Cost of a Plumbing Leak | How Much Could A Potential Plumbing Leak Cost You?
Homeowners, admittedly, have a tendency to take the condition of their plumbing system for granted. As long as water flows every time they turn on the faucet or shower, there’s no need to think about the dynamics of the system of pipes behind or underneath the sinks, bathtubs and showers that make the delivery of that water possible.
As such, it’s quite common for people to miss subtle and even more obvious signs that there are problems such as a plumbing leak developing. And when these leaks remain unnoticed or ignored for some time, they can cause significant damage to the house — and this damage can potentially translate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ worth in repairs. That’s money that could have been used toward more important necessities, such as groceries for the family, utility bills, and school tuition.
Here, plumbing professionals in Wisconsin share a brief overview of the potential cost of a plumbing leak.
The Effect: Mold
Leaking or burst pipes that run behind your house’s walls can create moisture on the drywall. After some time, this moisture will find its way through the walls in the form of wet spots.
You may notice a particularly wet or musty smell coming from your walls; this is a sign that there’s a leak exposing your walls to moisture, and that black mold has begun to set in.
To resolve this problem, you may need to do two things:
- Call in mold remediation experts. Their services can typically run from $500 to $3,000.
- Have the damaged sections of your wall removed. To give you an idea of the cost (especially if large wall sections were damaged), just 100 square feet of drywall can already set you back by $400.
The Effect: Water Damage on Floors
Aside from walls, water can also cause damage to floors since it naturally flows downward—any leak will eventually collect on and underneath the floors of a kitchen or bathroom.
The signs you should look for are puddles of water on the kitchen or bathroom floor that weren’t caused by spills or splashes from taking a shower or washing dishes. Also, loose tiles around the bathtub or sink point to water damage.
To fix floors that have been damaged by water, you need to:
- Remove and replace floorboards, plus install new tile. Professionals can charge anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500.
- Replace hardwood floors. These cost about $12 to $30 per square foot.
The Effect: Broken Fixtures
Persistent leaks can cause components of the fixtures, such as rubber gaskets, to rot. In some cases, these damaged elements can get stuck inside the pipes and result in weakened water pressure. In general, constant leaks can lead to faulty showerheads and faucets.
You need to:
- Replace the damaged fixtures. Depending on the brand and material you choose, kitchen and bathroom hardware can cost between $100 and $500.
The potential cost of a plumbing leak is not something that homeowners should ignore. To maintain the proper flow of water into your property and to avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future, be mindful of any signs of leaks and get in touch with your trusted Fox Valley Plumbers
right away.