It’s easy to ignore a leaky tap. Maybe you’re too tired or keep postponing that call to the plumber – we’ve all been there. However, allowing a leaky tap to persist creates more problems than just an annoying noise. From gradually increasing your water bill over time to even affecting your health, there are multiple reasons why that leak is costing you more than it’s worth. Let’s explore the causes, effects, and ways you can prevent drips to ensure they become a problem of the past.
Financial Impact
The most evident, and annoying impact is how much a leaky tap costs. In the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre, University of Otago researchers calculated the value of water lost through leaking pipes to be a shocking $122 million nationwide.
Even a minor leak can waste several litres of water each day, which can add significantly to your water bill over a month and amount to hundreds of dollars annually in unnecessary water charges. Think about it, if a leak is costing our country millions how much is it costing you? If you’d like to put things into perspective, try a drip calculator to find out how much water – and money – your leak is wasting.
Environment Impact
It goes without saying that if a leak is costing your wallet then it’s likely costing the environment. Water is a precious resource, and every drop of wasted water adds up, leading to the depletion of our natural water sources, which are already under stress from growing demand and climate change.
Conserving water is crucial for maintaining the balance of our environment. When we waste water, we also waste the energy used to treat and pump it, which increases our carbon footprint and exacerbates climate change. Fixing leaks is a simple yet effective way to conserve water, ensuring this vital resource remains available for future generations. While it may seem like a small step, when enough people take action it can lead to significant change.
Hidden Damage
When a tap leaks continuously, the water doesn’t just vanish—it accumulates, seeping into plumbing fixtures, countertops, and flooring. Over time, this constant exposure to moisture can cause serious deterioration.
Plumbing fixtures, subjected to continuous dripping, can wear out much faster than their expected lifespan. This means more frequent replacements and repairs, adding to your maintenance costs. The water can also penetrate countertops and flooring, leading to warping, staining, and overall weakening of these surfaces. When weighing up the costs, you’ll find that fixing a leak is much cheaper than replacing your flooring.
Health Concerns
The worst, and most overlooked effect of a leaky tap is the toll it takes on your health. Leaks create a damp environment that promotes the growth of mould and mildew. These unwelcome guests thrive in moist conditions and can quickly become a serious health concern for you and your family.
Mould spores released into the air can cause a variety of health problems, especially for those with respiratory issues or allergies. Your home should be a place where you can relax, not somewhere where you’re constantly sneezing, coughing, or dealing with itchy eyes.
But the health risks don’t stop there. Prolonged exposure to mould can lead to more serious conditions, such as chronic respiratory problems and even infections in people with weakened immune systems. By fixing leaks promptly, you not only protect your home but also safeguard the health of everyone living in it.
Common Causes of Leaky Taps
Leaky taps are often caused by a few typical culprits:
- Worn-Out Washers: Over time, the washers that create a seal when you turn off the tap can wear out, allowing water to seep through and cause leaks.
- Faulty O-rings: O-rings are small rubber rings that help seal the tap. These can degrade or become loose, leading to drips around the handle area.
- Corroded Valves: The valve seat connects the tap and the spout. Corrosion can build up here due to mineral deposits in the water, preventing the tap from shutting off completely and causing leaks.
These components can fail over time due to regular use, water pressure, and mineral buildup, making it essential to inspect and replace them as needed to prevent leaks.
DIY vs Professional Repair
When it comes to leaky taps, some fixes are simple enough for a handy homeowner. If your tap is dripping because of a worn-out washer or a loose O-ring, you can often replace these parts yourself with basic tools and a little DIY know-how.
However, not all leaks are straightforward. If the problem involves corroded valves, persistent leaks, or if you’re unsure of the cause, it’s best to call in a professional plumber. We understand the temptation to save a little money and fix an issue yourself but sometimes this can backfire leading to further damage and even more costly repairs. So, while DIY can be great for minor fixes, don’t hesitate to contact South Auckland Plumbing for those trickier jobs.
Preventative Measures
If you’ve been fortunate enough to avoid the nuisance of a leaky tap so far, there are a few precautionary measures you can take to ensure things stay that way:
- Regular Maintenance Checks: Periodically inspect your taps and plumbing fixtures for signs of wear and tear. Catching issues early can prevent major problems later.
- Prompt Repairs: Address minor drips or loose handles as soon as you notice them. Quick fixes can stop small issues from becoming bigger, more expensive repairs.
- Upgrade Fixtures: Consider installing modern, water-efficient fixtures. These are designed to be more durable and less prone to leaking, providing a long-term solution.
Conclusion
Worried about a leak in your home? South Auckland Plumbing is here to help. With more than thirty years of experience, we’re experts at providing reliable and efficient leak repairs.
Don’t let a minor drip turn into a major headache. Fill out our booking form to schedule an appointment and let us help keep your home safe, dry, and leak-free.