Rafael, should I fix that dripping leak?

On the left, the snake could clear through, while still leaving all this stuff behind. On the right is what is possible with a hydro-jetter.

Rafael, should I fix that leak?

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it—this is the attitude that many people take when it comes to a plumbing leak, especially when it’s not flooding the house. They figure, the faucet, the toilet, the hose bib—It’s still working, why make the expense to fix it?

Two reasons.

One, that small leak can be hiding a bigger problem, or it can lead to one. You got to ask, why is it leaking, is it old, corroded? Leaks usually have a story to tell. Maybe it’s telling you that your plumbing is old and needs to be replaced before it bursts and causes serious problems. Maybe it’s trying to tell you that there are other leaks and this one is just an ambassador to the ones you can’t see. Or maybe, it’s trying to tell you that the water pressure is too high, to just tone it down a bit. Pay attention to your leaks, listen to them.

Unattended leaks can lead to problems that are much bigger and costlier than if you would have just addressed them from the beginning. Leaks that are exposed to the organic construction material on your property--drywall, wood--can be especially costly. Leaks can start a destruction party where mold and termite are the special guests, with mosquitoes and other pests coming too. Leaks, over time, can also lead to costly foundation problems, including abnormal cracking and settling.

And finally, equally important, if not more, fix that leak because, well, the environment! Did you know that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year?

Fix those leaks! It’ll save you money in the long run and it'll save the environment.