The Long-Term Effects of Ignoring Water Leaks in Your Home

When water pours into your home from a major leak in your roof, you may jump into action to get it fixed quickly. However, a dripping faucet or moisture under your sink may not seem like as big of a deal. You may procrastinate on getting it looked at, as it seems harmless enough. 

At Northeast Power Dry, we’ve seen firsthand the amount of damage a small leak can do to your home. Ignoring water leaks, no matter how small, can lead to extensive structural damage to your home that will be costly to repair. If you need more reasons to act fast, we’ll go over common sources of water leaks and the long-term effects of ignoring them.

Common Sources of Water Leaks

To properly treat a leak in your home, you need to know the source. Treating the root cause will help prevent future leaks and keep your home dry. A water leak can come from:

• A Leaky Roof: Missing shingles, cracks, and other damage to your roof can let water seep in and lead to water damage. 
• Pipe Corrosion: As your plumbing gets older, rust and other types of corrosion can start to eat away at the pipes. Eventually, this will lead to a dripping pipe and water damage.
• A Broken Seal: Each appliance in your home has a seal that keeps the water connection secure and prevents water leaks. If these seals break, water can start to spill into your home.
• A Clogged Pipe: A clog in your plumbing system can lead to a water backup or overflow that pushes water into your home, causing water damage. 
• Rapid Temperature Fluctuations: Your plumbing system can expand slightly in the summer and contract in the winter due to outside temperatures. Over time, these fluctuations can put stress on your pipes and lead to cracks and other damage.

The Long-Term Effects of Ignoring Water Leaks in Your Home

Ignoring a minor water leak can cause more damage the longer you leave it. Rapid leak repairs can protect your home from further issues and fix the problem before it becomes more serious. Leaving a water leak untreated over time can lead to:

1. Structural Damage

Over time, a dripping sink or pipe can spread water deep into the foundation of your home. This water can damage the structure of your home’s foundation, which will be expensive to repair. Your foundation, support beams, and walls are at risk of damage and wood rot, which can put the whole structure at risk.

2. Mold and Mildew Growth

A dark and damp environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. When a minor leak leaves a portion of your wall or home consistently damp and moist, this encourages mold growth that’s harmful to you and your family. Long-term exposure to mold and mildew can lead to headaches, eye and skin irritation, congestion, and respiratory symptoms such as a persistent cough.

Mold and mildew aren’t always obvious black growths on your wall. They can grow inside your walls where you may not see them, but they’ll still have the same effects on your overall health.

3. Decreased Property Value

Imagine you’re looking to buy a home and you go to visit a listing that has visible water stains on the ceiling or walls. No one wants to buy a home that already has issues that need addressing, especially issues as serious as water damage. 

When you ignore water leaks and let them fester, you’re decreasing the value of your property over time. At the very least, potential buyers will bid lower for your home to account for the water damage repairs.

4. Increased Pest Infestations

Standing water can attract pests to move into your home. Certain pests are attracted to damp environments, and an untreated water leak is the perfect spot for them. Hiring an exterminator can be costly, and it’s a cost you can help avoid by taking care of minor leaks as soon as you spot them.

5. Higher Repair Costs Over Time

The longer a leak sits, the more damage it will cause to your home or business. The more damage you need to be repaired, the higher the costs. Water damage that extends into your foundation and electrical system is going to cost more to restore than a wet patch of drywall. Not only that, mold gets trickier to eliminate the further it spreads. 

FAQ’s

Why do small leaks become big problems?

Small leaks can cause water damage to your home’s structure and electrical systems, as well as lead to mold growth. The longer you wait, the more damage it can cause, and the more expensive it will be to fix the issue.

What are the early signs of a water leak?

Keep an eye out for discoloration on your drywall, a sudden increase in your water bill, and a stubborn musty smell in your home.

Is professional water restoration worth it?

Yes! The professionals have the tools and experience to thoroughly clear out any water damage after a leak and restore your home to its original condition.

Call a Professional to Fix Water Damage

When the dust settles and the leak is taken care of, what do you do about the wet drywall and mildew smell? Northeast Power Dry is your team of local water restoration experts in Central New Jersey. We’ll clean up the mess and treat your home for any mold or mildew so it won’t come back. Our team is here to provide timely services and honest water damage treatment solutions to keep your home or business water-free.

Contact us today to schedule a free moisture inspection or speak with one of our experts!