Express Sewer & Drain Blog

Leaky pipes can cause a lot of problems given enough time. The exact nature of the problem can change depending on where the leak is located, how severe it is, and how long it goes untreated.

Generally speaking, the longer a plumbing leak goes unfixed, the worse the problem will be. What problems can be caused by leaky pipes?

Here’s a short list of some of the worst problems a leaky pipe can cause in Sacramento:

Problem #1: Increased Water Costs

One of the most common problems with plumbing leaks is that they can increase your overall water consumption. The worse the leak, the more it’ll cost you in wasted water.

For those of us living in Sacramento and other parts of California, this can be especially troubling. Not only is Sacramento switching over to metered water monitoring, the whole state is still in a drought!

The scarcity of water and the constant enactment and repeal of water restrictions means that wasting water could end up costing you a lot—whether it’s because of high rates or state-levied fines.

Fixing leaks early could be the key to avoiding months of high water bills and fines.

Problem #2: Mold

Mold thrives in damp, dark environments. Leaky pipes located behind structure walls give mold the perfect environment in which to breed.

There are two reasons why this is a major problem for home and business owners:

1. Potential Structural Damage. As some molds grow, they can eat away at building materials—compromising the building’s structural integrity.
2. Airborne Mold Spores. Growing mold tends to release a lot of spores into the air, creating a respiratory health hazard for people in the building—particularly those who suffer from asthma or allergies.

Given enough time, mold growth could become severe enough to cause significant harm—either to the structure or its occupants.

Leaky wastewater pipes pose an even greater risk.

Problem #3: Contaminated Water

Even leaks in pipes not in the building could be a problem. If the pipe carrying drinking water to the building has a hole in it, dirt and other underground contaminants could make their way into the drinking water supply.

This could cause severe illness or injury.

Problem #4: Pest Intrusions

When spilled water pools, it can attract pests such as termites, ants, and rodents. Once entrenched, these pests can be incredibly difficult to eliminate.

Stopping the leak early on can remove a critical source of nourishment, which could help prevent an infestation. Failing to stop the leak early on could allow an infestation to worsen, which leads to other problems.

Why You Should Fix Plumbing Leaks

Fixing leaky pipes sooner rather than later helps you save money by preventing water damage to the building and reducing water waste. Even better, stopping leaks quickly can reduce the risk of some mold and contaminated water-related illnesses—keeping you healthy and safe.

Look for the Warning Signs

Keep an eye out for signs of a leaky pipe in your structure or yard. Being able to spot a leak early can make a huge difference in the amount of damage and water waste that occurs.

Common signs of a leak include:

• Dark spots in walls or ceilings
• Pools of water forming under exposed pipes
• Consistently damp spots in a yard
• Excessive grass growth or sudden death of grass in the yard (over-fertilization or poisoning of turf by water or wastewater leaks)

By spotting leaks early and fixing them right away, you can limit the damage caused by the leak—and potentially minimize water damage remediation costs.

Don’t let a leak go unfixed in your home or business! Get it fixed quickly by contacting an experienced Sacramento plumber today!