Leaky sinks and toilets can seem like a minor inconvenience, so you may not get around to fixing them quickly. But running toilets and leaky faucets can cause a lot of damage to your home, cost you a lot of money, and damage the health of your family.
Warning Signs of a Leak
Before we jump into the ways that your leaky toilet or sink are impacting your health and expenses, let’s talk about a few ways to know if you are experiencing a leak:
- Listen for noisy toilets and sinks: if you hear gurgling, running, or dripping, there is running water somewhere.
- Check for condensation around the toilet bowl or under the sink; there may be a fitting problem.
- Check for pooled water or signs of pooled water: drip marks, rust, mold, mildew, peeling paint, warped wood, etc.
- If the toilet and sink drain slowly, there is likely a blockage that could strain the pipes over time, resulting in a leak.
- Leaks result in higher water bills, so periodically check to see if you’re using more water than you did six months ago.
Mold and Mildew
The most common problem due to a drain leak is the build-up of mold and mildew. These types of fungus grow wherever there is standing moisture. Common places include the tile under the toilet, baseboards and walls, and cupboard under the sink. Mildew and mold are top culprits of illnesses affecting the respiratory system, like colds and asthma.
Rotted Subfloor
If condensation is allowed to build and sit long enough, it can seep through the cupboard or floor and get into the subfloor. There it begins to weaken the structure of your home, where normal pressure or tension could cause cracks or give way. Not only is this unsafe, but it increases the area where mold and other fungi can continue to grow, spreading illness and attracting pests.
Infestation of Drain Pests
Several unsanitary bugs are attracted to standing water, whether it be a build-up of condensation from badly fitted toilets or water that hasn’t drained from a sink. These include cockroaches, phorid flies, and drain flies. These pests multiply quickly, spread disease, and are challenging to remove. Since getting rid of these pests can be difficult and require heavy poisons, the EPA recommends maintaining toilets and plumbing for pest prevention.
Increased Water Bill
To add insult to injury, allowing the accumulation of pests and water damage costs you more money in your water bill. Running toilets and dripping faucets increase your water usage, often significantly. The EPA estimates that 1 out of 10 households waste up to 90 gallons of water per day― that is a significant hit to your water bill!
Need Help?
If you have already experienced water damage due to a leaky faucet or toilet, A+ Restoration Services can help! Your One Stop Shop Servicing the Indianapolis area. If you haven’t had the misfortune of a leak yet, save our information, so you are prepared in the event of water damage.