In many homes in Idaho, a leaky faucet is a common occurrence. However, a minor inconvenience can escalate into a bigger problem if it is left unaddressed for a prolonged period of time. Ignoring your leaky faucet not only contributes to a larger water bill but poses a structural damage risk to your home, pest problems, and wasted resources.
A leaky faucet wastes thousands of gallons of water in a year, which can be very costly. Moreover, the topic of water conservation cannot be ignored. Getting the help of a professional Twin Falls plumber ensures that the work will be done immediately and the problem will be resolved. Moreover, they can check for any underlying issues causing the leak.
Professional plumbers do not just have the right tools and methods but years of experience as well. When they work, they will make sure that your home does not go through even more harm than it already has. This blog will explore the various hidden dangers of ignoring a leaky faucet.
Consequences of ignoring a leaky faucet
A leaky faucet can cause a lot of waste and damage. Some of them include the following:
-
Waste of water resources.
If you think your faucet leak is minor and barely drips water, even a slow drip can cause significant water wastage. A faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually. To put things into perspective, this amount of water is required for 180 showers and 270 loads of laundry.
2.Environmental consequences.
One cannot ignore the broader environmental impact of a leaky faucet. Wasted water contributes to the depletion of local water resources and increases the problem of water scarcity in regions already facing such challenges. Each year, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water across America.
3.Increased water bills.
A faucet that drips ten times per minute can waste about one gallon of water daily, which costs approximately $1 per month. A faster leak—such as one that drips 120 times per minute—can lead to a waste of over 11 gallons per day, resulting in a monthly cost of around $6. More severe leaks can cost even more. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day ($70 monthly).
4.Rise of mold and mildew.
Mold and mildew grow and thrive in a moist and damp environment. Therefore, a leaky faucet is the perfect opportunity for them. If you do not fix it on time, you encourage the growth of various fungal species. Studies show that areas receiving persistent dampness can start mold growth within 24 to 48 hours of exposure.
It is important to consider the health risks associated with mold and mildew. This is especially true for people with asthma. Some may experience respiratory issues. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, etc.
5.Damage to furniture.
If you think the water that leaks from the faucet evaporates or dries, that may or may not be the case. Water finds its way into porous materials, including walls, floors, and cabinetry. As the water comes in contact with wood and drywall, it leads to warping, rotting, and the deterioration of structural components. For instance, cabinets may rot, while walls can become discolored.
6.Worsened leak.
A minor leak can become severe in nature due to the continuous pressure and flow. The ongoing pressure can eventually damage the pipe’s material and make the opening of the leak even larger. Eventually, the pipe might even burst and cause flooding in the house, damaging your furniture. This can lead to costly repairs or even complete replacement.
Fix your leaks today!
Do you want to live in a house where water keeps leaking while you sleep? Nobody would want that. To protect your house from further damage, call a plumber today!