Discovering a water leak in your home can be stressful. Your first instinct may be to ignore minor dripping or try to fix it yourself. However, this can lead to a lot of water waste. According to Plumbing Manufacturers International, the average amount of water used by a family of four in the U.S. is 400 gallons of water a day, but your number can increase if there's a leak. Calling a professional plumber as soon as you notice a leak for leak detection is crucial to prevent severe property damage and high repair costs. Here are key reasons to contact a local plumber right away if you suspect you have a leak.

Prevent Mold Growth

Leaking water that soaks into walls, carpets, insulation, wood, and other materials creates an ideal environment for mold growth. Prolonged leaks give mold spores time to spread both visibly and behind walls. This can create a serious health hazard and require expensive remediation. Catching leaks early allows plumbers to dry out affected areas to inhibit mold development.

Avoid Structural Damage

Leaks left unaddressed can weaken foundations, erode wood, warp flooring, and cause extensive structural issues. A small initial leak can turn into a much larger problem if not immediately repaired. Local plumbers have the tools and materials for leak detection. From there, they can stop water penetration and evaluate any structural damages that may have started. Acting quickly can reduce the extent of necessary repairs.

Prevent Destruction of Belongings

Nothing is worse than having your belongings, furniture, electronics, and other valuables ruined by a water leak. The damage can be emotionally and financially devastating. Calling a plumber right when you notice a leak helps save your valuables and possessions from being destroyed by contained water damage.

Lower Your Repair Costs

The longer a leak goes unrepaired, the more water seeps into your home to cause heightened damage. This exponentially increases repair and remediation costs. Even small leaks can turn into a massive expense if they continue leaking over time. Hiring a plumber immediately keeps your out-of-pocket costs lower by addressing the issue before major damage sets in.

When it comes to leaks and leak detection, every minute matters in controlling damage. At the first sign of an issue, take action by calling your trusted local plumber. Call us today at Prater Plumbing if you suspect you have a leak in your home.