The dangers of a leaking pipe under the floor need to be well-documented. Even the smallest leak can eventually lead to the erosion of your floors if left unchecked.
The specific dangers associated with a leaking pipe under the floor can vary widely depending on what else is on your subfloor. The longer you wait to repair the damage, the more expensive and time-consuming the repairs will be.
Take a look at some of the pipe leaks under the floor complications you need to consider.
Structural Damage to the Foundation
There are few things worse than a leaking pipe under the floor. Not only is a leak causing water damage to the flooring. It can also cause serious structural damage to the entire foundation of your home.
This can be an incredibly expensive issue to fix. The subflooring and flooring may need to be replaced. Not all water damage is avoidable. But, a leaking pipe should be attended to as soon as possible to avoid more costly and dangerous damage.
Damage to Drywall and Insulation
As the water from a leaking pipe spreads, it can soak through the floor and into the drywall below, causing major issues with water damage. Excessive moisture can cause warping and swelling of the drywall. This in turn can cause it to become brittle and crumble.
Any insulation underneath the floors can also suffer water damage, becoming soggy and ineffective. This water damage can spread to other areas of the home.
Such damages can be avoided with regular plumbing maintenance and inspections, so it’s important to discuss any issues before they become a much bigger problem.
Moisture seeping through can cause the drywall to warp and begin to crumble, while the insulation can become wet and ineffective.
Growth in Mold and Mildew
Unnoticed leaks beneath the floor can create a warm and damp environment that encourages the growth of mold and mildew. Not only can these micro-organisms cause unruly odors and discoloration, but they can also cause health problems as well.
Mold and mildew can cause a variety of respiratory trauma, such as asthma, as well as a weakened immune system, allergies, skin and eye irritations, headaches, and coughing.
Even if the growth of mold and mildew is dead, their spores can still cause reactions if inhaled. The presence of a water source over time can weaken the structure of the building, rot wood and encourage pest infestations.
If a leaking pipe is found, the leak should be stopped, and the affected area should be thoroughly dried and sanitized by certified master plumbers.
Increases Home Humidity
The leak will cause water to accumulate, which can increase the humidity levels inside the home, leading to an uncomfortable environment for homeowners.
Higher humidity levels can cause various issues to the home, such as mold and mildew growth, water damage to the walls and ceiling, and an increase in pests.
This will introduce a lot of dust and other potentially hazardous particles into the air. Because of this, it’s important to properly identify and fix any pipe leaks as soon as possible.
Learn About the Dangers of Leaking Pipes Today
Overall, leaking pipes under the floor can cause severe damage to the building if not addressed properly.
If the signs of a leaking pipe are noticed, act quickly by calling a professional plumber to assess the situation and take corrective action. Don’t hesitate! Take the initiative to protect your property today!
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