Why You Need to Take Action Now If You Have an Outside Water Leak
If a water pipe within a home springs a leak, the owner or tenant will spring into action themselves and will call out an emergency plumber as soon as possible. Yet if the leak is outside and has simply lead to low water pressure, then there may be less urgency and the individual may be tempted to let things slide. Why is this a bad idea, and why could it lead to repercussions?
Responsibility
Typically, the owner or tenant will be responsible for water usage from the property line onwards. In other words, they'll need to pay for any water that may leak even if the leak itself is outside of their main structure and in the garden. A small leak can quickly shift into a bigger problem, and the issue may not be simply monetary.
Subsidence
When water leaks in one concentrated place, it can cause issues that can lead to subsidence and significant damage. A sinkhole may develop in the area, or if the leak is below a concrete driveway, cracks could appear on the surface above.
Structural Damage
If the leak is closer to the property itself then, over time, this could lead to structural damage. The water could find its way into a conduit and cause issues with your telephone, electricity or cable. It could coagulate around the base of the wall, which could lead to damp problems in the future. If the wall remains constantly damp on the outside, this could lead to peeling wallpaper within and the development of mould.
Health
Don't forget that if there is a hole in the pipe that supplies you with your fresh and drinkable water, then it may become contaminated by threats from outside. You will want to avoid insects, soil, dirt or other bacteria as, obviously, this could lead to a health risk as well.
Environment
Lastly, don't forget about conservation. It's important to conserve water as much as possible as it is the most precious resource of all. You owe it to everyone else to take action if this leak is your responsibility and to curtail it as soon as possible.
Making the Call
If you suspect that you have an external water pipe leak, then this is just as much of a problem as if it were internal. Call in a plumber right away, and they will use the latest technology to locate the source of the problem and take action.