You might think that plumbing maintenance is something you can quickly put off; get a few repairs here and there every once in a while. But constantly putting off plumbing repairs can have dire consequences for your home and your whole family’s health. From leaky faucets to molds, there are several things to look out for, and some of these aren’t precisely as obvious, which is why plumbing maintenance is essential.
As a homeowner, you would want to reconsider prioritizing plumbing repairs since you don’t wish water problems to get out of hand, urging you to spend more money on costly repairs. Here are a few consequences of the lack of plumbing maintenance.
Plumbing and Water Quality
From the water you use to brush your teeth with, shower in, wash your clothes in – you get the picture – these are all affected by your plumbing. A well-maintained plumbing system ensures good water quality and extends the longevity of your pipes, too.
Water that contains high concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, also called “hard water,” can lead to corrosion or affect your pipes negatively in general. Over time, this can lead to clogs, corruption, and leaks.
At this point, it’s best to contact your local plumbing company and have them identify the condition of your water. During plumbing maintenance, you might be suggested to install a water softening system to avoid corrosive minerals from causing clogging and deterioration of your pipes.
Leaks
A leaky pipe is one of the most apparent and common telltale signs of a plumbing issue. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most neglected repairs. We have to warn you, though, that even the most minor leak can become massive in no time, leading to a flooded home and a high water bill.
Leaks around common areas like kitchen sinks, toilets, showers, or bathtubs can eventually lead to mold, which is very damaging. Meanwhile, leaks in underground pipes could cause clogs from tree roots to get into the cracked pipes. Even worse, it can cause your sewer line to back up and raw sewage seep into your home. So, while a leak may seem minor, it can be very detrimental.
Mold
It’s unsightly, it’s challenging to deal with, and it’s harmful to your health. That’s why when you first spot molding around your plumbing installations, your best bet is to call for professional plumbing services immediately.
One of the worst things about dealing with molds is that you could develop an allergic reaction to it, and in the worst-case scenario, it could cause damage to your lungs. It’s hazardous for children and those with compromised immune systems.
The first thing to remember is that mold develops where moisture is present and left unattended, and it will continue to grow. In cases like this, it would be best to immediately contact a professional plumber to have it all adequately removed.
Water Damage
As we mentioned in leaky pipes, water pipes start as something minor but will eventually grow into something significant and destructive. This can be easily prevented with frequent plumbing system maintenance and saves you from costly damages and accidents. Water damage can even cause businesses to violate their states’ building and health codes.
Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is a more serious plumbing issue and is just as hazardous. This happens when wastewater doesn’t properly drain from your home due to an obstruction or damage, usually clogged pipes. It’s disgusting and expensive to clean a sewage backup, and it’ll only get worse and worse the more it’s left untreated over time. The best way to deal with this is to contact your local plumbing company as soon as possible and have them locate and fix the problem before it can get dangerous to your health.
Prevent Big Costs Later!
From affected water sources to sewage backup, the ones listed above are only some of the few consequences of the lack of constant plumbing maintenance. We know replacing pipes can be a significant pain and expense, but you can save yourself the hassle by getting routine checkups to repair more minor plumbing issues. It may seem like your plumbing issue is only a little problem right now, but it will not be long before you have a problem that is twice as serious and expensive.
So do not delay your plumbing repairs, and don’t neglect getting routine plumbing maintenance to have your installations and pipes checked at all times. Calling a plumbing professional while the damage is still repairable is always better.
