As you already know, your home is your sanctuary, a place of comfort and security. But lurking beneath the surface, hidden from sight, could be plumbing issues that threaten the very foundation of your home. So, you might already know that a crack on your wall is a massive red flag, but the thing is, that’s not the only indicator either!
While sure, a leaky faucet might seem like a minor inconvenience, the damage caused by plumbing problems can be extensive and costly, potentially undermining the structural integrity of your beloved abode. But what can you even do? Well, let’s dive into how plumbing issues can wreak havoc on your home's foundation and what you can do to prevent it.
Water Damage
You can pretty much call this the silent intruder. One of the most common ways plumbing issues affect foundations is through water leakage. Generally speaking, this can come in various forms, such as a dripping pipe, a broken water heater, or an overflowing toilet. But generally speaking, excess water can seep into the ground surrounding your foundation.
Over time, this water can erode the soil, causing it to shift and settle unevenly. Now, it won’t be immediate; it’ll take a few months (if not longer). But this can lead to cracks in your foundation, which, if left unchecked, can grow larger and compromise the structural stability of your home. If your pipes are old, then it’s definitely time to look into a pipe repair and replacement; you’ll save money down the line, but mostly, you’ll be saving a lot of stress!
Soil Swelling and Contraction
So this is basically piggybacking on what’s being said above, but a bit more in-depth. For starters, you need to understand that soil isn’t as solid as it appears. Depending on its composition, it can expand and contract with varying moisture levels. When plumbing leaks occur, the water can cause certain types of soil, like clay, to swell. But it’s the other way around, too; the soil dries out after the leak is fixed, and it can contract.
These constant changes in the soil’s volume can place immense pressure on your foundation, leading to cracks, shifting, and other structural problems. The result? Floors that aren’t level, doors that stick, and walls that develop unsightly cracks. So yes, those leaks that you have (like what was mentioned above) really can have an impact. Sure, it depends on the soil itself, but it’s an impact regardless.
Don’t Forget About Mold
Bad plumbing, such as leaks, can lead to mold. Alright, so that’s obvious, but the mold is far bigger than you might expect. Not only can this damage your foundation by weakening the materials, but it also poses serious health risks to your family. Mold spores can spread throughout your home, causing respiratory issues and other health problems. Again, mold spreads fast, so plenty of areas of your hold could get mold, causing a bigger risk and an unsafe environment- structural integrity included.
This is a contributed post.
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Plumbing problems are often underestimated, but they can lead to serious damage, especially when it comes to your home’s foundation. It’s crucial to catch leaks early and stay on top of repairs to avoid costly structural issues.