The severity of a pipe leak will often be judged by the damage it causes to the home. This could range from structural to health issues around the home. But leaking pipes can cause a number of other problems. Plus, the leak might not be just water so just how dangerous is a pipe leak? Water pipe leaks can be just as severe as other forms of pipe leaks, water can physically cause structural damage to a building which can be financially harmful. Health effects include mould and damp problems that could be very harmful to people with respiratory issues such as asthma.
Health effects from untreated leaks
One of the biggest dangers from untreated leaks has nothing to do with the actual escaping water. Instead, it has to do with the problems that it can create. That slow drip of a few drops of water a day may not seem like something that needs to be treated with any urgency. But damp spots can lead to damp problems such as black mould or types of fungus and these can be a lot more dangerous.
For example, mould can lead to an allergic reaction in some people but in most people, will cause skin irritation as well as soreness in the throat and nose. Itchy, red eyes are common and symptoms like a cold can be experienced such as coughing and sneezing. People with conditions such as asthma can be badly affected by the presence of mould.
Dangers from water pipes
When water pipes leak, people often think that an area of footpath is going to get a bit wet or something equally innocuous. However, studies have shown that depending on which water pipe is leaking, the problem can be more dangerous. A study from the University of Sheffield in 2015 showed that contaminants from pipes can enter the water network through a leak. This is because the drop in water from the leak can allow contaminants to enter the pipes which then travel onwards and enter the system. Dynamic pressure drops when there is a sudden change in velocity in a pipe – in other words when water bursts out. And if this pipe carries drinking water, then those contaminants can enter the drinking water for the area.
Financial damage
Lastly, there’s the damage to the wallet if a leak is left unchecked. Every plumber knows that a little drip that doesn’t seem worth worrying about can lead to a costly and damaging burst pipe, especially in the winter when pipes are more vulnerable. So even if the leak seems small and not worth the bother of calling in a leak detection expert, it is always worth pointing out what can happen if nothing is done about it.
Having a drip anywhere in your building can also create damp spots that lead to damage to materials like wood or plaster and many other materials. This could also lead to an expensive situation, even if the drip from a pipe doesn’t lead to a leak. Like most things in life you can avoid issues by preparing in advance. A water pipe drip/leak is coming out of a customer’s pocket and their water bill is going to increase every second the water is wasted. If a customer hires out an expert to detect the leak, they could be saving themselves from a costly financial situation in the future.
If you would like to find out more about the dangers of pipe leaks, get in touch with Ferret Technology for expert advice on fast leak detection. Get in touch with us by calling us on 0800 292 2835 or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you.