DETECT AND CORRECT LEAKS
Avoid water issues by checking faucets
Leaking pipes do more than impact your water bill. When a leak goes untreated, you can expect serious safety risks, as well as damage to the structural integrity of your home.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, plumbing-system failures are the leading source of residential water loss. Contacting a local plumber at the first sign of trouble is the most efficient way to resolve potential damage.
DANGERS OF WATER IN HOME
When a pipe leaks beneath your sink, the visible damage includes cracked or swollen floor coverings, causing rot to the subfloor and ruining the base of your cabinets. The damage that goes on out of sight is much more significant and expensive.
If you ignore a leak for too long, the room could require a complete renovation. Exposure to water can weaken your home’s joists, a series of horizontal boards used to support a floor or ceiling. Once they are weakened, a floor is no longer safe to walk on.
One major health concern also is associated with leaks. Mold thrives in warm, wet conditions, making cabinets or basements a breeding ground.
When a leak occurs, it’s time to call a local expert and alleviate the problem before a complete remodel is necessary. It’s a good idea to have a plumber perform regular examinations to make sure water is flowing efficiently.
THE DANGERS OF MOLD
Typically, there's a level of mold in every home. It’s carried through the air in tiny spores, and at safe levels, doesn’t cause serious issues. However, when a spore lands on a wet or damp spot, it grows — quickly. This is when health problems arise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that numerous species of mold cause infection through respiratory exposure. Think of how much time you are in your home. Is the air clean for you and your family?
If a mold problem goes unaddressed, here are some of the symptoms you might face:
• Nasal stuffiness and wheezing;
• Skin and eye irritation;
• Fever, shortness of breath; and
• Obstructive lung disease (in serious
cases)
USE A LICENSED PLUMBER
Water supply is a unique system that is best left to an expert to achieve the proper results.
A plumber will be able to assess the water damage and tell you whether a contractor is necessary to repair the important structural components of your home.
Also, request that the plumber assess the location of the leak for any present mold. Remember, a small leak should never go ignored.