bills: Homeowners often notice this particular sign first. When the water bill starts to go up unexpectedly, and the demands of the house haven’t changed, there’s likely a leak somewhere using up extra water.
- Mould & Mildew: The growth of mould and mildew is a side effect of leaks that takes a while to appear. Mould and mildew can grow beneath tiles, under flooring, and in the walls when leaks are hidden in the same area. Both growths can add extra-gross smells to the area impacted and are fed largely by the leak that led to their development in the first place.
- Rust & Corrosion: Older homes may notice rust or corrosion around their metal pipes when leaks are discovered. Water breaks down metal pipes, and over time, leaks can become a big issue in castiron and copper plumbing.
What Are the Dangers of Water Leaks?
- Health Hazards: Depending on where the leak is located in the home’s plumbing system, health hazards are likely a problem to crop up. Leaks allow pathogens and bacteria to fester on the stagnant water, and leaks along the sewer line can introduce hazardous waste into the home.
- Mould Spores: Mold is more than just an unsightly growth. The spores can prove an irritant and debilitate the home’s occupants’ health. Additionally, mould spores can spread throughout the house along with the plumbing and HVAC system, creating a sinister, hidden threat to the home’s health and safety.
- Home Damages: Leaks left untreated quickly become an expensive problem. Damage to floors, drywall, plumbing, and home contents can rack up bills into the thousands. Debt can easily become another symptom of plumbing leaks, thanks to the cost of mitigation and repair.
How Do Professionals Find and Repair Leaks?
Plumbing professionals have plenty of tools and methods at their disposal to locate and repair leaks.
Identifying the leak is usually done with a combination of training and technology. Plumbers are aware of the usual suspect areas where leaks crop up and can confirm their suspicions using a camera snaked through the pipes. Hidden leaks are found using those cameras, too, after a thorough investigation by the plumber.
Repairing water leaks usually requires the repair or replacement of the cause. If the cause is a loose part, the fix is usually just tightening it up. However, if extensive damage has occurred, the only solution is replacing the broken part, whether it’s a valve, pipe, or another piece of plumbing.
Considering the amount of stress a water leak can cause, it’s smart to get them taken care of well before Valentine’s Day arrives.
About Vetted HVAC Services
Vetted HVAC Services is devoted to their Yorktown community. The key pillars of their business are good communication and excellent service, and they’ve stood by those beliefs since the day they opened. With over a century of combined experience on the team, Vetted HVAC Services is the top choice for water leak detection in Yorkton, SK!
