Leak Repair

The cost to repair a leak depends on what type of leak it is and where it's located. A simple problem, like a leaky faucet or a pipe that's easily accessible, might set a person back around fifty to a hundred dollars. More serious leaks, like a broken pipe in a wall or underground, could cost several hundred dollars. But what's at stake for the average person is also the question of water damage. If the leak isn't fixed pronto, water could damage (a) the structure of the house, (b) the "stuff" inside the house, and (c) the "stuff" outside the house. And once water gets to work using its many powers, fixing the problem will cost a whole lot more than just paying to have someone plug the initial leak.

Finding and fixing a leak can have differing costs based on several factors. One key factor is the location of the leak: Is it easy to access or hidden behind walls or underground? An easy leak might cost only around a hundred dollars to fix, but a hidden leak could cost several hundred dollars to access and repair. Another factor is geography: Where do you live? Prices vary in different locales. Then there are the kinds of materials and tools necessary for the job: Do the needed supplies lean cheap or pricey? Your best bet for an accurate estimate is to contact a few local repair people to ask what they would charge to find and fix the problem.

The expense of a leak inspection can differ based on your location and the firm you select. Typically, it can be from 100 to 400 dollars. On occasion, if the leak is particularly elusive or if specialized equipment is necessary, the inspection can run to the high end or even beyond. It's smart to contact several firms and inquire about their prices so that you can select the best option for your situation.

If you want to fix a leaking pipe joint and don't want to replace it, first, turn off the water supply so the water isn't flowing. Make sure the area around the leak is dry so the sealant will stick well. This is where you'd either use plumber's tape or pipe joint compound. If you use plumber's tape, wrap it snugly around the joint, making sure to overlap and cover the area several times to ensure a good seal. If you opt for pipe joint compound, slather it all over the joint and spread it evenly. Give it some time to dry before you turn the water supply back on and see if the leak persists. If it does, try using a wrench and some elbow grease to tighten the joint.

Water leak repair can be covered by insurance, but it depends on the reasoning behind the leak and the type of insurance you hold. Homeowners insurance can help cover the costs if the leak is the result of a "sudden and accidental" event, like a pipe bursting or a major appliance malfunctioning. Even then, your coverage might be limited to the actual repair of the plumbing problem; damage to your walls, floors, or personal property would likely involve a separate claim. Over time, normal wear and tear is likely to lead to some maintenance problems that, unless caught and remedied before a disaster strikes, could lead to your not being covered for a leak that happens during an "accident."

You can fix a water leak by yourself, and it is often possible, but sometimes it is better to leave things in the hands of a professional. For basic repairs and simple-to-get-to problems, individual homeowners can take care of leaks. If you want to be one of those homeowners who can fix simple plumbing problems, then you can. It requires some basic knowledge, a toolkit, and a "can-do" attitude. Following are some instructions and tips to get you started. They cover the most basic plumbing problem and the one you are most likely to encounter—dripping water from a faucet.

Water corporations can bill customers for leaks, but it's often contingent on the nature and location of the leak. If the leak is somewhere inside your domicile or on your property, your compensation to the water company is likely to remain unaffected. However, if the leak is in the main pipeline leading to your house, you might see a dramatic decrease in your bill once the situation is resolved. A water company might help you with that situation, but you need to report the leak as soon as possible and check with the company to know where they stand in terms of your bill and their responsibilities.

To make an insurance claim for damage from a water leak, first locate the leak, and stop it up. Proving the damage is the next step. Photos and videos serve this purpose as well as anything potentially could. Next, look at the policy. Once you know what parts the policy cover, notify the insurance company that (a) there was a leak, and (b) it did some damage. Fill out any forms the company gives you, and send them along with the kinds of "proof" that varied in nature before the advent of smartphones. Then, if something seems off to you, or if the delay drags on too long, talk to your agent.

Water leak damage might be covered by State Farm, but it really depends on what caused the leak and what kind of insurance policy you have. Damage caused by a water leak that is sudden and accidental, like a pipe bursting, might be covered. But if the cause of the water leak is more along the lines of a maintenance issue, or something that has developed over time, then you might have a different kind of claim (or no claim at all). Understanding the difference can make a big impact on how your claim is handled. So check your policy and consult your agent.

If you see a water leak, call a plumber. Plumbers are specialists in leak repair and have the necessary tools and skills to carry out the work successfully. Should you undertake the job yourself, it's likely that you would make at least one of these common errors: fail to notice the crucial part that needs fixing, tense up and make the leak worse, or stop short and let the job drag on when it should be a quick fix. Doing the work yourself could allow the leak time to do real damage, so if you see a leak, make the smart call and have a pro fix it.