6 Negative Effects of Leaky Pipes
What are the negative effects of leaky pipes?
- Pest infestation
- Growth of molds and mildew
- Contaminated water
- Sagging or discolored surfaces
- Fire and electrocution
- Unexpected expenses
Sometimes, pipes can leak because of corrosion, continuous exposure to high water pressure, or clogs. It might seem harmless but when neglected, a small leak can cause a whole lot of problems for your health, property, and finances. If you want to know more, keep on reading about the negative effects of leaky pipes!
There are three main elements that pests look for—shelter, food, and water. That’s why if you have leaky pipes, you’re attracting ants, rats, cockroaches, and termites into your building. Mosquitos also leave their eggs in stagnant water. Aside from being a nuisance, pests can also contaminate food and water.
At first, the problem might be insignificant but as time goes by, the pest populations will grow. When this happens, you’ll need to call a pest control professional. While waiting for the pipe to be fixed, get rid of any standing water on your property to reduce the risk of attracting these pests.
Growth of Molds and Mildew
No matter how small the pipe leak is, it is recommended to call a professional to fix it immediately. Otherwise, the moisture can become a breeding ground for bacteria. When this happens, molds and mildew can grow on your property! This typically happens in hidden areas such as under sinks so it might be unnoticeable at first.
Other than being incredibly hard to remove, molds and mildew can pollute the air and become a health problem for the people in your building. It can trigger allergic reactions such as a stuffy nose, red eyes, itchy skin, and wheezing. For people with asthma, the effects could be intense.
When you have a leaky pipe, contaminants from the environment can enter the damaged area and pollute the water. This could be anything from dust, pesticides, paint, oil, or waste. If your pipes deliver potable water, people could be drinking from it without knowing the consequences.
When you notice a pipe leak, it is recommended to turn off the main water source until the damage has been repaired. If the cause of the leak is corrosion, it is a good idea to replace the pipe to prevent gastrointestinal problems in the future. Corroded pipes can turn clear water into the color of rust and taste metallic.
Sagging or Discolored Surfaces
Most buildings have pipes above the ceiling, beneath the floorboards, or inside walls. That’s why if one pipe is causing the leak, the water can accumulate in one part of your building. If neglected for a long time, this can lead to sagging walls and ceilings.
If that doesn’t happen yet, you might also notice a discoloration on the surface. Instead of your beautiful wallpaper, you will be left with an off-white or yellow stain! If you rent a property or plan to sell it in the future remember that warped, sagging, or discolored walls can drastically lower the value of your building.
Fire and Electrocution
Given that pipe leaks can affect walls, it means that the water can also reach electrical outlets and appliances nearby. Even a small leak can slowly travel to exposed wires and cause sparks and short circuits. Water is a conductor of electricity, so if you don’t fix the leak soon, this can lead to fires and costly property damage. In addition to that, you should stay away from electrical outlets near the pooling water to avoid electrocution.
In an event of a leak, it is a good idea to shut down the main water source and turn off the power until the pipe is fixed. Other than a plumber, you also need an electrician to give you advice on the next step to do.
A small water leak might seem negligible at first but it can lead to more serious problems down the line. If not fixed immediately, you might need professionals to replace your damaged walls, solve a pest infestation, inspect your electrical system, and pay for other emergency services. If you own an establishment, you might have to close down for a few days which means that you’ll have costly downtimes.
Other than these expenses, a neglected pipe leak can increase your monthly water bill. It might not sound much at first, but because most pipes are hidden from view, you might not know that you’re paying for gallons of water.
Corrosion, high water pressure, drain clogs, foundation shifts, temperature changes, and more—there are numerous reasons why you might have leaky pipes. If neglected, it can be dangerous for your health, lead to costly property damage and increased utility bills. To avoid the negative effects of leaky pipes, it is a good idea to investigate the main cause and repair the damage as soon as possible.
If you’re looking for pipe replacement, you can contact Supreme Pipe! We offer black iron, galvanized iron, red-painted pipes, and steel pipe for special applications.