Many of us might put off unclogging a drain or will ignore a leaky faucet until fixing it becomes convenient. But that little drip can make a big difference in our monthly water bills. In fact, fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners around 10% on their bills.
When household leaks are ignored, they can do more than rack up your monthly bills. They can also cause significant damage. Whether you live in na historic apartment or a brand new build, it’s important to be on the lookout for water leaks. Untreated, these leaks can damage your walls or your floor, result in mold growth, or ruin your fixtures.
Of course, fixing these damages will cost you far more than simply fixing the plumbing issue in the first place. Hardwood floors can cost up to $30 a square foot to replace, and new fixtures may set you back up to $500. But mold remediation is among the more expensive fixes. In fact, mold removal can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, and you’ll usually have to replace the walls in particularly bad situations. And those costs don’t even include any medical treatment you might need as a result of mold exposure.
We typically associate water damage with older homes or DIY disasters, but new builds can have persistent plumbing problems, too. Several homeowners in the San Antonio area have dealt with persistent pipe leaks, cracks, and bursts. All of the homes were developed by the same company, and all of the faulty pipes in question — which have caused significant damage for the homeowners — can be traced back to one manufacturer. All were purchased and installed by a third-party contractor. The building company has repaired and repiped over 900 homes at present date.
Although plumbing issues are not typically so widespread, they’re still fairly common. That’s why homeowners need to keep an eye out for the warning signs. Poor water pressure or a slow draining rate in the shower should raise a red flag. If you see excess water on the floor, loose tiles around the tub, or walls that are damp to the touch, your tub plumbing may be in trouble. Rattling sinks with discolored water are never a good sign. And if you see telltale signs of water damage in the walls or the ceiling, get it addressed right away.
No one wants to be told there’s a big plumbing issue or widespread water damage in their home, but ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. And with winter’s impending arrival, pipes are much more likely to freeze and burst. Don’t put yourself at risk for extensive and expensive repairs. Be diligent and don’t put off calling in the professionals.