Water leaks are annoying and dangerous not only to your house but also to your health. It can damage concrete, steel, wood, and any material it comes to contact with. In addition, it can spur a lot of medical concerns.
For example, leakages can turn to the contamination that can harm you and your family. It can cause structural damages that will necessitate repairs and replacements of various components in the house. To give you a better idea of the dangers of water leakage, let’s examine them one by one.
Health Issues
Water damage can lead to the development and spread of mildew and mold. They can develop in areas that are generally moist. It can quickly migrate to other rooms in the house or even on belongings like clothing and furniture. Since you need to pay a large amount of money to get it removed, it’s best to get it done by specialists. Even if your problems are fixed, it doesn’t mean they’ll be permanently resolved because eliminating this issue is tricky and takes time.
Mildew is easy to eliminate. They’re frequently seen growing on moist surfaces, and cleaning them is simple. Apply acidic solutions to kill any of them. Mold, however, is a different matter. Fungal growth typically invades the surface of various components, such as wood and drywall. It is capable of destroying such things. It spreads rapidly, with spores released to the surrounding air the instant they’re created.
Health Dangers
Many illnesses result from developing bacteria, harmful dust mites, volatile and toxic organic compounds, and common fungus, along with mold and mildew. As a matter of fact, water leakage is a primary concern due to the unsafe situations it may lead to. Mold and mildew can cause several diseases, including allergies, delicate pulmonary hemorrhage, and dangerous toxic mold syndrome. Anyone can also experience hypersensitivity pneumonitis, infections, and irritation.
This is primarily due to mold and mildew releasing spores and irritants, such as by-products of molds and allergens. Substances are also produced by some fungi and cause respiratory difficulties when breathed. Sadly, the issue affects not only you and your family but also the animals you have, such as pets and farm animals.
Contamination of Household Water
Water is directed via pipes with pressure applied to them. This prevents other debris and pollutants from entering the stream. The only thing that reduces this pressure is damage to the pipes. The resulting loss of water pressure causes filthy groundwater to enter the system.
Although drinking water picks up bacteria and viruses from feces, water treatment plants can carry additional pollutants, such as other pollutants, debris, and toxins. These are subsequently combined with the water in the pipes.
Soaring Utility Expenses
An estimated 10,000 water gallons leak from American households each year, with almost $150 per home is wasted. Although 10% of families lose money to water costs, on average, they lose $500 due to water expenses. In addition, how much you spend on water impacts the value you get from it. Specific utility costs might be higher in some situations.
Roof Damage
One of the concerns you may not anticipate from water damage is damage to the attic, ceiling, and roof. Mold, mildew, and fungi will grow if water seeps into this space. There is damage to the items stored in the attic as well. One of the things that might happen is your ceiling collapsing due to water collecting. Before this happens, call a reliable roofing and gutter contractor.
Damage to Structural Integrity
Structural damage can be caused by water leaking in your house. This has to do with various molds, mildews, and fungi that thrive in the structure and slowly degrade the building’s components. The water can also damage dry and wooden walls, causing them to distort. In time, supporting beams, walls, and ceilings will weaken and become riddled with holes and fractures. This compromises the structural integrity of your property.
Risks of Fire
You might wonder if water leaks can constitute a fire hazard. Yes, it does. Keep in mind that flooding might lead to structural damage to your house. This incorporates electrical wiring. While water and electricity are not natural companions, it would be best to separate them as much as possible. Besides mildew, molds, and fungus, water can cause corrosion in your electric wire system. Any of them may start a fire or short out the wires.
Expenses for Repairs
A major water leak is a financial burden. You must pay to fix it since it can affect the property and everything inside it. For health issues, the cost doesn’t include hospital costs, medicine, and doctor appointments if needed. Fixing a leak might reach $400 to $4,000.
In cases of water leakage, you can choose to fix the issue by yourself. Not only do you get to learn new things, but you also get to spend less. Besides this, you can always find a professional to assist you if you want to keep any problems at bay. They can assure better quality service and a water system that will last longer.
