Why Small Leaks Could Lead to Plumbing Problems?

A small leak may not seem like a big problem, but it can potentially lead to disaster. Some homeowners put off fixing small leaks around the house, but neglecting your leaky pipes isn’t a good decision. It’s crucial to resolve small leaks promptly to avoid larger plumbing problems.

However, many homeowners don’t realize how a small leak can lead to more significant plumbing problems. Fortunately, a plumbing professional can tell you exactly how your minor plumbing issues may result in emergency repairs.

At Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co., our trained staff consists of the leading plumbing contractors in Elgin, IL. Our near-decade of experience enables us to pinpoint the smallest plumbing problems in your home and resolve them effectively. Below, we’ll explain why a small leak could lead to more serious plumbing issues – and why it pays to repair your pipes.

Signs of a Leak

Many homeowners overlook a slow-dripping leak under the sink. However, you can prevent further damage by paying attention to the common signs of a leaky sink, including:

• Leaking water: The most obvious sign of a leak is water coming from pipes or other areas it shouldn’t.
• High indoor humidity: Ongoing leaks can contribute to moisture in the air.
• Mold or mildew: Harmful spores can come from water damage.
• Foul, musty odors: Mold- and water-damaged surfaces can leave a stale smell in the air.
• High water bills: If your water bills have suddenly skyrocketed, you likely have a leak somewhere.
• Water stains on the ceiling or other surfaces: Discoloration and peeling plaster or paint on the ceiling and walls may indicate moisture inside.
• Peeled, rotted, or warped hard flooring or carpet: Changes in your flooring around the toilet or in the laundry room can indicate plumbing leaks.
• Corroded metal fasteners: Screws and nails can rust from high humidity or exposure to moisture from leaks.
• Poor water pressure: Your water pressure may feel low if it begins to leak before reaching your faucet.

Even a minor leak can lead to major problems if not addressed. If you notice the first signs of a leak, get in touch with our professional plumbers at Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. We can work with you to identify the source of the leak, repair your plumbing, and prevent the leak’s return.

How Does a Small Leak Become a Serious Plumbing Problem?

A small leak most commonly becomes a serious problem due to inaction. Many homeowners believe it’s safe to put off repairing small leaks because they haven’t caused any major problems. 

Additionally, it can be difficult to identify small leaks. Homeowners often overlook leaks occurring under the bathroom or kitchen sink due to piping or items obscuring visible water damage. Further, small leaks progress slowly. For example, a minor leak in your roof may lead to a large water spot on your ceiling within a few days. Dripping pipes may take weeks to cause serious damage.

The longer a leak goes undetected, the more havoc it can wreak on your home and property. While individual water droplets don’t seem like much to worry about, small leaks add up over time, and the strain on your pipes can lead to even more water damage.

Why Should You Fix a Minor Leak Immediately?

An unresolved leak leads to plumbing emergencies as pipe integrity wears down over time. As water consistently flows through your pipes, high pressure at the damaged area slowly causes more wear and tear. Eventually, your pipe will burst, leaving you with a costly mess.

Contacting a professional plumber to fix your leak immediately can help prevent frustrating problems and save you money.

Other Problems from Leaks

The damage from a leak can create other problems for homeowners, including:

Cosmetic Damage

Depending on the amount of water damage in your home, you may have an expensive restoration ahead. Water damages all types of surfaces, leaving discoloration and staining.

Mold Growth

Small leaks can quickly lead to mold and mildew growth. Mold spores often appear within 24- to 48-hours of the water’s presence. Failing to resolve small leaks will only lead to more mold growth at the source and increase your chances of sustaining respiratory issues.

Structural Damage

When damaged plumbing leaves surfaces wet, it can lead to significant structural damage. Severely damaged floors can become a safety hazard and may require replacement.

Fixing Leaks vs. Fixing Burst Pipes

Generally speaking, fixing a small leak costs significantly less than repairing a burst pipe. With that in mind, it pays to stay one step ahead of minor plumbing problems like leaks or drips.

A burst or broken pipe requires complex plumbing system repairs and often warrants water damage repairs as well, including cabinet or flooring replacement. Leaking pipes are considerably easier to fix and don’t usually require extensive repairs.

The Cost of Repairing Leaks vs. Repairing Burst Pipes

Fixing a leak will cost significantly less than fixing a burst pipe. However, preventing a hefty repair bill means seeking adequate service before small leaks become a big problem.

Additionally, unresolved leaking pipes will keep your water bill high, making it worthwhile to seek repairs quickly. As leaks get bigger and the damage increases, your monthly water bill and the final repair costs will increase with the damage.

High-Quality Plumbing Services in Elgin, IL

At Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co., we serve Elgin, IL, and the surrounding areas with high-quality plumbing services. Whether you want to extend toilet lifespan or ensure your plumbing system is well-maintained, we’re ready to help.

Our team’s education and experience allow us to effectively treat your plumbing problems and prevent them from becoming major issues. We offer plumbing repairs, system replacements, leak repairs, and more. Alongside scheduled service calls, we also provide emergency repairs for our valued customers in and around Elgin, IL.

Don’t let a small leak become a costly repair bill. Take care of it promptly with assistance from our team at Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. in Elgin, IL. Contact us today at 847-268-3553 for more information or to schedule an appointment.