No one wants a plumbing issue in their home. From minor annoyances to major emergencies, plumbing problems can disrupt daily life and, if left unattended, lead to costly repairs. They can also stink and create unsanitary living conditions. They often aren’t pretty, which is why homeowners want them taken care of right away. That’s not all. Home plumbing issues are also a huge expense. Plumbers are becoming rarer by the day, and their rates are going up. Major plumbing issues can cost hundreds and thousands of dollars depending on the work that needs to be done. How can you prepare for these expenses?
First, let’s review the most common plumbing issues that can occur in your home.
Shower or Faucet Leaks
Does one of the showerheads or faucets in your home leak even when it’s shut off? Your showerheads and faucets connect to a water supply pipe, and sealants, metal washers, and other tools help create a tight seal between each plumbing fixture and its attached pipe. Over time, these seals can deteriorate, leading to a leak. A leak can also occur if a plumbing fixture breaks, among other issues. Regardless of the cause, leaks can lead to significant water wastage, increased water bills, and damage to other places in your home.
The cost of repairing a leaky faucet can range from $100 to $200, depending on the severity and type of faucet.
Leaking Pipes
Pipe seals occur when a connection becomes loose or when your pipes develop a hole or break in the material due to old age or excessive heat and pressure levels.
Pinhole leaks refer to tiny leaks that aren’t immediately obvious at first due to their small size. These tiny leaks grow over time and turn into larger leaks when left untreated. Signs that you have a leak somewhere in your house include low water pressure, water damage, and higher water bills.
A burst pipe is a large leak that occurs when an active pipe gives out while transporting water, resulting in the water spilling out of the pipe and into your home. Burst pipes most often occur because of frozen pipes, but they can also happen when pipes get old.
Repair costs for leaking pipes vary based on the extent of the damage and location, ranging from $150 to $1,000 or more.
Garbage Disposal Failure
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can disrupt kitchen activities. Common issues include jams, motor failures, or leaks. Garbage disposals can also break down if you dispose of improper items down your drain. Items you shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal include:
- Grease, oil, and fat
- Shells
- Peels
- Coffee grounds
- Bones
Repair costs typically range from $150 to $400, depending on the severity of the problem or the need for a replacement.
Main Water Line Break
Your main water line brings water from an outside source, such as a public water supply line or a well, into your home. Another main line also carries sewage and waste outside of your home (if you live in an area that has a wastewater treatment plant). If you experience a main water line break in an incoming pipe, the water entering your home may have severely low water pressure. A break in either main water line is a serious issue that requires immediate attention as it can lead to significant flooding in your basement or crawl space.
Repairing a main water line can be a substantial expense, ranging from $600 to $2,500, depending on the depth of the line and the extent of the damage.
Water Heater Problems
Water heaters are now standard in modern homes. They provide hot water for cooking and cleaning. When a component breaks, a plumber may be able to replace the damaged component. A leak in an old water tank or multiple repairs in a short amount of time indicate that you may want to update your water heater to a more efficient model.
Repairing a hot water heater can cost between $200 and $1,200, depending on the issue. In cases where a replacement is necessary, costs may rise to $1,000 to $3,000.
Solve Your Plumbing Issues with a Home Warranty
Fortunately, many homeowners find relief in having a home warranty that covers these common plumbing issues. With a home warranty, the costs of repairs or replacements for items like faucets, pipes, garbage disposals, water heaters, and even main water lines can be significantly mitigated, easing the financial burden associated with unexpected plumbing problems.
At Everything Breaks, our home protection plans provide valuable safety nets for homeowners, ensuring that the financial impact of the most common plumbing issues is severely reduced. Our plans cover your major plumbing systems and appliances like water heaters, garbage disposals, and so much more. You pay an affordable rate, and you get comprehensive protection for your home. Get in touch with us today for a free quote on your home protection plan.
