Don't know how much a plumbing leak costs?
You probably don't want to find out the hard way.
Neglected, worn and aging pipes can lead to significant, costly problems. Taking a proactive stance is the best approach to ensure that your plumbing system stays in good condition.
Learn how much a leak could cost you and how to take preventive measures to avoid problems.
Leaky Pipes
A minor leak that occurs in one place and is caught quickly might not set you back a lot of money.
By catching the problem early on, you'll avoid more extensive problems (if the leak gets worse and causes issues with piping) and related damage (such as water damage to the basement, mildew and mold growth, and more). Plumbers generally charge a labor fee per hour, so the larger and more extensive the problem is, the higher the labor cost.
When a leak goes unchecked, the costs go up incrementally. For example, if a pipe behind a tub or sink leaks, the water coming out of the pipe starts to saturate the drywall. Eventually, mildew and mold will settle in, and you've got a considerable problem on your hands. The cost of the project depends greatly on the labor — how much is required and the plumber's rate. Also, the harder the leak is to reach, the higher the price for repair. You'll need to hire a plumber to replace the pipes, and then bring in a contractor to repair the walls.
Preventing Problems
There are a few steps you can take to avoid plumbing leak costs that are out of control.
- First, be sure to visually inspect the plumbing pipes that you are able to see every month. Look for signs of moisture around the pipes, or water gathering under sink cabinets or on the floor.
- Next, keep an eye out for early signs of trouble. When a pipe leaks somewhere along the line, you'll notice that the water pressure will drop, the color of the water might change, or the drains may start to slow down.
- Also, have your home's water pressure tested using a water pressure gauge. If it gets too high, the pressure can force pinhole leaks to occur in pipes. Once the plumber determines that the pressure is out of whack, he can install a regulator to maintain an acceptable pressure and prevent damage.
Don't find out what a plumbing leak costs the hard way. Avoid problems altogether, and have a professional evaluate your home's plumbing. If you do experience a plumbing leak, get expert help right away to avoid more extensive problems down the line. For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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