There are few things as satisfying as being a homeowner, and although in many ways it is a sign of independence and having freedom, it also means having responsibilities, like keeping up your home’s condition.
With so many things to look after, it’s easy to see how something like a leak could fall pretty far down the list. But there are reasons why you might not want to wait, and get to repairing it as soon as you can.
Your First Warning
As small as a leak may appear to be, it’s a sign to you that something is wrong.
If you ignore it, you’re inviting the option into your home that indicates you’re not interested in solving small, inexpensive problems.
Instead, you would prefer to wait until they are much more serious and expensive before deciding to deal with them.
A leak, all by itself, can already cost you money you don’t need to pay.
A leak, depending on the severity, can drip out between 7.6 and 76 cubic meters of water in a single year.
That’s a loss that still shows up on your monthly utility bill.
If you ignore the problem and it gets worse, you could be dealing with something far more serious, such as a break in a sewage pipe which is both messy and poses a pretty big health risk.
Locate Your Problem
If you’re lucky, your leak can be easily tracked because you see it on a faucet and you just need a wrench to do a little tightening; then it's a problem solved. If you’re not, you’ll need to do a bit more exploration of your home if you can hear a leak, but can’t find it.
Check all your water fixtures, like toilets, water heaters, and the various pipes, such as the water pipes and the sewage pipes.
If you have crawlspaces with access to pipes, get in there and check for leaks.
If your home has more than one level with pipes that run along walls and ceilings, check these areas for the early signs of water penetration.
By tracking down the location yourself, you can make things much easier when it comes time to conduct repairs.
Don’t Let It Escalate
The least expensive way to deal with a major plumbing issue is to simply not let it degenerate to the point where a dramatic response is required.
You don’t need to wait until you hear or see leaks to deal with the problem.
Try conducting periodic inspections of your pipes to spot leaks early.
You can also be “kinder” to your pipes with some preventive measures.
High water pressure might feel good in the shower if that’s your preference, but it can put a constant strain on your pipes that may shorten their lifespan.
Lower pressure means more durable pipes.
