Why Even Small Water Leaks Need to be Fixed Immediately

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Damage from a small water leak in a Kansas City home.

Dripping faucets or a small leak behind the dishwasher might not seem like a big deal, but it can be costly. More importantly, you need to worry about the small drips and leaks that you can’t see.

Water damage is one of the worst nightmares for any homeowner because it has the potential to wreak havoc with everything. Wood, concrete, insulation, and the roof down to the foundation.

How Do I Know if I Have A Leak?

It’s those leaks that are quietly ruining your home that you need to be worried about the most. The ones you can’t see. Here are a few signs to keep in mind.

• Higher humidity
• Stains or damp patches
• Peeling wallpaper
• Soft areas on the floor
• Musty or moldy odors
• Sagging floors or ceilings
• Lower than usual water pressure
• Rust in metal surfaces, like hinges and screws
• Mold or mildew forming
• Excessive condensation

If you have noticed any of these signs, you should call your plumber right away and have them checked out.

Get Small Leaks Fixed

Unfortunately, plumbing problems become whole-house problems. In particular, if they have been left for too long. The first sign of a leak should be taken care of right away.

Mold

All that mold needs to grow is moisture and a surface. It can grow rapidly and cause health effects. Mold lets off spores that can make your entire family sick. Mold and mildew can also cause a lot of damage to your home.

The smell of mold is exceedingly difficult to get rid of. It can eat away at almost any surface it is growing on. If it goes for too long without treatment, you will need to bring in experts to come and take care of it for you.

Floors and Walls

Pipes leaking under a sink in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room can cause massive soft spots on the floor. Left alone, they can cause damage all the way through the flooring leading to holes.

The thing about water is that it continues to spread. This can move all the way over to walls, as well. Insulation, electrical wiring, and support beams can all be damaged without you ever knowing.

Safety First

Once the damage starts and the structure of the home is compromised, it can make it dangerous for people living there. Floors, walls, and ceilings are weakened and make it a hazard to be around.

People can trip if floors are weakened or carpets care lifting due to dampness. Lighting fixtures can become unsafe hanging from ceilings, and pipes can become corroded and break or start larger leaks.

The dangers of mold forming are also a health concern. The mold will continue to grow, even if it has been removed unless the leak is fixed, as well. Even if the mold doesn’t make you sick, it looks terrible.

Water damage of any kind decreases the value of your home and makes it look uncared for. Repairing the stains and blemishes of water damage without fixing the source is just throwing money away.

Clean-up and Restoration

Once you have located and fixed the leaking water, now you need to clean up the mess and fix the damage. Ideally, you want a company that can do both. That company is SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown.

Our team is certified and trained to make the water restoration process quick and easy. We understand that disasters never strike at a convenient time, that is why we are ready to respond 24-hours a day.