Can a Water Leak Cost You a Fortune?

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

A dripping faucet can cause major water damage in your home

How a Minor Leak Can Become Major Trouble

A leak seems so minuscule. After all, it's only a tiny bit of water leaving a pipe or faucet. How could it possibly create so much harm? Those little drips, though, wear away at fixtures, materials, and dirt, slowly ruining your premises. In fact, much of it is invisible, hiding inside walls or under the ground, making the water leak an unknown significant danger to business owners in Mount Prospect, IL. Sometimes quite costly, what seems so innocuous is really very deleterious. Here are three things to understand about how a minor leak can become major trouble for your home or business.

1. How Does a Leak Occur?
Over time, pipes can create significant levels of water damage. Developing from rust, age or interference, holes in the piping can happen. Moisture then begins escaping, furthering the problem. You'll need to consider various factors. Outside, groundwork can interfere with your system. Also, trees can grow into pipes, puncturing them. Pay attention to your surroundings, noting any alterations in the ground. Unusual puddles, holes, or changes in elevation levels are signs of escaping fluid. Inside, if systems go unexpected, complications can arise within the walls. Work with a specialist to regularly evaluate the pipes.

2. Are You Responsible?
If you're not paying attention, a water leak can exacerbate quickly. Bills for utilities may seem a bit high at first, maybe only going up just a bit. You probably chalked it up to increased usage. Eventually, as the opening enlarges, it can add up into the thousands. As you work with a water restoration company to locate the issue, you'll need to understand where the event has occurred. Most often leaks inside the building are the responsibility of the owner. If the leak is outside, not on your property, it could fall onto the shoulders of the utility company.

3. How Do You Fix the Problem?
First, fix the pipe break. Then, work with the remediation team to dry up the area and sanitize the space. You'll need to evaluate anything wet, determining whether it's salvageable.
Be aware of the potential for a water leak. Note billing changes and have regular inspections.