It’s pretty typical for a homeowner, even a home inspector, to let procrastination take over sometimes. Even something small like a water leak can go on for a while before it gets fixed.
Water leaks are one of those things that seem like they are not such a big deal but can add up to some unexpected costs if they are not resolved in a timely manner. These things typically don’t heal themselves, so you just have to fix them before they end up costing you money.
Water leaking from a faucet
Potential areas for leaks
Think of all the places in your home where water leaks can happen. Kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms, and appliances like water heaters, water softeners, and refrigerators that dispense water and ice cubes. All of these areas and appliances have the potential for water leaks. You should make it a practice to occasionally inspect these for leaks or wetness.
There are a wide variety of reasons for water leaks. Sinks and laundry tubs can develop a broken seal at the drain. Pipe joints can crack or deteriorate due to movement. Clogged or deteriorated drain lines may have leaks in concealed areas. High water pressure may result in leaks in your water lines or fixtures. Regardless of the reason, water leaks should be resolved as soon as they are noticed.
Periodically check for leaks
Many times, homeowners don’t even know they have a problem until they see the damage caused by a water leak. Years ago, I walked across the family room in the basement and realized that the carpet was wet. After some investigation, I found a small pinhole in the shower faucet within a wall. Luckily, the damage was confined to some wet sheetrock and carpet.
We advise our home inspection clients to pay attention to and perform routine checks around toilets, showers, faucets, garden hoses, water softeners, and water heaters. Anywhere there is a potential for drips, slow leaks, or hidden leaks should be checked periodically.
The costs of a water leak
In areas where there’s a drip at a faucet or a toilet that has a water leak at the tank seal, the cost of wasted water can add up over time.
It is estimated that nearly 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted every year due to leaks. Your water bill could increase by up to $20 per month because of a dripping faucet. A leaky toilet can add up to another $150 per month. If neglected, these two simple fixes could potentially cost you up to $2,000 a year in wasted water usage.
These types of leaks are usually relatively easy to fix. A leaking faucet may just need a seal replaced or tightened, and a toilet water leak can most likely be resolved by replacing the flapper valve in the toilet water tank. Fixing leaks like these yourself can save you a lot of money. If you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, hire a plumber. It will cost more to fix the leak, but over the long haul, it will save you money.
Potential water leak at the flapper valve
Organic growth and deterioration
Again, ignoring a water leak can cause major damage to your home, and quite often, that damage is hidden. Even if it seems small or unimportant, over time, a small or recurring leak can cause significant damage.
Mold can grow in conditions where something is continually wet. These areas can be hidden in walls, under sinks, or in other concealed places. If you detect a musty or moldy scent in your home, don’t ignore it. Molds can cause health issues for some people.
Deteriorated wood from a water leak
Mold and wetness can also deteriorate building materials. Our home inspectors often find rotted wood under toilets and bathtubs in older homes. These can be areas that are hard to get to, so they can go unnoticed for years. Water leaks and puddles can also attract insects and rodents, as they provide a water source for them.
Summary
Initially, a slow water leak or drip may not seem like much, but over time, it can result in a big expense. Whether it’s increased water usage or damage, it comes right out of your pocket. Take the time to do a periodic inspection of your home to check for any potential water leaks.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect all areas of the home. We look for water leaks and potential damage during the course of your home inspection. Any issues found are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.
