By Noticed a small damp patch on a ceiling or the first signs of mould in a corner? Perhaps you’ve spotted a drip from a tap, or suspect your toilet may be running long after it’s been flushed.
All of these are classic signs of a leak, or at the very least a damp problem. It’s easy to put off getting these things looked at by a plumber or leak detection specialist. You might be short on time, or worried about the cost and disruption.
But it really is crucial to act quickly where household leaks are concerned. Here are just a few of the many reasons to find and fix leaks as fast as possible:
Time-Consuming Cleanup and Cosmetic Damage
A leak, particularly from the floor above, can cause cosmetic damage to your plaster and paintwork. It can even ruin furniture, rugs and carpets, depending on the severity of the problem.
This all takes time, effort and skill to clean up and redecorate, not to mention money. You might even need to bring in a plasterer or decorator to help, and these services aren’t cheap.
The quicker you fix the leak, the smaller the area of damage to put right.
Undetected Leaks Can Cause Structural Damage
Beyond cosmetic issues, there’s also the very real risk that a leak could cause structural damage to your home. If left unchecked and untreated for a long time, water can saturate joists and roof timbers, as well as plasterwork and other materials. This can cause rot, decay and serious damage, all of which is likely to be very expensive to fix.
Health Issues Caused by Mould and Mildew
Another important reason to resolve issues with leaks is the impact on your health – and that of your family. Leaks inevitably cause damp problems, which can trigger the growth of mould and mildew. This is not an environment you want to be living in, as it can cause or exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems.
Increased Water Bills
Noticed your water bills have suddenly increased? This is another tell-tale sign of a leak for homes with a water meter, and it’s one that hits you directly in the pocket. The longer you leave it, the more it’ll cost you each month. For most people, this is a pretty powerful incentive to find and fix the leak.
If nothing else, wasting water is also bad for the environment. Even if you’re not on a water meter and aren’t financially affected, it’s still not a good feeling knowing that a precious natural resource is being wasted.
Electrical Hazards
One of the most alarming places to discover a leak is through a light fitting, or near an electrical socket. But it’s easy to see how it can happen, especially for leaks relating to the roof or upstairs floors of your home. Water follows the path of least resistance, even if that happens to be through a light fitting.
Needless to say, this is not safe. So it’s not recommended to leave it until you actually see water dripping from your light bulbs – act as soon as you see that wet patch on the ceiling.
Leak Detection Tips – How to Find a Leak Quickly
Here are a few quick tips to help you find that leak as quickly as possible:
- Turn off your water-using appliances and make a note of the reading on your water meter. If it changes, you could have a leak.
- Do a systematic check in all rooms of the house, looking for signs of damp patches, mould or water stains. You should also make a note of any stale or musty smells, as these could be a sign of damp.
- Call a leak detection company. This is the fastest way to find a leak, especially those that are well hidden behind walls. Specialists use equipment such as moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to quickly and efficiently identify the source of leaks.
