Whenever you hear that "drip drip" noise coming from one of your faucets, you might think it's annoying, but how long will you let the drips continue before doing something about it? If you're like a lot of homeowners, you might learn to just live with the small drips and leaks. After all, if they're small leaks, how bad can they be? The reality is that even seemingly insignificant leaks can be very damaging to your home. Here are a few reasons you should call experts in full-service plumbing in Pittsburgh, PA, to fix leaks the moment you notice them.
Structural Damage
Leaking faucets are bad enough, but practically all of your home's plumbing is hidden beneath the floor or above the ceiling. When these pipes leak, they can cause wood to warp, resulting in bumps in floorboards and even rotting the wood if the leaking goes unaddressed. Leaks in pipes within the walls and ceiling could damage drywall and have the potential to weaken your home's framing. Leaks can cause aesthetic problems as well when paint and drywall chips and flakes.
Mold Growth
A serious health problem that many homeowners aren't even aware of is the potential for mold and mildew to grow due to leaks. Even small leaks in cramped spaces provide an excellent breeding ground for mold to take hold and expand. While the cosmetic problems are bad enough, mold in the home can result in a variety of health problems. Mold in the air can cause respiratory problems, sneezing, throat irritation, nasal congestion, and even asthma attacks, so it's important that you seek the help of a plumbing service company at the first sign of mold in your home.
Leaks Can Impact Resale Value
Dealing with the expense and inconvenience of repairs might not be something you want to deal with, but you might wind up paying for those leaks whether you like it or not. Home inspectors can spot water damage, so if you don't have leaks fixed and your home repaired, it's likely that the resale value of your home will suffer the consequences.
Higher Monthly Water Bills
A slightly leaky faucet can make a significant impact on your monthly water bill. It may not seem like much, but those small drops can add up surprisingly fast, resulting in dozens or hundreds of gallons lost within a few weeks. Even if you don't notice all that water going down the drain, you'll see its effect when your next water bill arrives.
The first time you notice a leaking faucet or pipe, don't hesitate to call the experts at Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We've been providers of affordable plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA, for more than 60 years. If you have an issue that needs looking into, call us at (412) 273-1000.