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As a homeowner, there’s no doubt that you’ve experienced leaky pipes, faucets, or showerheads from time to time. While a small leak or drip may not seem like a big deal at first, it’s important to realize that even the smallest cracks in the pipes can become quite costly, very quickly. So, before you consider putting off fixing that leaky pipe or dripping faucet for another month, take some time to understand the real costs associated with leaky pipes.

The Real Costs of Water Leaks

There are several costs related to untreated and undetected water leaks. These costs tend to grow significantly as the size of the leak increases.

Increased Water Bill

One of the most obvious signs of an untreated or undetected water leak is an increase in your monthly water bill. A small drip may not seem like much, but the reality is that even a small leak can add up to over a hundred gallons of extra water each month. Unfortunately, small leaks tend to become bigger, more frequent drips and before you know it you could be spending hundreds of dollars per year on just one drip. The only way to stop this wasteful water consumption is to have your leak fixed. The sooner you call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, the better.

Structural Damage to Home

An increased water bill might be an expected cost of leaky faucets, but it’s the damage that you can’t see that could be the costliest expense. Leaks behind the walls can lead to drywall damage and cause pooling on the floorboards. If left untreated, this type of leak could damage your floorboards, leave watermarks on the ceilings or walls, and affect the structural integrity of your home. The more extensive the leak the more work the plumber will need to do to fix the problem. In addition, you may need to hire a contractor to repair watermarks and structural beams and to replace floorboards and drywall.

Mold Removal

Unfortunately, when a leak occurs in a small space with poor ventilation, such as a bathroom or laundry room, it can provide ideal conditions for mold to grow. Once the leak gets to this point, mold can spread very quickly throughout the space. The only safe and effective way to remove this mold from your home is to call in the experts.

Health Issues 

The biggest issue with water leaks is that they can jeopardize the overall health and safety of you and your family. Mold, even in small amounts, is known to trigger a variety of respiratory problems, such as coughing, throat and eye irritation, and breathing issues. For a person with asthma or allergies, mold in the home can be dangerous. This fact makes it critical that you contact a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, as soon as you notice a leak.

Signs of Leaky Pipes in Your Home

To protect your family and to keep costs down, it’s crucial that you identify leaks in your home as quickly as possible. Sometimes, however, leaks can occur behind the walls or under the floorboards and it could take weeks or months to detect a problem. The good news is that there are some signs to look for to identify potential leaky pipes in your home.

• Noticeable Leaks – In many cases, you will be able to visibly see the faucet or showerhead dripping. Don’t underestimate the damage that just a small leak can cause.
• Musty Smell – It’s not uncommon to smell a water leak before you see one. If you notice a musty smell in your bathroom, laundry room, under the kitchen sink, or at any other location in the home, it’s time to take a closer look. It might be evidence of a leaky pipe.
• Increased Water Costs – An unexplainable increase in your monthly water bill is a sure sign of a leak in the pipes somewhere in or around your home. This is often the first sign that homeowners notice.
• Warping Floorboards – Pooling water is one of the leading causes of warping floorboards. If you notice even slight damage to your flooring, it’s time to find out why.
• Discoloration on Floors, Walls, or Ceiling – Watermarks or any type of discoloration on the ceiling, floors, or walls is a sure sign of a water problem that needs to be evaluated and repaired by a plumber as soon as possible.

How to Fix Leaky Pipes

Unless you have in-depth plumbing experience, it’s not recommended to try to make the repairs yourself. Instead, contact your Fort Worth, TX, plumber immediately. Take a minute to tell your plumber that you suspect a water leak in your home and tell him what signs you detected. If the leak is substantial, your plumbing service provider may advise you to shut off the valve closest to the leak. This step can stop the leak until the plumber has a chance to make the repairs. In rare cases, you may need to shut the main water supply off to the house, but only choose this option if it’s an emergency or directed to do so by your plumbing service.

Once your plumber arrives, he will examine and identify the problem, explain your options, and provide you with an estimated cost and anticipated timeframe for repairs. Feel free to ask your plumbing service any questions you may have about the water leak, damage, or repairs.

Next time you consider putting off fixing that leaky pipe, take some time to consider the real costs associated with untreated leaks. Remember that paying to fix a smaller leak now can prevent larger, more costly issues in the future.

Whether facing a small water leak or bigger water issues, the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth, TX, has the skills and experience to make the repairs you need. Contact our office today to have a plumber come to check for water leaks at your home.