Plumbing issues are a major cause for concern, even seemingly minor issues. If you ignore something like a leaky faucet or pipe, the issue may grow until it becomes too costly. The resultant costs can impact your finances negatively. Let’s look into the hidden costs of neglecting minor plumbing leaks and why you should address them as soon as possible.
Increased Repair Expenses
One of the potential costs that ignoring a minor leak can lead to is increased repair expenses. A small pipe leak can grow larger over time and become a source of significant water leaks. The uncontained water can damage your floors, ceilings, and walls. Minor issues that a professional can handle quickly can turn into major repair projects. Such unexpected expenses can cause financial stress and impact your budget.
Rising Water Bills
If you ignore a running toilet or pipe leak, it can lead to significant water wastage. The cumulative effect of the tiny drops of a leaky faucet can result in larger water bills eventually.
Emergency Plumbing Costs
Plumbing problems often occur at the least convenient times. Minor leaks can happen during a holiday, in the middle of the night, or on a weekend when you least expect it. When the plumbing issue you’ve ignored becomes urgent, you’ll incur unexpected costs. Emergency plumbing costs are typically higher than standard repair costs. When you schedule preventive plumbing maintenance early enough with a professional like Splash Plumbing, you can avoid the headaches and added expenses of emergency repairs.
Health-Related Costs
Long-term leaks can pose health risks to your family. If a portion of your plumbing system leaks for an extended period, it can harbor the growth of mold and mildew. Mold remediation by professionals is costly, and continuous growth can harm your family’s overall health. The remediation procedure is usually charged by the square footage, and it’s more expensive to remove mold from concrete, drywall, and wood. Removal is even more costly when it grows in your HVAC system. Once it enters the air ducts, it can quickly spread through the entire property. Standing water and mold growth can result in allergies and infections.
Weakened Home Structure
Leaky pipes can have detrimental effects on your home’s structural integrity. Water damage on your home’s flooring and other structural components can weaken its foundation. Water can seep in and compromise the structural stability of your home over some time. Continuous exposure to moisture can cause cracks and shifting and increase the possibility of a collapse. Restoring your home to its proper state will require renovations and extensive repairs that can strain your finances.
Water Contamination
Plumbing leaks can pick up contaminants from the surrounding soil and introduce them into your water supply. Common harmful elements in soil include bacteria, chemicals, and pesticides. When drinking water is exposed to these substances, you become vulnerable to various health issues.
Fire Hazard
If your plumbing system has leaks near electrical outlets, it poses a considerable fire hazard. Water might drip into live electrical wires and cause short circuits or electrical fires. Electrical fires can cause extensive and expensive damage to your property. The combination of water and electricity is a recipe for disaster.
Damage to Appliances
A minor plumbing leak can also damage the electrical appliances you use in your home. Vulnerable appliances include water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. When these devices start malfunctioning because of the water coming out of leaky pipes, they can be expensive to repair or replace. When you hire a professional to fix your leaky plumbing issues, you’re protecting your electrical appliances from damage and costly repairs.
Decreased Property Value
When you ignore plumbing leaks, the overall damages can reduce the value of your property in the long run. If you plan to sell your property at some point, plumbing issues may put off potential buyers. Clients still interested in buying your house may make meager offers if your home has sustained any type of noticeable plumbing damage.
Legal Liabilities
Sometimes, a minor plumbing leak can grow and spread and affect neighboring properties. If you live in a rental unit, for example, leaks may cause damage to other apartments in the building, for which you may become legally responsible. Insurance claims, settlements, and legal fees can add to your financial burdens.
Pest Removal
Additionally, the moist environment created by plumbing leaks can attract pests like cockroaches and rodents. These pests can interfere with your personal hygiene and spread illnesses among the members of your household. There’s also the expense of hiring an exterminator or pest removal company.
Finding a Good Plumber
One of the best ways to avoid the potential costs of ignoring minor plumbing leaks is preventive maintenance. However, finding a reliable plumber for optimal cost savings and effective maintenance services is essential. Here are a few tips for finding the right plumber.
Ask for Recommendations
Asking for suggestions from friends, co-workers, or neighbors is a reliable way to find a good plumber. You can trust referrals because they are suggestions from people you know who have received the plumber’s services. Ask about pricing, quality of work, and overall customer satisfaction.
Find an Experienced Plumber
Experience is crucial in plumbing. An experienced plumber has encountered various plumbing issues and has mastered the skills to handle them. When choosing a plumber, inquire about their routine maintenance experience.
Check Online Reviews
We live in a digital age where we can rely on online ratings and reviews to get insights into a plumber’s service quality and reputation. You can read past customer reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp. Select a plumber with consistently positive feedback and be keen on recurring negative reviews.
Get Multiple Quotes
It’s best not to select the first plumber you talk to. Ask for quotes from different plumbers to weigh their pricing and services. If the charges are too low, it may indicate poor workmanship or hidden costs.
Assess the Availability and Response Time
A plumbing leak requires immediate attention. Choose a plumber who is available to respond to emergencies. Inquire about the plumber’s emergency response times. Select a plumber available on holidays, evenings, and weekends.
Check Credentials and Licensing
It’s crucial to hire a licensed plumber with the proper credentials. A valid plumbing license shows that the plumber has the skills to perform the job effectively. You can verify most plumber licenses through online databases or local licensing authorities.
Expert Plumbing Services in Anaheim, CA
If your plumbing system starts experiencing minor leaks, fixing these as soon as possible is essential. If you live in Anaheim, CA, or a surrounding area, you can rely on our plumbers at Splash Plumbing for professional services. We offer plumbing repair, leak detection, drain cleaning, sewer services, and more. We proudly service both residential and commercial properties. Contact us today to get more information or to set up an appointment.
