Leak Repair in the Greater Baltimore Area
In the quiet, there comes a steady sound—drip, drip, drip. Any homeowner knows this is a bad sign. Under the sink or from the roof, a leak in your home can be a nuisance that turns into a disaster. Fixing a leak is essential. Whether it is a DIY project or something to call the professionals in for, leak repair in the Greater Baltimore Area is a necessary chore.
Small Leak, Big Problems
Aside from the constant sound of dripping that may be keeping you up at night, leaky faucets, toilets, tanks, and lines can drive up your water usage and sewerage costs. Standing water has been known to spread bacteria and infections. Dripping water can, over time, cause erosion, wood rot (and mold), and damage to cement foundations which can lead to wall cracks in your basement.
Leaks can come from more than just plumbing issues, of course. Roof leaks can be especially damaging depending on what is below them. Old shingles, pressure from overhanging tree branches, dry cracked wood shingles, leaks in flashing—particularly copper flashing that has been corroded—and sun damage can all lead to water entering from the roof. Restoration from an ongoing roof leak can be an expensive project.
Likewise, window leaks can serious problems in the wall around them. They may be recognizable by a rotted sill on the exterior. Window leaks should be addressed as soon as possible. The dampness, beyond wood rot, can lead to pests like termites as well.
Leaks from overhead floors can infiltrate the insulation of the walls below, causing widespread mold issues. Repairs of rotted wood and mold issue can be extensive, including tearing out the wallboard to replace insulation and framing. In kitchen or bathroom sink leaks, damage to cabinetry is a risk. Perhaps even more dangerous is the exposure to water in electric systems. If exposed wires short out a fire could be caused.
Foundation cracks caused by leaks can be addressed by repairing the cracks with water-resistant materials that will seal them. If the structural integrity has been threatened, jobs can escalate to $15,000 in repairs cost. Radon gas could potentially enter through these cracks, elevating levels within the basement or crawl space.
Small Projects – Leak Repair
A leak is not the sort of problem that will take care of itself. In fact, it only will get worse. Stopping leaks before they start destroying important structural elements is essential. Homeowners should learn to recognize the signs of a leak inside and outside their homes. Connecting with a local plumber who can advise them on any issues or assist with a leak is also important. A little vigilance can save a lot of money and effort in the long run.
Homeowners know that fixing what they can themselves can be a time-saving, money-saving move. Fixing small leaks before they become big problems is a worthwhile DIY. Connections to faucets or pipes can be fixed with supplies from your local hardware store to replace or repair.
Adding a seal, replacing a worn-out pipe joint connector, or updating to more effective braided connectors can be a simple, useful project. These can be installed by someone with basic skills and tools. However, for problems involving damaged pipes, electric, or mold issues it is best to bring in a tradesman.
Call in the Professionals
If a pipe itself is leaking it is likely beyond the average homeowner’s skill to fix. If the pipe has become corroded, it will need to be replaced. To do so, the walls or ceiling will need to be exposed. In other words, the wallboard and any insulation will need to come out. This will likely turn into a multi-professional project to repair the exposure and wall as well as repaint.
Some pipes are more prone to corrosion and thus leaks. Drain pipes from showers and tubs can experience more corrosion due to clogging and soap. Clogs keep materials that can deteriorate the pipe in one place for a long time, eventually making small holes in the pipe. Soap can also corrode.
Cast iron, chrome, and copper pipes all have a risk of corrosion. Some plumbers and contractors find using plastic pipes to be a better option, eliminating this risk. However, plastic pipes require tools that are likely too expensive for the average homeowner to use. It is best to get a professional plumber in for these repairs.
Ace Plumbing, LLC stops leaks – simple as that. If you have a leak on your property or have noticed a substantial spike in your water and sewerage bills, call Ace Plumbing, your premier plumbing contractor serving the Baltimore area, at (410) 256-7900.
