If household leaks were a disease, they could have been classified as a silent killer. It may be in the form of drops, but slowly and slowly, it can cause havoc in a form. From causing molds to weakening buildings, prolonged water leaks from the roof, plumbing work, or swimming pool can be very dangerous to a home and its inhabitants.
Unfortunately, you can hardly detect such leaks immediately by yourself since almost all household pipes are buried in walls or the ground. The good news is that technology has made it possible for specialists providing leak detection services and repairs to easily locate leaks in swimming pools and other plumbing works for swift attention. But what causes these leaks, what are the effects, and how can you prevent or repair them? Read on.
Causes of household leaks
Clogged pipes and drains
When a pipe is clogged beyond measure, it can no longer contain the incoming water pressure from the source. This exerting pressure can burst the pipe, or break the joints, causing leaks. The amount of water being gushed out would determine how soon you can detect such leaks. By that time, it may have caused havoc.
Broken seals
During installations of plumbing fixtures, and equipment, the plumber uses sealants to seal the various water connectors. This is to prevent water damage and helps the connected equipment to work efficiently. However, with time, these seals become weaker, wear out and break, allowing air into the pipe. This can result in condensation, which leads to water dripping.
Damaged joints
Pipe joints are the weakest point in the entire plumbing system. The joints grow weaker over time, causing leakages. Unfortunately, most plumbing joints are not visible, hence very difficult to notice. It only takes a high-tech leak detection and repair service provider to identify such leaks be in in the swimming pool, kitchen, toilet, or bath.
Corrosion of plumbing materials
With the long use and continuous flow of water through metallic plumbing materials and fixtures, it will corrode. The corroded parts will then start to leak and even pollute your water. As soon as you notice the decolorization of part of your pipes and other plumbing materials, call in your plumbers to assess the situation for possible replacements.
High water pressure
Your pipe can burst or disconnect not because it is chocked but because of high water pressure. Such high pressures can strain the pipes and fixtures joints forcing them to break.
Other causes, like external pressure pipes on the pipes and fixtures, can result in household leaks.
Effects of leaks on your home
The effects of water leaks are enormous and can cause heavy financial burdens if not noticed and repaired on time. These may include
Weaken your structure
As your structure continues to soak the leaking water, the moisture will spread through the walls, creating dampness. The prolonged stay of the moisture will later weaken the structure, including causing foundation problems. Metals used in construction will start to corrode while the timber decay.
With the dampness, molds will also start to form on the walls, which will decolorize the affected areas and damage your painting. You can read tips to prevent dampness and mold in your home for possible remedies, but first, look out for possible leakages.
Affects home value
As leaks cause your house to weaken, its resale value can drop significantly. This is because any new buyer will have to undertake a massive home maintenance project to correct the defects. Otherwise, you will have to undertake all those repair works before putting the house on sale. Such repairs can be very expensive.
Rise in cost of water bill
Water leaks increase your water bills as you begin to pay for wasted water. The extent of the leak determines how high the bill goes. So, imagine having leaks in the faucets, bathtub, kitchen sink, and damaged seals; your bill may increase significantly. This is a financial loss.
Health hazard
As the dampness of your home breeds molds and fungi, it can affect the health of occupants. The spores produced by these organisms can cause pollute the air causing illnesses like cough, nasal congestion, cold, and other airborne infections.
Prevention of Leakages
Unclog the drains
As a household, the possibility of getting your drains clogged with food waste and other household materials is very high. These particles can choke your drains and hinder the free flow of water. The high pressure will cause water to overflow or break the pipe. As a preventive measure, don’t dump solid, and oily materials/waste into your sink and other drains.
That notwithstanding, the worse can still happen. Whenever you notice a slow flow of water from your sink, bath drain, etc., try to unclog them. Make a solution of vinegar and baking soda and pour it into the affected drain. For a severe case, call your plumber.
Change weak plumbing materials
Plumbing fixtures like faucets, bathtubs, sinks, etc., grow weaker over time and can cause water leaks. It is advisable to replace such old fixtures and fittings.
Regular checks on the plumbing system
Having regular checks on your plumbing system can help you detect and fix potential leaks on time. You should regularly check your pipe joints, sink joints, faucets, toilet, and pool for possible traces of leaks. Any sign of condensation or water drips should be addressed immediately.
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