The Dangers of Leaving a Leak Untreated

11/10/2023 (Permalink)

When you first notice the signs of a leak in your home, it’s easy to dismiss them. You might be concerned about this seemingly tiny leak, but you might not think to repair it right away. 

That decision could have disastrous consequences and result in a variety of disasters in your home. 

Knowing what a little leak can cause will help you better understand why you should fix it before it gets out of hand. 

Where Do Leaks Emerge? 

Before we go over some of the dangers that a leak might cause, let’s take a look at where you might find water dripping in your Manassas home: 

Clogged pipes are a common source of leaks within the home. Backed-up pipes can occur in rooms such as your bathroom or kitchen. Debris, hair, soap scum and grease are all possible causes of a clogged pipe. 

Supply line leaks are another cause of leaks in the home. Supply line leaks occur when corroded pipes give way, resulting in water leaks in places where you may not notice until the leak has progressed. 

Appliance malfunctions can cause leaks, as well. Your washer or dishwasher can leak when equipment fails, a hose loosens or water drips from the appliance’s water supply. Toilets can lead to devastating leakage too when water drips from the base due to a broken seal. 

The Dangers of Waiting to Repair a Leak 

Now that we’ve talked about where you might find a leak, let’s talk about why you need to have it repaired immediately. Standing water isn’t the only danger—you might also see… 

Mold growth. Mold is one of the most dangerous consequences of a leak, and if left unchecked, it can lead to structural problems! When a leak forms, mold can begin to grow quickly when conditions are right, and it could pop up in areas you may not notice at first. 

Electrical hazards. We all know water and electricity don’t get along too well! Water can drip down into electrical sockets, light fixtures or your fuse box. A leak can cause short circuits and electrical failure, leading to another dangerous disaster: an electrical fire. 

Ruined infrastructure. Leaks can have a disastrous impact on the structural integrity of your home. Discoloration can occur on your ceilings and walls. Any type of wood flooring has the potential to warp and deteriorate over time. If you detect odors, peeling paint, cracks or damp spots on your ceilings, walls or flooring, it’s probably time to get that leak fixed!