A leaky or burst pipe in (or near) your home can be a major problem. It can cause incredible amounts of water damage is almost no time at all. A burst pipe inside your home can cause a flood. A burst pipe outside your home can erode your yard and cause serious damage to your home’s foundation. If you suspect there’s pipe damage on your property, you should search online for qualified professionals near you for help.
The average cost of pipe repair varies, depending on the size of the job. A clogged bathroom drain is a relatively inexpensive fix, for example. A burst pipe inside a wall (and the accompanying water damage) will have a much higher price tag. An online search for DIY fixes is a good place to start, but don’t hesitate to call in a professional for major problems.
What is Pipe Damage?
Pipes are almost always under pressure. They always have the potential to fail, especially during extreme weather or a natural disaster. Or sometimes they just get old, worn out, or clogged up. The result is often costly. Flooding caused by a burst pipe can destroy personal items, soak up your home’s carpeting, rot the wood, and cause plenty of long-term mold issues.
The cost of repairing pipe damage varies depending on the extent of the damage. If you catch it early enough, though, the repair job may be simple. Pipes under stress and strain are more likely to experience failure than those that are well-maintained. Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of household water leaks. Over time, high water pressure can cause pipes to crack or break. It’s especially a problem in older homes with corroded metal piping.
What Pipe Repairs Can You Do Yourself?
Some household pipe repairs are easy enough to do yourself — fixing a clogged drain is one example. However, if you suspect a problem with your plumbing or pipes, it’s best to call in a professional plumber. The last thing you want is to exacerbate an existing problem and cause more expensive damage.
A slow-draining sink, however, is often the result of a partial blockage. In a bathroom, it’s likely hair. In the kitchen, it could be grease or other food bits. Taking apart the stopper and P-Trap is just a matter of climbing underneath and unscrewing a few plastic rings. You can clear the blockage, wipe up any spilt water, and put it all back together again.
Which Pipe Repairs Should You Call a Professional For?
Some pipe problems are dangerous to tackle on your own. Burst pipes require immediate attention from a professional plumber. Even if you fix it yourself quickly, water damage is inevitable. It could cause even more trouble to your home down the line.
Leaky faucets or running toilets aren’t quite as urgent, but they should still be addressed by a professional as soon as possible. You also don’t want to mess around with toilet repairs or replacements, unless you’re confident in your skills. There’s a danger of sewer gas leaking back into your house, which is both smelly and extremely dangerous.
The Average Cost of Pipe Repair
According to fixr.com, the average pipe repair bill in the United States is about $500. That’s a huge generalization, though, since the price will fluctuate based on the size of the job. A tiny pipe replacement (one foot or less) might only cost $150 or $250. A larger stretch of pipe could cost $1,000 (five feet) or ever $2,000 (eight feet or more.
If you see water or sewage in your home, it’s important to know how much a pipe repair will cost so you can take appropriate action as soon as possible. For most homeowners, pipe repair is more expensive than other common household emergencies like floods and appliance malfunctions. The most expensive pipe repair is most likely anything related to your sewer. It can run up to about $3,000. It’s a messy job and you’ll pay a premium to have a pro come take care of it.
Most Expensive Pipe Damage Can Be Prevented
Knowing how to recognize pipe damage can save you time and money. If your pipes have a high-pitched whistling sound, it’s a sign that they are beginning to erode. Another indication is a change in water pressure. One way to prevent damage is to remove anything that could freeze near your pipes, like trees or shrubs. You should also check for any signs of leaks in your house and repair them immediately.
The maintenance cost of fixing or upgrading your pipes before you’re dealing with a full-blown disaster will always be cheaper. Do yourself a favor and never procrastinate on getting a leaky or whistling pipe fixed. It’s only going to get worse — and more expensive — if you ignore it.
When To Call An Expert
If you’re not sure if you should call a plumber, it’s easy to tell if you need help. If your pipe problem is in an area of your home that’s warm or wet, chances are it requires a professional. If you notice water dripping from under your sink or notice a pool of water forming underneath, or around pipes in your bathroom — or anywhere else in your home — you should immediately call a plumber.
The Bottom Line
The cost of pipe repair in your home depends on the type of damage and location. If you find a leak, you may be able to patch it yourself with some silicone or epoxy sealant, but most homeowners should consult a plumber first. It’s usually much more economical to hire an expert for pipe repair than to replace the entire pipe. Even medium to average plumbing repairs generally cost in the $500 to $800 range. Trust us, paying that bill early is much better than dealing with an entire flooded basement.
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