Plumbing problems result in water damage, which costs over $2.5 billion a year with the average insurance claim nearly coming to $7,000 (data from Water Damage Defense). For a homeowner, such a situation can be devastating, so you should always aim to prevent this kind of thing.
The good news is that all most common plumbing problems are easily preventable. They can also be fixed at a minimal cost if caught early. Therefore, you need to take specific steps to protect your home and inspect the plumbing system regularly (sewer lines included) to notice the first signs of trouble.
3 Most Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them Fast
1. Leaky fixtures
Leaky fixtures are unavoidable because these problems occur due to consistent wear of the plumbing equipment. The most common place for leaks to appear is at junctions and seals where plastic and rubber wear down with time.
These problems are easy to fix as you can find plenty of DIY instructions on YouTube and replace the worn part yourself. As this issue cannot be prevented, you can only keep a close eye on all fixtures and take steps immediately as you notice a leak. Note that this will save you from a significant increase in water bills.
2. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are not only one of the most common plumbing problems but also one of the most expensive to fix. If the issue isn’t fixed fast, it can lead to burst pipes and contamination of the area in case it was the sewer line that got damaged.
To minimize the costs of repairs, call a professional the moment you notice slow flowing in your drains. You should also use the minimally-invasive technique of trenchless drain repair. This procedure is more affordable by default and you won’t have to pay extra for fixing the landscaping destroyed by the trench.
Prevention for clogged drains consists of monitoring exactly what you put there. Never forget that drainpipes are made for dissolvable waste only. You should also avoid washing down greasy waste as it sticks to the walls of the pipes and accumulates small debris. This can eventually create a clog. Using chemical drainpipe cleaners and a plunger can help deal with this problem.
3. Broken pipes
Pipes can break as a result of physical damage, thermal damage, or a clog. Of all the most common plumbing problems, this is the most expensive in terms of damage costs. Broken pipes develop leaks, so look for signs of those, like wet moldy areas inside the home or wet patches on your lawn. Because leaks are often invisible to the naked eye and too small to cause a severe ‘flow’, they can be unnoticed for long.
Pay attention to your water pressure and drain flow. If you notice any changes for the worse, contact a plumber fast and have the system inspected thoroughly. Professionals today are able to use highly advanced equipment that allows them to notice the smallest leaks, no matter where they are.
The only way to save money on repairing a broken pipe is to get the problem fixed as early as possible. This will prevent expensive water damage and subsequent mold removal. Bear in mind that mold infestation is such an expensive problem to get rid of that it lowers the value of the property by a significant amount.
