Plumbing leaks cause more problems than most homeowners are aware of. While it’s common knowledge that water leaks increase your water bill due to wasted water and provide the perfect environment for dangerous mold and mildew growth, many people are also unaware that they provide the perfect opportunity for pests such as insects and rodents to enter a home. Insects and rodents need water to survive, just like humans do, and a minor leak can lead to major problems in terms of supporting an entire insect colony or rodents!
A small water leak provides an in for pests as well as a steady supply of water. These plumbing leaks can be difficult to detect to the untrained eye, but at Rick’s Plumbing, our experienced plumbers know exactly what to look for. Our highly rated Orange, CT pipe repair services can uncover even the sneakiest of plumbing leaks and prevent all the problems they cause.
Combatting plumbing leaks and pests in Orange, CT
While suddenly spotting pests such as cockroaches or mice may not necessarily mean you have a hidden plumbing leak, it’s still a good reason to do a little investigating. Be sure to take note of the locations in which you see pests and inspect the surrounding area for signs of a water leak, such as discoloration or staining. Though there’s always a chance water is leaking from a hard to reach pipe behind the wall, a lot of plumbing leaks are fairly accessible.
The area underneath a refrigerator is prone to pooling water and is a prime location for pest such as cockroaches. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, it’s important to routinely inspect the water line that leads to the freezer for signs of leakage. Even a tiny pinhole leak in these plastic lines is enough to support a colony of cockroaches or other pests! Likewise, be sure to inspect the water lines of water-connected appliances such as your dishwasher and washing machine for signs of leakage. Other leak and pest prone areas include under bathroom and kitchen sinks. Inspect these areas for excess moisture and signs of pests, such as droppings or chewed wood.
The seals around your plumbing pipes are also especially vulnerable to leaks. As you make your rounds and inspect your plumbing appliances, fixtures, and pipes for signs of a water leak, don’t forget to pay attention to the area where your plumbing pipes enter the wall. This area should be tightly sealed with some kind of physical barrier such as foam insulation, metal plates, or rubber gaskets.
If you do see signs of a leak in any of the areas mentioned above, it’s best to call our Orange, CT plumbing service right away. Setting traps may temporarily reduce the number of pests, but it won’t address the source of problem or prevent mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture.