Leaky Pipes and Pest Problems: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Vancouver, Washington
A leaky pipe may not seem like a big deal at first. You wipe up the puddle, tighten a fitting, and move on. But what if that small leak is quietly attracting a host of unwanted guests–like cockroaches, ants, or even rodents?
Leaks and pests often go hand in hand, and together they can cause serious damage to your home and wallet. At Proline Plumbing and Sewer, we regularly help homeowners uncover hidden plumbing leaks that have been silently attracting insects and rodents.
How Leaky Pipes Attract Pests
Even a slow drip or condensation buildup under a sink can create an ideal environment for pests. Common intruders include:
Sugar ants – follow moisture trails in bathrooms and kitchens
Cockroaches – nest in dark, damp spaces behind appliances and walls
Silverfish – feed on mildew and moist organic debris
Earwigs and centipedes – shelter in mulch, damp baseboards, and crawl spaces
Rodents – follow plumbing lines into walls, looking for water
Once these pests establish a foothold, they’re difficult to eliminate without addressing the moisture that attracted them in the first place.
The Real Cost of Ignoring Plumbing and Pest Issues
It’s easy to brush off a small leak or an occasional bug. But the longer you wait to fix plumbing problems, the more expensive and stressful it can get. Here’s what can happen if you ignore the signs:
Higher Water Bills
Even the tiniest leak can waste a surprising amount of water over time. That slow drip under the sink or in the basement might not seem like much, but it adds up fast, sometimes gallons a day. You might not notice at first, but the next time your water bill arrives, you’ll feel it.
Damage to Your Home
Water and homes don’t mix well. A steady leak can soak into wood, warp your floors, and damage your walls. If pests get in, they’ll only make things worse. They chew, nest, and dig their way through soft, damp areas, leaving you with expensive repairs.
Mold and Mildew Problems
When moisture persists for too long, mold begins to grow. You might spot it on walls, smell a musty odor, or even notice that your allergy symptoms are worsening. Mold isn’t just gross–it can be harmful to your health, especially for kids or anyone with asthma.
Expensive Pest Control
Once the pests settle in, it’s tough to get rid of them. You might need professional exterminators, multiple treatments, and even repairs to seal up where they got in. And if they’ve done any damage to your home while hiding out, that’s another bill to pay.
Insurance Might Not Help
Here’s the frustrating part–most home insurance policies don’t cover problems that happen slowly over time. That means if your plumbing leak has been dripping for a while and it leads to pest damage, mold, or rotting wood, your insurance company might say it’s not covered. You’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Don’t let a small leak turn into a big, expensive problem. If you’ve noticed signs of water damage in your home, it’s time to call in the experts. At Proline Plumbing and Sewer, we can help you find and fix leaks fast before they lead to costly repairs or infestations. Schedule an inspection today and get peace of mind knowing your home is protected.
What You Can Do: Prevention Starts with Awareness
The best way to deal with leaky pipes and pest problems is to stop them before they start. Here are a few practical steps homeowners can take:
Inspect problem areas often. Look under sinks, behind toilets, and around appliances like washing machines and water heaters. Check the basement and attic for moisture or signs of leaks.
Fix leaks right away. Don’t wait. Even if it seems small, a leak should be handled quickly before it attracts pests or causes damage.
Seal gaps and cracks. Mice can squeeze through openings the size of a dime. Seal gaps around pipes and in walls, especially near plumbing lines.
Keep humidity low: Use a dehumidifier in damp areas and make sure crawl spaces are properly ventilated.
Schedule routine plumbing inspections. Plumbing issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late. That’s why it’s smart to schedule regular checkups with a trusted plumbing professional.
Pest Control Starts with Fixing the Leak
We work closely with Ant & Garden Organic Pest Control, a local leader in eco-friendly, non-toxic pest solutions. Their team emphasizes that leak repair is the first step in any effective pest management plan.
“Moisture is the #1 driver of pest activity. Fix the plumbing, and most infestations won’t return,” says Ryan Smith, owner of Ant & Garden.
This partnership ensures our clients not only stop the leak—but stop the pests for good.
Act Early, Save More
If you’ve noticed:
Musty smells
Dripping or sweating pipes
Increased pest activity near sinks or tubs
…it’s time for a leak inspection.
Contact Proline Plumbing & Sewer today to schedule expert leak detection and plumbing repair.
Need pest help? Visit Ant & Garden Organic Pest Control for organic, family-safe treatments that work!