You might think that having a leaky faucet is a mere annoyance and nothing more than that. However, any kind of water leak is cause for concern. Whether you already know you have a water leak or you just suspect you do, here are three great reasons why you'll want to call a plumber to get it fixed.
1. YOU WANT TO PREVENT WATER WASTE
Did you know that household water leaks cause 10,000 gallons of water to be wasted every year? In the United States, 10 percent of homes have water leaks that account for 90 gallons of water being wasted each day.
If you want to do your part to help prevent water waste, you'll want to fix all the water leaks in your home. Some leaks are obvious, like a dripping faucet. Others might be harder to find because as a pipe might be leaking behind a wall or above the ceiling. Some of the more common water leaks in the home include:
- Leaky pipe joints
- Pipes under too much pressure
- Leaks from your toilet
- Loose connections on the washing machine
- Unsealed dishwasher door
If you notice rust-colored spots on the ceiling, this may also indicate a water leak. If you want to help prevent water waste, you'll want to call a plumber.
2. YOU WANT TO DECREASE YOUR WATER BILL
Even the smallest leaks can cause your water bill to go up. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fixing leaks in your home can reduce your water bill by 10 percent. If your water bill is unusually high, or it is higher than it was at this same time the year before, there's a good chance a water leak is causing your water bill to go up.
One way to know for sure is to check your water meter before and after not using it for a two-hour period. If the meter changes when you know the water isn't being used, it's a clear indication you have a water leak. Some simple things you can do to prevent water leaks and keep your water bill down include:
- Check to see if your toilet is leaking around the base
- Make sure your toilet doesn't continue to run after it's flushed
- Replace hoses on your appliances that use water, such as your dishwasher and washing machine
- Check for any water or moisture around your water heater tank
If you notice any of these things, and you want to get your water bill back on track as soon as possible, then you'll want to call a plumber.
3. YOU WANT TO STAY HEALTHY
Not only do water leaks cause damage to your home, they can cause damage to your health as well. One of the most negative consequences of water leaks is the growth of mold. Mold can grow on all kinds of materials including ceramic, wood and tile.
Some of the most common types of water leaks that produce mold include leaks in the roof, leaks behind the walls and where condensation forms on cold surfaces. If you are allergic to mold or are sensitive to fungus, you have an even higher risk of developing health problems, and you may experience the following symptoms:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
Milder symptoms may include coughing, throat irritation and skin irritation. If you are at all concerned about your health and want to prevent mold from growing in your home, you'll want to call a plumber.
No matter what your reason for wanting to get water leaks fixed in your home, our experienced plumbers at Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. can help.