It’s often only when you have a problem with your piping system that you appreciate just how important the water in your home is to you, and your family. You use your water for so many activities, such as drinking, washing clothing and dishes, brushing your teeth, bathing, and showering, as part of your sewage system, and for watering your garden.
With this in mind, it’s imperative to be aware of the signs of a piping system leak. Often when you have a leak, you won’t be able to see it, however, it may still be audible. Some signs of a plumbing system leak include:
- The sound of running water in the toilet
- The sound of dripping water behind walls
- Mildew and mold throughout your home, and on your belongings
- Structural damage
- Damaged furniture
- Flooded basement
- Damage to your yard
- Constant dripping coming from pipes, water lines, or faucets
- Damp or wet floors, ceilings, or walls
- Unusually high water bills
- Low water pressure
- Bad smells emanating from places in the home where pipes are located
- Visible water damage near pipes
Types of damage that can be caused by a leak
Any leak in your system can cause structural damage to your home. Therefore, even minor-looking leaks need to be attended to as soon as you discover them.
In the worst-case scenario, the constant dripping of water can lead to issues such as the breaking down of your foundations, walls, and floors, not to mention other problems such as discoloration, cracks, staining, and foul odors. To begin with, these signs may be barely noticeable, however, over time the damage they cause can become a significant issue.
In the case of minor faucet leaks, you can usually remedy these by replacing a washer, thus sealing off the opening, or if a loose pipe joint is causing a leak, you just need to tighten the pipe up, and that usually does the trick.
Often, repairs can be done on your own if you’re handy enough. However, if you’re ever in doubt, you need to call a plumber who can identify, and fix the issue with haste, saving you money on water bills, protecting your home against water damage, and protecting yourself from a lot of potential heartache in the long term.
Leak Checkup
It’s good practice to inspect your plumbing system on an annual basis to check for any leaks, or other problems. Remember to include the outside of your house in your check too, as leaks can occur anywhere that water pipes are present.
If your toilets, faucets, or entire system is particularly antiquated, it could be best to fully replace everything rather than to repair outdated equipment.
Always inspect and maintain your pipes, and speak to us here at BOLT Insurance Agency about the adequacy of your homeowners insurance policy.
