Leak Repair

How much you might pay to fix a leak can depend on several factors. A simple, small leak in an easy place to get at probably costs around $100 to fix. But what if the leak is in a huge pipe? Then you'd better up that estimate a good bit, maybe to somewhere between $200 and $500. In any case, it pays to get the problem looked at right away. If you wait, and it turns out the leak is a big one, you could be looking at repair costs of several thousands of dollars. And you might still have to pay someone to come in and find the problem. That's the trouble with leaks.

A seeming small issue, a leak can prove to be very costly. When water flows out, it can waste more than just a few drops. Flowing water over time is measured in gallons or hundreds of gallons. Flowing over time means a lot of wasted water bill time. Here, time also means money and not just the few dimes you might lost at the start. Also, with leaks, time is a factor. If you let a leak continue, it can damage your home (e.g., interior/exterior walls, floors, ceilings) at every level.

When your home is suffering from leaks and water-damaged areas, it is advisable to call for not just any help, but for the kind of help that you can only get from those trained to fix the problems your home is experiencing in tandem with water. Call a plumber. They know how to fix water problems. They can stop the leaks (wherever the water is coming from) and keep your house from experiencing any more water-related problems. Now, if the area where the problem started has already started to break down and look dingy or if it has started to smell, you might also want to call in a restoration team that specializes in mopping up the mess, so to speak. These are people who know how to get your home back to the condition it was in (or better) before the water started doing its worst.

Leak investigation costs can vary greatly. They depend on several things, like your geographic location, the size of the leak, and the tools required to find it. The most cost-effective investigation probably uses the simplest means, like a visual inspection followed up with testing of the water supply and pressure. If the investigators have to use more advanced techniques, then the cost can go up, using equipment like sonar and infrared cameras.

Here are some easy tests to do to see if the main water line is leaking: First, check for wet spots in the yard; they might be near the water line. Look for places where the grass is greener or taller than in other parts of the yard; the grass may be getting extra water because of a leak. Or examine the soil. Does it seem wetter than it should? Have you seen or heard water gushing or bubbling up to the surface? If you 've done these checks and are still not sure, try some of the other tests.

Repipe a 1500-square-foot house, and you've got quite a range to pay. You might end up spending anywhere from 4 grand to 15 large. Why the disparity? A few things influence the outcome: * Pipe choice, of course—some are less labor-intensive to install, which makes them cheaper. * Some jobs are just plain tougher. The old pipes could be in a hellhole not fit for a plumber's toolbox. * Where you live makes a difference. Some regions are just pricier. * You might pay more if you go with a plumbing outfit that has a rep for experience. * Inexperience or bad work increases the chances you'll have to re-repipe down the road.

Usually, homeowners insurance doesn't cover leaks in the main water line. That's because the water line is located outside the house, and insurance typically pays for damage that's inside the home. Nevertheless, if the leak were to somehow cause damage inside the house—like to the floors or walls—insurance might kick in and help with those repairs. You could check with your insurance agent to see if your specific policy covers that sort of thing. They could also tell you what else your policy might cover that you weren't previously aware of.

Usually, the owner of a house is the one responsible for the water line that extends from the street to the house. This means that if there's a problem with that pipe—like a break or a leak—it's up to the homeowner to fix it. The city or the water company deals mostly with the main water lines that run under the streets. But once the pipe connects with your house, it's your responsibility to take care of it. And if you don't feel like digging up your yard, you're probably going to have to call a plumber to help you out.

The price of mending a water main can vary widely. It generally hinges on several factors. First, it hinges on the severity of the damage. If the damage is minor, you might be looking at a small bill. But if the pipe is really in dire straits, the cost could be quite hefty. Second, where the pipe is located plays a big role. If it's right in the open, the expense could be much less than if it's underground, or in some other difficult-to-reach place. On average, the price range to fix a water main goes from a few hundred bucks to several thousand ducks. You'd really want to get a professional estimate to know where on that range your particular problem lies.

Typically, the local water utility company or the municipal government is responsible for repairing a broken water main. They have the trained workers and special equipment needed to make the repairs to these large pipes that bring water to our homes and businesses. When a water main breaks, it's best to call the utility company and tell them there's a problem that needs fixing. They will send a crew out to make the necessary repairs and restore the flow of water to the people who need it.