Which of the following issues can lead to costly repairs if not addressed timely?

A dripping pipe can lead to significant issues if not addressed promptly. Water leaks can result in structural damage to a building, as prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken beams and walls, promote mold growth, and compromise insulation. Over time, this can lead to expensive repairs, especially if the leak goes unnoticed for a long period.

In contrast, while a low battery in a smoke detector is a safety concern, it typically does not result in direct repair costs. Likewise, clogged rain gutters can lead to water overflow and possibly damage, but it often takes longer for the effects to escalate to the extent seen with a dripping pipe, making timely action crucial in prioritizing issues. Addressing a dripping pipe swiftly helps prevent these cascading problems and the need for costly repairs down the line.