How Putting Off General Plumbing Repairs Can Cost You?

When small plumbing problems arise, it can be tempting to shrug them off as minor inconveniences. Tight budgets, busy schedules, or the sheer inconvenience of dealing with plumbing repairs make procrastination an attractive option. 

However, delaying plumbing repairs leads to more significant and costly problems down the line. According to Forbes Home, plumbers charge approx $45 to $200 per hour in the USA, depending on the type of plumbing job. This cost seems reasonable for a simple and affordable fix and can become a much bigger and more expensive task over time if left ignored.

In this article, we'll discuss why putting off general plumbing repairs can cost you more money, what could go wrong if you don't take care of them, and why it's better to call a professional plumber right away. 

Water Wastage & Soaring Bills

Over time, leaks, even little ones, cause an enormous amount of water waste. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that the typical home leaks about 10,000 gallons of water annually. Even tiny leaks can waste a lot of water; 10% of houses lose more than 90 gallons per day due to drips and minor leaks. 

Postponing plumbing repairs thus could inadvertently inflate your water bills, making it far from a cost-saving measure. Not only does water waste from plumbing fixtures like water heaters impact your utility bills, but it also has significant environmental consequences. Moreover, every drop of water wasted adds to the strain on our precious water resources. As our world faces growing water scarcity, conserving water becomes an essential responsibility for all of us.

Remember, water is a finite resource, and every drop counts. So, let's make a collective effort to prevent leaks, conserve water, and protect our planet for future generations. Act responsibly and stay vigilant about water leak repairs to save gallons of water.

Health Hazards - Mold and Mildew

Mold requires moisture to grow and thrive, and water leaks provide an ideal environment for mold spores to settle and proliferate. Based on a Federal Emergency Management Agency report, mold can begin growing on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. FEMA's warning about mold growth within a short timeframe emphasizes the urgency of taking immediate action once moisture is detected. It underscores the importance of quick and effective measures to dry affected areas and address the source of the moisture.

Not only do mold and mildew pose health risks to you and your family, but they also significantly damage your home's structure and aesthetics. Mold and mildew can adversely impact indoor air quality, exacerbating allergies and asthma in susceptible individuals. Prompt repair of any leaks helps mitigate the risk of mold growth and lowers costly repairs in the future. 

Structural Damage

Plumbing systems often run through walls and floors, with leaks creating wet patches and even seepage over time. If left unchecked, the constant exposure to moisture can compromise your home's structural integrity, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Damage isn't limited to the walls either - persistent leaks can lead to rot in any surrounding woodwork.

In addition to structural concerns, persistent leaks deteriorate electrical components like wires, plugs, switches, and more that are concealed within walls or floors. The combination of water and electricity poses a serious safety hazard, potentially leading to short circuits, electrical fires, or even electrocution. This underscores the importance of promptly addressing leaks to prevent potential electrical hazards.

Small Issues Can Escalate

Putting off toilet leak repair, sink & faucet leak repair, and other repairs around the house lead to significant costs and problems over time. Ignoring these seemingly minor issues may result in water damage, which affects the structural integrity of your home and lead to costly repairs. Dripping sinks and faucets wastes water and contributes to inflated utility bills. 

Safety Hazards 

Neglecting to address plumbing issues like gas leaks in a timely manner has severe consequences, as evidenced by the alarming statistics reported by Reuters. From 2010 to late 2021, a shocking 122 people lost their lives, and 603 others suffered injuries in devastating gas leak incidents. These incidents are a stark reminder of the potential hazards hidden within our homes and the importance of gas leak repair services.

DIY Isn't Always the Best Route

While tackling plumbing repairs yourself might seem appealing, it can often lead to more harm than good. Plumbing systems are complex, with pipes and fittings designed for specific uses. A wrong choice of repairing parts or an incorrect installation could lead to corrosion or pipe failure. Consequently, it's usually best to call a professional plumber to ensure instant plumbing repairs.

Why Should You Call A Professional Plumbing Company?

Although hiring a plumber from a plumbing company might seem expensive upfront, it leads to significant savings in the long run. These are the following reasons to hire professional plumbing experts: 

• Plumbers possess extensive technical knowledge and hands-on training, enabling them to diagnose and resolve various plumbing issues efficiently. 
• While you might handle minor problems, professional plumbers offer a comprehensive range of services, from maintenance and repair to installation. 
• They are also prepared for any plumbing emergencies, minimizing the risk of water damage and potential mold growth.
• Apart from post-customer support, plumbing professionals follow the safety guidelines, guaranteeing a safe working environment. 
• Professional plumbers deliver high-quality work based on industry standards and local building codes. This ensures that the plumbing job is done right the first time, reducing the chances of repeated repairs and thus saving costs.
• Hiring a professional plumber can be cost-effective, saving you the unnecessary expenses of buying equipment & materials for repairing procedures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, putting off general plumbing repairs can have a negative impact on both your financial situation and your health. Minor issues that go untreated could develop into major ones and require more expensive repairs or replacements. Water damage, higher utility bills, and even health repercussions from mold development or contaminated water, all come from unattended plumbing issues. It is best to contact a reputable plumbing company to repair your plumbing systems.

Our licensed plumbers at Cannon Plumbing are prepared to manage various plumbing problems. We have years of experience and are dedicated to offering fast and efficient plumbing solutions for any of your plumbing issues. Contact Us Today!