A leaky pipe might seem like a minor annoyance, but if not repaired right away it can cause large damages to your home's plumbing system and foundation costing you a lot of money in repairs. Leaky pipes are also harmful to your health. For example, if a sewage pipe in or around your home breaks, you and your family could be exposed to hazardous toxins such as methane. Broken sewage pipes can also be the root cause of digestive infections such as E. coli, pinworms and salmonella that enter your home through broken pipes.
The best answer to dealing with leaky pipes is prevention, by having your drains cleaned often and your plumbing system inspected by a professional regularly. In addition, obtaining quick and efficient repair services is vital to protect washing away of the soil around your home's foundation, affecting your home's structure. Eventually causing your home to lean to one side, or create cracks in the walls around your home. A leak can also damage your kitchen and bathroom appliances, drywall, carpets, and flooring. Furthermore, the broken pipes ultimately become rusty and cause other problems like mold to form.
Occasionally, despite your prevention efforts, leaks can happen. Take immediate action by getting the water flow under control. If the leak is coming from an appliance, also turn it completely off. If you determine the leak is coming from your home's main water line, go to your water shut-off valve to turn the water off. Make sure you use a bucket to catch the water that drains from the pipes to keep your floor and walls dry. Do not forget to call a plumber after getting the leak under control. This will save you from major headaches and expensive repairs down the road.