When it comes to home damage, water intrusion can be the worst. Not only does it cost you money to fix the leak, the leaked water can also damage other parts of your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky faucet can also waste up to 7 gallons of water per hour, costing you more money in utility costs. The good news is that most leaks can be fixed through coverage from a home protection plan.
These are the most common sources of leaks homeowners generally must deal with.
Water Heaters
Water heaters can be very expensive to fix and replace. Repairing a water heater is often less expensive than replacing it, but if you have an old model or it’s hard to find parts, replacing it may be the better option. The cost of replacing a water heater varies depending on the size and type of new unit purchased; however, most estimates range between $1,200 and $3,000.
Dishwashers
If you are having trouble with a leaky dishwasher, the first thing you should do is ensure there’s no water pooling on the floor around it or below it. The first step when testing for leaks from your dishwasher is checking all its hoses and connections for cracks or splits in their outer casings. A leaking dishwasher costs anywhere from $120 to $350 to repair.
Washing Machines
If you have a leaky washing machine, it’s important to find the source of the problem as soon as possible. That way, you can take steps to fix it without incurring any further costs. The leak can be caused by the drum within the machine or the piping that leads into and out of the unit. A leaking washing machine can be repaired for about $100 to $300, depending on its age and size.
Toilets
Toilet leaks can be caused by the seal around the base of your toilet, or it may be an issue with the pipes leading up to it. It may not be a simple fix, so you should always call in a plumber when dealing with toilet issues. This won’t be a problem if you have a home protection plan that covers the cost of the repairs. The cost to repair a toilet is between $130 to $150 depending on the toilet and location of the leak.
Tubs and Showers
Shower and tub leaks generally stem from the spigot, shower head, or the piping leading up to it, which is why the costs of repairing a leak can vary greatly. It could be a simple fix that only costs $100, or it could be a larger issue with the plumbing that costs up to $1000 to fix.
