It is worth fixing a small leak. Even minor leaks can lead to significant water waste, increased utility bills, and potential damage to your home’s structure and environment.
Ignoring a small leak escalates the problem and contributes to environmental depletion, making timely repairs a wise choice.
If you’re anxious about the potential damage and cost implications of a small water leak in your home, you’re not alone. Many homeowners fear the escalation from a minor leak to major water damage. This concern is valid, as untreated leaks can lead to significant home and health hazards.
When facing plumbing uncertainties in Broward County, our plumbers are here to offer peace of mind and expert service. Feel free to speak directly with our leak repair plumbers at (954) 289-1363 in Weston or ( 954) 289-3110 in Pembroke Pines, FL.
Why it’s worth fixing a small plumbing leak
The cumulative amount of water wasted is the main reason why Florida homeowners address leaks as soon as they discover them.
By addressing leaks promptly, homeowners can save approximately 10% on their water bills, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Why?
The average household’s small leaks can easily waste more than 10,000 gallons of water each year. To put this into perspective, that’s enough water to wash 270 loads of laundry.
Imagine the additional water charges accumulating every day for water you never use.
Here’s how much water a leakage wastes over time
The rate at which water is lost through leaks can vary depending on the size of the hole in the pipe and the pressure within the pipe.
Assuming your pipe is within the standard water pressure of 60psi, below are estimations of how much water you could lose in one year.
A 1/16″ hole wastes 322,296 gallons annually
To put the figure into perspective, 322,296 gallons of water is enough to fill almost half of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. An Olympic swimming pool holds almost half a million gallons.
Your leakage might not last a whole year, but this figure translates into roughly 800 gallons wasted daily.
So, if you can’t explain your high water bill, a small leak you have could be the culprit.
A 1/8″ hole wastes 1,329,184 gallons annually
A hole just about 3 millimeters can waste approximately 1,329,184 gallons of water in a year. This amount of water could fill over two Olympic-sized swimming pools. It’s akin to turning on a tap and letting it run continuously for several years without using a single drop for something useful.
A 3/16″ hole wastes 2,990,664 gallons annually
The leakage from a 3/16″ hole is not small; it can lead to an astonishing loss of nearly 2,990,664 gallons of water annually, which equates to about five Olympic-sized swimming pools. You could compare this to filling a large home swimming pool with water and then letting it all drain away.
A 1/4″ hole wastes 5,316,737 gallons annually
The largest of the leaks we consider here is from a 1/4″ hole that loses up to 5,316,737 gallons annually. This volume could fill more than 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It’s equivalent to supplying about 40 homes with yearly water needs, all wasted through a small crack that you could fix.
Not only does fixing leaks save water, but it also keeps your water bill reasonable. This is why we cannot stress enough the value of regular plumbing inspections.
Beyond water bills, there’s the environmental impact on the next generation’s future.
A small leak could create mold damage
We’ve seen firsthand how minor leaks can escalate into mold damage. An unchecked leak can create a mold breeding ground within 24-48 hours.
Mold latches onto moist surfaces like bathroom walls, window trims, and hidden nooks behind cabinets. Visually, it might manifest as furry growth or unsightly stains in various colors.
However, the real concern goes beyond aesthetics.
Mold releases tiny, airborne spores that can cause allergies, respiratory infections, asthma, and other breathing difficulties.
If you fix a leak promptly, you won’t need to call our plumbers for mold damage restoration in addition to leak repair.
Early leak detection saves water and money
Fixing an unnecessary pipe leak is the easiest way to lower your water consumption and reduce your water bill.
It also saves the resources used to produce water for the entire Florida community.
Producing potable water is an energy-intensive process, involving pumping, treatment, and distribution. This process also often includes the addition of chemicals for purification and disinfection—efforts and resources wasted if the water runs down the drain.
By fixing leaks, you also contribute to more efficient use of our water resources for the next generation.
Addressing small leaks
We utilize various leak detectors and survey tools to ensure comprehensive coverage and precision in our work.
Below are some of our leak detection techniques.
Noise loggers
Noise loggers detect leaks in quiet night hours when water usage is minimal, and background noise is low.
Correlators
Correlators are sophisticated devices that we use to locate leaks in pressurized pipes.
Tracer Gas Devices
We use tracer gas when the water pipe lacks pressure, or the leak’s noise is difficult to discern.
And more
Beyond these tools, we continuously explore and incorporate new technologies and methods into our leak detection practices.
Contact us to learn more about our leak detection services. You can also call our plumbers at (954) 289-1363 in Weston or ( 954) 289-3110 in Pembroke Pines, FL!
