No one wants to need an emergency plumber, but sometimes accidents happen. Homeowners know that leaks need to be remedied, but sometimes the leak seems minor. If a leak looks more like a nuisance than an emergency, you may assume that it isn't a big deal and can wait to be repaired. While this isn't an uncommon reaction, it opens up your home to serious problems. It's always best to have a leak repaired as quickly as possible. After all, prevention is always preferable to needing to remedy a complication that could've simply been avoided in the first place.
Damages
As you know, the tubes for your plumbing run behind your walls. When water leaks out and escapes, it can end up collecting behind your walls. Over time, this softens drywall and creates water spots. If allowed to continue, it can destroy drywall completely. Flooring is another concern. Carpet, tile, and wood floors are all susceptible to water damage. Wood floors can become warped and require replacing. After enough water damage, tiles or carpet may also need to be replaced.
Although it's common to only think of the pipes and drains as major concerns, your fixtures are also capable of being harmed. When it comes to your faucets, fixtures, and shower heads, you may discover that you're dealing with a gasket lodged in your pipes. A telltale sign of this is decreased water pressure, but it could exacerbate any damage already done to the pipes or create new difficulties. If this isn't resolved quickly, you could end up having to replace the fixture entirely. This often costs hundreds of dollars.
Expense
Plumbing issues already present an unexpected expense and can be quite costly, depending upon the nature of the problem. If a leak isn't repaired quickly, additional damages and deteriorating conditions can increase the cost dramatically. A relatively simple job can become a major hassle in no time. This is why plumbers always recommend remedying plumbing issues fast and effectively. It'll prevent the problem from getting out of control, and it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars as well.
Mold
You never want to battle mold in your home. Moisture in your walls or under your floorboards creates the perfect dark and damp environment for mold to grow and spread. If left untreated or unnoticed, mold can cause headaches, aggravate allergies, and pose a serious concern for asthma sufferers or anyone with respiratory problems. A persistent leak may provide the moisture mold needs to invade your home and wreak havoc. The remediation needed to eliminate mold also presents an additional cost that could have otherwise been avoided.
As you can see, a leak is more than simply an annoyance. Even a relatively minor leak can eventually create serious consequences. If you want to avoid water damage, fixture issues, or mold growth, a fast response from an experienced plumber if your best option. Contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at 412-273-1000 to learn more or for a 24hr emergency plumber in Pittsburgh, PA.