Leak Repair & Why To Fix Them Quickly


We all know that plumbing leaks happen at the worst time possible, and they account for billions of dollars in repairs in the United States alone, not to mention the health risks associated with dangerous mold growth. We are going to cover why you should take care of a leak quickly:
 
  • Save on drywall patchwork and paint – Most of your plumbing is inside your walls; if you don’t catch a leak quickly, the drywall acts like a sponge and soaks up the water leaving a stain or, much worse, ruining the drywalls integrity.
  • Water & electricity don’t mix – It almost goes without saying if water touches a frayed wire, it will blow your breaker, and if the breaker is faulty, a fire could start due to sparks.
  • Mold is not our friend – Mold love damp conditions; if you have leaks that go unchecked, water can promote the growth of common toxic molds like Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys, to name a few.
  • Floors are expensive to replace – Water leaks always end up on the floor, and pooling water on the floor will eventually soak in and damage it. The damage will depend on the flooring. Laminate flooring will not fair well against moisture and can quickly start buckling on the joints. Hardwood floor resists water penetration better than laminate. However, if left for long periods can begin to cup and need replacement. Vinyl, linoleum, and tile are more resilient to water damage but also have their limits. If the water gets through to the subfloor, you will be dealing with replacing more than your flooring.
  • Our water is precious – Without water, we can’t live, and here in California, we are constantly living through droughts, so it’s crucial to minimize how much water we waste. Also, water prices are rising, and there is no need to throw your money away because of a leak.

Unfortunately, leaks are not always evident and can go for months or years before being discovered, so let’s go over a few warning signs: Water Bill Increased – If you’ve noticed you are paying more for your water than before, call and get clarification from your local water company to ensure it’s not because of use. All things being equal, if your water consumption as a family has not increased drastically, there is no need for your cost to be higher (unless the water company has raised the rates). After clarifying, you should have a good idea if you have an unseen leak somewhere.

At this point, it’s time to call a professional to assess and find the issue. The water meter keeps running – The water meter should stop ticking when all taps are closed, and no water is in use. If you notice the water meter constantly ticking, it’s time to have someone check it out. What is that smell – If you have a mildewy smell that persists even after you have entirely cleaned the house, it might be a good idea to call someone out to try to find where the odor is coming from. Where did that crack come from – If out of nowhere you see cracks developing in your foundation, this is not normal. Although small cracks could develop because of the house settling, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Mike Testa Plumbing can do a slab leak detection test and let you know your options.
If you are considering replacing your kitchen faucet click here.