When a water pipe in a home starts to leak, the household’s residents may be tempted to ignore it for the time being. After all, they can just put a bucket under the problem area and empty it every few days. In reality, there are important reasons why plumbing repair in Portland, OR should be completed promptly for these issues.
The Risk of a Pipe Breaking
Sometimes, a pipe joint has simply become loose over time and may need to be tightened or replaced during plumbing repair in Portland, OR. In other cases, however, the leak is an indication of a larger problem that could result in the pipe breaking and causing a flood in the home.
An example is corrosion inside old metal pipes that caused a pinhole leak. That pinhole is like the tip of the iceberg. It’s a symptom of substantial deterioration inside the pipe. A larger hole or a crack may develop, allowing water to rush out like a faucet has been turned on.
Mold and Mildew
There’s another problem with allowing leaks to continue under a sink or in the basement. Sinks typically are placed on top of cabinets. An ongoing drip from a pipe leads to significantly higher humidity in that enclosed space. Now the risk of mold and mildew increases. The same is true in basements, which tend to already be too humid if homeowners don’t run a dehumidifier. People who are allergic to mold spores may develop unpleasant symptoms.
An Overflowing Container
If the bucket isn’t emptied quickly enough, drips splashing on the water’s surface will make the surrounding area wet. There may be a point when the container starts to overflow because somebody forgot about it before leaving for the weekend.
A Higher Water Bill
Most homeowners pay for their water through a municipal utility. It can be surprising how much those plumbing leaks add up on the water bill. Those who have a softener need to recharge the system more often because of the extra water usage if the leak is not promptly fixed. Contact a plumber such as Clog Busters LLC.
