As any homeowner who has previously dealt with water damage cleanup and mold remediation can tell you, water is the enemy of your home. Whether you have a roof leak, a pipe leak, or a leaking water heater, the most expensive plumbing repairs all have two components: fixing the original issue and then cleaning up the mess caused by the leak. In this article, we’ll review some of the most expensive plumbing repairs and how you can take steps to prevent them from occurring in your property.
Prevent pipe leaks
The plumbing in your home is designed to last for a long time but leaks still do happen. High water pressure, pipe deterioration, and water heater leaks are three of the most common causes of pipe leaks and water damage in the home.
One of the main causes of residential water leaks are frozen pipes. On cold winter nights, a furnace breakdown can cause your home to become icy cold. Any water pipes in exterior walls begin to chill and, in below-freezing conditions, may freeze solid. As the water freezes into ice, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipe itself. If the pressure is too great, the pipe will burst open, sending ice and water flooding into your home.
Frozen pipes can be a major household disaster resulting in thousands of dollars worth of repairs and cleanup. However, you can greatly reduce your risk of this happening in your home by keeping your furnace in good condition and insulating pipes in exterior walls. Pipe insulation will help the pipe retain more of its warmth, slowing down or preventing the freezing process. If you suspect your pipes have frozen, do not try to thaw them yourself. Instead, call in a plumber for emergency service: they’ll have the right tools to carefully thaw out the pipe without it bursting.
Protect your home’s sewer line
Your sewer line connects the plumbing in your home to the municipal sewer. In most single-family homes, it typically runs from the house to the street underneath a front or side yard. There are two primary threats to your sewer line: leaks and clogs. By being proactive and taking steps to protect your sewer line, you can greatly reduce the threat of both and avoid the expensive prospect of sewer line repair or, worse, cleaning up the damage from a sewer backup.
As the ground shifts, the line deteriorates, or tree roots grow around it, the buried sewer line can crack or fracture, releasing wastewater into the surrounding soil. This encourages thirsty tree roots to grow toward and—eventually—around and into the line. This can cause significant damage and, with enough time, clog the sewer line entirely. To reduce the risk of this occurring, form a 10-foot perimeter around where the line is buried, removing all trees and bushes in the area. Be vigilant and call a plumber right away if you smell sewage in your front yard or notice wet spots in the ground above the line.
As mentioned earlier, sewer line clogs can be caused by tree roots, but their more common origin is inside your home. When homeowners put grease, oil, and coffee grounds down their kitchen sink drain, they’re running the risk of these materials solidifying inside of the line, starting a blockage. As more and more food waste and nonorganic waste—such as supposedly “flushable” wipes and hygiene products—get stuck in this blockage, a clog starts to form. When this clog prevents water from exiting the system, you’re at risk of an expensive sewer line blockage.
The remedy here is simple: be conscious of what you and other family members put down the sink and toilet. Dispose of grease and oils in separate containers, and then throw them away in the trash. Never put fruit rinds, eggshells, flour, or rice down the disposal.
What you need to know about plumbing repairs
Not every slab leak, sewer line crack, or pipe leak is the same. Your repair and cleanup costs will vary depending on the severity of the issue and how much water damage is involved. For a comprehensive breakdown of these expensive plumbing repairs, check out this new infographic from the team at Reimer Home Services in Buffalo, New York.
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