How Can A Small Leak Lead to A Burst Pipe?
Whether it’s a small little leak or a big gushing leak, a water leak is just a water leak, right? Well, the answer to that question is not necessarily. Small leaks are often easier to fix, and can also signal that there is a bigger danger lurking in your home’s plumbing.
In this article, we are going to stress the importance of dealing with leaks no matter how small and minor they may seem right away. Let’s start out with the biggest reason you don’t want to ignore that little drip under your sink.
How Do Burst Pipes Happen?
To you, it may be a small drip under the sink, but to your pipes, it’s the first symptom that something is wrong.
This drip is trying to warn you to act before this little problem becomes a major full-blown catastrophe. We know the thought of calling a plumber is not high on your list of favorite things, but remember that leaks cannot fix themselves.
That small leak is allowing water to flow through it, slowly eroding the pipe and enlarging the hole until the velocity of the water is such that it causes a burst pipe. Once the pipe bursts all bets are off. Now you’re likely dealing with massive water damage to your walls, floors, and personal belongings.
It seems like a burst pipe never occurs when we are home either. Chances are it will happen when you’re at work or gone for a weekend, only to return to a flooded disaster zone, right in your home. To avoid dealing with this, take care of these minor leaks as soon as you notice them.
Most Small Water Leaks Are an Easy Fix
An experienced plumber can make quick work of a small leak, and while they are there they can give your system an inspection to make sure there are not any other small water leaks that you haven’t noticed.
The cost to replace a small section of leaking pipe or a failed fitting is far less than putting off the repair and dealing with a burst pipe. Not only will the damage be more extensive, but having a plumber drop all their regular scheduled work and rush to your home will certainly cause the bill to go up.
Something that conscientious homeowners practice to prevent plumbing surprises is to schedule regular inspections of their plumbing.
Safe Plumbing Starts With an Inspection
Hiring a plumber to come out and go through your entire home is a wise investment. A reputable contractor will tell you what needs immediate attention and what can wait.
They can also give you an idea of how much longer that water heater is going to last. It’s much better to budget a small amount to give your plumbing a clean bill of health than being stuck with a trip to the plumbing ER.
As an experienced plumbing company here in Minnesota, we specialize in giving homeowners sound advice. With our large temperature differences, our pipes might be exposed to freezing conditions in the winter and extreme heat by July. This can cause excessive stress to fittings and joints in our pipes.
Give our pros at Minnesota Plumbing and Heating a call today to schedule your inspection and ensure that you aren’t setting yourself up for an unpleasant surprise.