How Much Money Are You Losing to Faulty Home Plumbing?

Plumbing problems will quickly bring your life to a grinding halt and cause a tremendous amount of damage before you know it. Luckily, many of the most common plumbing issues can easily be fixed as long as you address them right away.

The True Cost of Leaky and Clogged Pipes

A minor leak or slow drain might not seem like a big deal, but those issues can result in some major damage later on. Slow leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year and potentially let pathogens into your water supply.

Clogged pipes are dangerous as well because the excess pressure might eventually result in a completely burst pipe that dumps water into your home. This can cost you thousands in water damage remediation, pipe replacement, and of course replacing any damaged furniture. 

While plumbing repair costs range between $45 - $150 an hour, a pipe burst can cost between $400 - $1,500 for the pipe repair itself, plus an additional $1,000 - $2,000 dollars for the water damage remediation.

Signs of Plumbing Problems

One of the easiest ways to avoid major plumbing catastrophes is to keep an eye out for any early warning signs that you might have some minor issues. If there is a clog deeper in your sewage line, then you will probably notice that all of your sinks and showers tend to drain slowly. Leaks and clogs can also result in unpleasant smells throughout your home or out in your yard.

Fixing the Damage

As long as these issues are caught early on, they are usually very easy to fix. For a single slow drain, you might be able to take care of the issue with nothing more than an inexpensive auger. 



When multiple drains are clogged, however, you will need to call in a professional plumber. That type of clog usually requires special tools that can break apart debris that is deep in a sewage line. Your plumber will also be able to take care of slow leaks so that you don’t waste any more water.

Avoiding Future Issues

The most effective way to avoid plumbing issues is to make sure that you never flush or rinse away any debris that could potentially clog the system. That includes items such as personal hygiene products, animal fats, oil, and food scraps. You might also want to have a plumber thoroughly inspect your entire plumbing system at least once every year or two.

If you feel as if you are constantly dealing with leaks and clogs, then it might be time to consider replacing your pipes entirely. Switching over to modern pipes can be a major investment, but spending that money early on could save you quite a bit down the road.