The True Cost of Ignoring a Small Leak in Your Home

A tiny leak today can become a big expense tomorrow. Learn how small plumbing leaks can lead to costly damage in Cambridge homes—and how to fix them fast.



🚰 A Drip Today, a Flood Tomorrow

It starts with just a drop. Maybe you hear a faint drip under the sink or notice a tiny damp spot behind your toilet. It doesn’t seem urgent, so you leave it for later. But when it comes to plumbing, small leaks are rarely small for long.

In Cambridge homes—especially older ones in areas like Galt, Hespeler, and Preston—minor leaks can lead to expensive repairs, mold growth, and water damage. In this post, we’ll break down why you should never ignore a small plumbing leak and how a local plumber like Reliant Plumbing can help you catch it before it escalates.

💸 The Hidden Costs of a Small Leak

Let’s talk numbers. Even a steady drip can waste up to 20 litres of water per day. That adds up to over 7,000 litres a year—enough to spike your water bill. But the real damage isn’t just financial.

🧱 1. Structural Damage

• Leaks under floors or behind walls can weaken wood, drywall, and framing.
• Over time, this moisture can cause warping, rot, or even foundation issues.
• 
  

🌫 2. Mold and Mildew

• Mold grows in as little as 24-48 hours in damp conditions.
• It affects air quality, causes allergies, and requires professional remediation.
• 
  

🧼 3. Damaged Cabinets & Fixtures

• Leaky pipes under sinks destroy wooden cabinets.
• Leaks near toilets or tubs can ruin floors and baseboards.
• 
  

🔌 4. Appliance Short-Circuits

• Leaks around dishwashers, washing machines, or hot water tanks pose electrical hazards if water reaches wiring or outlets.
• 
  

🏠 Why It’s Especially Important in Cambridge

Homes in Cambridge—especially in older neighbourhoods like Galt and Preston—often have aged copper or galvanized steel plumbing, which is more prone to corrosion and pinhole leaks.

Newer developments aren’t immune either. High water pressure, common in suburban areas, can stress joints and fittings over time.

And let’s not forget our hard water—loaded with calcium and magnesium—which accelerates pipe and fixture deterioration.

🔍 How to Spot a Leak Early

Here are the most common signs homeowners in Cambridge should watch for:

• 🚰 Unexplained increase in your water bill
• 🧯 Damp or musty smell
• 🚽 Water stains on walls or ceilings
• 🔧 Mold or mildew around baseboards or under sinks
• 🔍 Cracks in caulking or grout near tubs and showers
• 🧊 Cold spots on walls or floors in winter
• 
  

Pro tip: If you suspect a leak, shut off all water in the home and check your water meter. If it’s still moving, you’ve got a hidden leak.

🧰 DIY vs. Pro Repair — Know Your Limits

For basic leaks—like a dripping faucet or loose fitting—you might be able to tighten or replace parts yourself. But if the leak is behind a wall, under a floor, or near electrical components, it’s time to call a licensed plumber in Cambridge.

At Reliant Plumbing, we use:

• ✅ Thermal imaging to find leaks inside walls
• ✅ Moisture meters to identify unseen water damage
• ✅ Non-invasive leak detection tools

This means we can fix the leak fast, with minimal damage to your home.

🧠 Real-World Example from a Cambridge Homeowner

One of our recent clients in Hespeler ignored a small drip under their kitchen sink for weeks. That leak turned into a burst fitting, which flooded their kitchen and seeped into the basement ceiling.

✅ We replaced the fittings, repaired water damage, and installed a leak detector to alert them if it ever happens again. The final repair bill? Over $2,500—when it could have cost $250 if caught earlier.

📞 When to Call Reliant Plumbing

Here’s when it’s time to stop DIYing and give us a call:

• You can’t find the source of a leak
• You notice mold, water stains, or damage spreading
• The leak returns after temporary fixes
• You suspect water is leaking near electrical wiring

We offer fast, reliable plumbing services across Cambridge, including:

• Leak detection & repair
• Pipe replacement
• Water damage inspection
• Fixture installation
• 
  

✅ Final Thoughts

In plumbing, small problems become big problems fast. That tiny leak under the sink? It could cost you thousands in damage if ignored.

Don’t wait for water damage to spread. If you suspect a leak—or just want peace of mind—call Reliant Plumbing for a quick inspection.

📍 Serving Galt • Hespeler • Preston • Cambridge • Kitchener • Waterloo
📞 519-778-3828
🌐 www.reliantplumbing.ca