Many homeowners suffer from leaking pipes everyday. It can happen to anyone within almost any kind of structure.
And perhaps the scariest part is that damage can be happening through an invisible leak, causing unknown damage behind the scenes.
Leaking pipes can do a lot more damage than you might think
Some choose to call an emergency plumber as soon as they identify a problem, while others try to cut costs and choose to simply ignore the problem.
What these people don’t realise, however, is that by neglecting to call a plumber, they’re allowing leaking pipes to continue to cause damage to their home and even to their health.
Leaking pipes are a serious plumbing issue that can cost you if they’re not addressed quickly. Here’s a list of damage in your home that results from leaking pipes.
Mould and mildew
You may be confused right now: you clean your bathroom often, have proper ventilation, but still, mould and mildew has grown in a certain area in your home.
The cause? Potentially a leak. Mould thrives on moist, dark areas, and a pipe, which is typically hidden in a wall or under flooring, provides the perfect starting point. This is an unpleasant sight for your house.
It’s said that mould is already a problem before it’s even visible – tiny spores in the air attach themselves to surface areas and can quickly grow, resulting in those furry, coloured spots you are familiar with.
Mould can:
- Inflame the airways
- Cause nasal congestion and wheezing
- Cause coughing and throat irritation
- Lead to asthma (long-term)
It may sound dramatic, but prolonged exposure to mould really can lead to a variety of health problems.
Damaged walls or ceilings
Some leaking pipes are hard to find and without professional help, however there is one tell-tale sign you must absolutely be on the lookout for: damp patches.
It starts with a simple stain on the wall or a peeling piece of wallpaper. But times passes, materials soften, and you end up with buckling or cracked surfaces.
These hidden leaks are referred to as “invisible” in that damage is being done before you can even determine a problem.
If you have a bathroom in the second floor and there’s a leaking pipe somewhere, then the same thing that happened to your wall will happen on your ceilings.
Deceptively high water bills
Have you noticed an unusually high water bill recently? If you’re certain daily water habits within your home haven’t changed, an invisible leak may to blame.
However, it is important that when you compare current water bills to previous ones, you look at water usage rather than cost. A higher bill (in terms of the amount due) may simply be attributed to rising water costs, however an unusually higher usage per day could indicate something more complex.
How to identify an invisible leak
Your water meter may be able to tell you that there is an unexplained leak within your home. Here’s a quick test you can do yourself:
- Turn off all taps and appliances in your home (including washing machine, dishwasher, etc.)
- Ensure your toilet cistern is not running
- Wait 20 or so minutes after you have shut off all water fixtures
- Head to your water meter
- Identify the water dial – this is usually moving while water is in use. If you’re sure you have shut off all water fixtures, and the dial is still moving, you might have a hidden leak
You can also shut off your home’s entire water supply, and check the dial again. If it has stopped, then you have also stopped the leak. This tells you that the leak is indeed inside your home.
If the dial continues to move, the leak may be beyond your household.
Stuck? Call the pros.
Water damage can be rapid… and costly. So call a plumber in Melbourne today
We recommend calling a plumber in Melbourne as soon as you have identified a potential leak or water damage in your home.
Better yet, choose H2-Pro as your plumber for life, and receive 10% off all jobs – forever! Nothing like a peace-of-mind annual plumbing inspection to keep your home safe! Organise yours today.
