Scientists and health experts agree that modern plumbing saves millions of lives. For starters, these infrastructures help improve hygiene and sanitation. They’re also responsible for delivering potable water to consumers all over the world.
Unfortunately, plumbing leaks can give rise to hazards like dampness and mold exposure. In fact, previous studies found that about half of all US homes have dampness or mold issues. The researchers found plumbing pipe leaks to be some of the top causes of such problems.
For this reason, it pays to know more about the effects of damaged plumbing components. Read on to discover what these are and what to do if your home’s pipes develop leaks.
- Household Leaks and Indoor Mold Growth
Dampness and mold contamination can result in poor indoor air quality. Some studies suggest that indoor molds are behind many of the 40% of asthma attacks in US homes.
Excess indoor moisture can also affect the integrity of building materials. Water damage can corrode metals and cause rotting or decay in organic components.
All that should be enough reason to call in a plumbing repair specialist as soon as you detect leaky pipes. If you’re not sure where the leaks are, don’t worry, as these experts use plumbing leak detection tools. These include thermal and video cameras that can pinpoint leak locations.
- One Trillion Gallons of Water Wasted Each Year
That’s per year, according to the 24 hour emergency plumbing services chesapeake va. Plumbing leaks in the average US home can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water a year. Worse, one in 10 US homes has leaks that waste 90 gallons a day or almost 33,000 gallons in a year.
If you have an average-sized family, your daily water use should only be about 300 gallons. If it’s way more than this, get in touch with a plumbing leak repair expert right away. Don’t wait for your next water bill, as that leak won’t go away on its own and will only worsen.
- Plumbing Leaks Can Attract Pest and Vermin
On average, US homeowners shell out $3,000 for termite removal services. Hundreds of dollars also go toward eliminating rodents, mosquitoes, flies, and roaches. What’s more, these pests and vermin plague many homeowners in all 50 US states.
What a lot of people aren’t aware of is how plumbing leaks can attract these critters. Water damage from leaking plumbing pipes can give rise to termite infestations. Sewer smells and sewage leaking out of damaged drain pipes can also beckon these pests.
- Leaky Plumbing Pipes Can Burst
One in four homeowners’ insurance claims in 2018 were for water damage and freezing. These claims led to an average loss of $10,849. Frozen burst pipes were among the top causes of such expensive damages.
Cracked, leaky pipes are more likely to burst since the water leaking out of them can easily freeze. Frigid air can also get into the cracks, freezing the water within. The formed ice can then force the pipe to expand to the point of rupturing.
Get Those Leaky Plumbing Pipes Fixed Without Delays
As you can see, plumbing leaks can cause significant damage, losses, and health issues. The fact alone that they waste so much water should be enough reason to get them fixed as soon as you see them. The sooner you get all those leaky pipes patched up, the sooner you can lower your risks of mold and water damage.
Ready for more home improvement and safety tips like this? Then please feel free to browse our site’s other educational resources!
