Homeowners usually don’t get alarmed by the dangers of small leaks because they’re usually unseen. But they should be since the smallest leak can lead to significant water damage especially if left unattended. Furthermore, the effects of water damage on your home could be very extensive and could pose serious health threats, too. The resulting damage will continue to worsen in the coming days so hiring a water damage restoration company is the best way to go. Keep reading to learn the possible ways it can adversely impact your home.

 Potential Dangers of Water Leaks

Whether to your property or to your health, the dangers of water leaks shouldn’t be ignored. Here are some of the dangers that water leaks can cause:

 1.)    Mold and Mildew Problems

 When there is dampening, it only takes 24 to 48 hours for the mold and mildew to start developing.  They can spread to several different areas of your home, including your walls, furniture, the HVAC system, carpets, floors, wood framing, and also clothing. Mold and mildew could be dangerous and removing them are hard and expensive.

 2.) Ceiling and Attic Damage

 Leaks coming from your roof can damage your attic and other things that you have stored there. The damage can also spread to your ceiling and walls. Moreover, it can affect the integrity of your walls and might damage lights and fans mounted on the ceiling.

 3.)   Structural Damage

 Aside from the ceiling and attic, water leaks can cause significant structural damage to the wall framing, rafters, ceiling joists, as well as deterioration of wood and other materials, etc. All of this can result in extensive and expensive repairs.

 4.)    High Utility Bills

 When water continuously leaks, you’ll have a higher water bill. The same thing goes with energy consumption when you have electrical devices that utilize water. Furthermore, when water damages the insulation of your home, the HVAC system needs to spend more electricity on cooling down or heating up the environment.

5.)  Water Contamination

 If the leak comes from a broken or burst pipe that carries drinking water to your household, then water is at risk of contamination. Various contaminants can enter the pipe because of a sudden drop or change in the pressure and the velocity in the pipe.

 6.)  Health Effects

 Mold and mildew can damage the structural components of your home and can also pose some serious health risks. Especially for those who have respiratory problems and asthma. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions, skin irritations, sneezing, coughing, nose and throat inflammation and soreness, itchy and red eyes, etc.

 7.)  Fire Hazard

Water leaks can be a fire hazard once it reaches or is near the areas with electrical wiring. This extremely increases the risk of creating short circuits and shorted wires. This can consequently create electrical fires and therefore extensive damages. It is highly recommended to turn off the electricity right away and have a professional deal with it.

 8.)  Financial Damage

 Water leaks can end up blowing your budget. The unseen dangers described in this article, such as compromised structural integrity, damages to the walls, ceiling, attics are complex issues. In addition, the appearance of mold and mildew is also complex and all of them are very expensive to resolve.

 9.)  Pest Infestation

 Pests are attracted to damp places. Materials become soft because of moisture and pests eat or burrow in these softened materials. Thus, if your home suffers from unseen water leaks, you’ll be dealing with pest infestation soon.

 

Detect Water Leaks

 Going through your water meter is an easy way to detect if you have a leak. Perform a simple leak check. To do this, turn off all the water inside and outside of your home. You may have a leak if the meter recorded water use during the test. This can only record large leaks and to address the issue properly, investigate the exact location of the leak. Hiring a professional will be a great help in pinpointing the exact area and cause of a leak.

Keep on reading if you’re suspecting your home might have water leaks. Check the following signs and types of a leak:

 Signs of a Leak

• Sound of dripping or running water
• Sagging/ soft spots on ceiling or drywall
• Reduced water pressure
• Higher water bills
• Damaged flooring

 Types of a Leak

 1.) Foundational Leaks/ Slab Leaks

A slab leak occurs when the concrete foundation of your house develops a crack leading to water puddles on the floor. This is a serious and expensive type of leak because it can result in a high water bill

 2.) Faucet Leaks

This may not be as serious as slab leaks. However, this can be irritating and can also be a reason for an increased water bill. Faucet leaks are usually caused by faults within the structure of the faucet.

3.) Toilet Leaks

 Toilet leaks usually go undetected because the leaks are often silent and unseen. But what happens when you hear strange noises in your toilet even if it’s not in use? If the valve emits a gurgling or hissing sound, large toilet leaks can be detected.

4.) Shower Leaks

 This type of leak is quite common and can be caused by various reasons. These include worn-out seals around trim and drains, wear and tear on fixture cartridges, grout and tile gaps, etc.

 5.) Leaking Pipes

 Pinhole leaks are not easy to notice because there are often no visible signs of water loss until it leads to more extensive water damage. Corrosion appears as your plumbing system ages and this can damage your pipes. Moreover, because pipes are weakest at their connections, leaks often occur at joints.

 Superior Restoration Can Protect Your Home

It’s always important that you allow a professional with the proper licensing and experience to handle the damage from water leaks. So, if your home suffers from water due to a water leak, don’t hesitate to call our local office today, Water Damage Ontario. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to better serve you.