“It’s just a little leak.” If this particular expression has left your lips, you may be paying a water bill that is far more expensive than it should be. Not to mention, those “little” leaks should not be underestimated. In addition to spiked water bills, they can lead to property damage and even health risks. To protect both your living space and your wallet, be sure to regularly inspect your home for leaks.
Here are three facts about leaks the average homeowner may not know:
1. Leaks can waste thousands of litres of water every year.
Even the tiniest little drip can turn into a huge waste of water of time. In fact, when you do the math, a leaky faucet that drips once every second can waste upwards of 3,000 litres of water annually. Naturally, this will significantly spike your water bill. However, it also contributes to unnecessary water wastage. It is vital to inspect your plumbing to fix leaks as soon as you can. This can save you a lot of water and a bundle of money.
You don’t have to just take our word for it! Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg reports that a faucet that drips every two seconds can cost a homeowner $240 annually. “ Depending on the extent of the leak, a dripping pipe can get expensive,” their website adds, “The amount of water seeping through your pipe will determine how much money is added to your water bill. A large crack can cost up to $600 per month if left unattended.”
2. Leaks can cause major structural damage to your home.
Don’t get tricked into thinking “it’s just water”. Yes, H20 is a life requirement that both hydrates and cleans us. However, it has destructive forces as well. When it goes unnoticed, water leaks can manifest mould growth, wood rot and weakened structural integrity. Not only is this bad for your health – mould is known to cause and exacerbate major respiratory issues – but it can create huge expenses. Look out for musty odours, peeling paint and water stains. They are signs that there are leaks hiding behind the walls.
PuroClean points out that “if water enters the electrical systems in your home, it could cause a fire or severe damage. Check your electrical systems if you suspect water has made its way in, and contact a qualified electrician if necessary. It’s important to take this damage seriously and address it appropriately. If water has breached your home, contact a professional water damage restoration company immediately to assess the situation and begin the mitigation process.”
3. Leaky toilets are among the biggest water wasters.
Do you ever hear a little trickling sound coming from your toilet? Does it sometimes seem to take forever for the sound of the flush to finish? If so, you may have a leaky toilet that can waste up to 200,000 litres of water per year! Typically, toilet leaks are caused by worn-out flapper valves. Thankfully, they can be easily replaced.
In our last blog, we revealed the food colouring method of checking for toilet leaks. To reiterate, add a few drops of food colouring to the tank. Don’t flush. After 30 minutes, if you see the colour in the bowl, you have a leak.
Worried you may have leaks in your home? Get in touch with the 2 Bro’s Plumbing team! We offer round-the-clock emergency plumbing services. Give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
