While the sound of a faucet slowly dripping into a sink is sure to be annoying, it probably shouldn't qualify as an urgent repair need. Instead, homeowners who discover a dripping faucet can simply schedule a plumber to install a new washer or replace the faucet at a convenient time. But some types of faucet leaks do qualify as an urgent repair need and should be addressed as quickly as possible in order to limit the scope of damage or to put a much-needed faucet back into service for the household. If you are facing a faucet leak that is a bit more involved than just a dripping faucet, here are some important things you should know. 

Why the origin of the leak matters

Faucet leaks that have the potential to drip or spew water outside the bowl of the sink, tub, or shower should always be counted as an emergency repair issue because of their potential to soak wall coverings, insulation, flooring, and subflooring materials. In addition to damaging any surfaces that become waterlogged, faucet leaks of this type can be the catalyst for the development of a serious mold or mildew problem in the home, especially if water from the leaking faucet has entered nearby wall cavities or been absorbed into the subfloor. 

When a DYI repair goes awry

Another time in which a simple faucet leak can become an urgent plumbing repair issue is when a do-it-yourself plumbing repair has gone awry and resulted in a serious water leak. While turning the water off to the area of the home where the leak is located can help to limit water damage to the home, it can result in serious inconveniences to the household, This is especially true if other faucets, toilets, showers, and bathtubs in the home are plumbed in the same line as the failed one and cannot be used until an emergency plumbing repair has been made. 

Why it is important to refer to your homeowners insurance policy

Homeowners should also understand that many home insurance policies do provide some level of coverage for emergency plumbing repairs or the damage that results to the home because of them. Home insurers, however, will not usually cover emergency plumbing issues that result from negligence on the part of the homeowner. For example, a homeowner who discovers a potentially serious faucet leak but opts to postpone the repair will likely find that the delay has voided their coverage for both the cost to repair the faucet and the damage that results from it. 

Homeowners who discover any type of serious faucet leak will want to take immediate action by contacting a reputable plumbing professional who offers emergency faucet repair services in their area. For more info, contact a faucet leak repair service to learn more.

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