A broken water pipe is the last thing anyone needs. Planning for its repair can be stressful, especially when you don’t know how much you’re expected to pay.
Waterline Plumbing has broken down the costs of repairing a busted water pipe. Having a pipe leak is fun for no one but knowing what to expect can provide some peace of mind in what is undoubtedly a stressful and frustrating situation. Read on for your full breakdown of the costs, signs of a broken water pipe, how long it can take to fix, and more.
How much does it cost to fix a leak in a pipe?
The costs for a leak in a water pipe will vary depending on a number of facts. The cost of repairing water pipes can be anywhere between $150 – $1000. The factors determining the overall repair costs include:
1. Cause of the leak
Depending on the cause of the task, the price will vary. A large pipe burst central to the house will cost a lot more than a small bathroom sink leak repair. It’s important to note that your initial assumption of why the leak happened may differ from what your plumber identifies later on.
2. Accessibility of pipes
A visible water pipe leak would be the one under a sink. However, broken water pipes, which you can hear through the walls, would be a task that costs a lot more due to the restricted access point for plumbers. Most houses nowadays are in good health if regular inspections occur yearly. Water pipe leaks through the walls are not as common as easier repair jobs like the shower head on the kitchen sink.
3. Extent of repair required
In some cases, all that is required is a pipe replacement. This will not be too expensive. However, sometimes relining may be needed and more costly as plumbers have to repair cracks from inside without digging through.
When are the signs of a broken water pipe?
It’s always best to be prepared and notice any signs of a leak before it becomes a much bigger problem (like a burst water pipe!). Here’s what to look out for if you suspect a leak or broken pipe:
1. Discoloured or smelly water
When there is a busted water pipe, one of the first signs is if there is a brownish tint to your water. This discolouration is caused by the line slowly rusting and contaminating the water. The water can smell like rotten eggs, indicating leaking sewerage. Getting a professional like Waterline Plumbing to repair this is important as it can cause serious health problems.
2. Fluctuation in water pressure
Another immediate sign of a broken water pipe is when the water pressure changes. It may seem like barely any water is coming out one moment, then a blast of high-pressure water the next second. This is a definite sign that your water pipe needs repairing.
3. Puddles of water
Another sign of a broken water pipe is puddles of water, specially under the sink. This is a warning that there is a water pipe leak that could lead to a pipe burst if it isn’t soon fixed. This also relates to showers, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry sinks anywhere that a water pipe burst is possible.
4. High water bills
Like the fluctuating water pressure, anytime there is something different about the performance of your water source, it’s likely a water pipe issue. Your water bills may increase drastically when you have a broken water pipe. This is a clear sign that your pipes need fixing. Getting a professional to repair your water pipe will save you a lot more than letting the problem escalate.
5. Dripping noises in the walls
This last sign might be harder to notice, but when you do, it’s a definite sign that you’ve got a leaking water pipe. If you hear dripping water in your walls or gurgling sounds when someone turns the tap on, it is likely due to a busted water pipe.
What to do if your water pipe bursts in your house
In the case of a water pipe burst in your house, there are specific things that you should do to ensure your safety while you wait for the experts to come and make their repairs.
1. Switch off electricity
It is crucial for you and your family’s safety that the power is off. A bursting water pipe means there’s water all over the floor, making it highly prone to a potential electrical shock.
2. Get a bucket
A water burst is a lot more powerful than a small leak. Depending on the burst, get as many buckets as you can. You will also have to stand by to empty the buckets as they get full.
3. Turn off water at the main valve
Most people make the mistake of only turning off taps within the house that were in use. It’s essential to cut the water from the main valve if you’re experiencing a burst pipe. This stops the water from flowing out.
You can find the main valve near the water meter. Plumbers may take a while to fix the problem, especially if a pipe burst at night. You will have to make plans to prepare by staying someplace else or stocking up on bottled water until they arrive.
4. Call a plumber
Now it’s time to call an emergency plumbing service and tell them that a water pipe burst at your house. In addition, you should also request a plumbing inspection to see if there are any other underlying problems.
5. Drain remaining water from pipes
While you wait for your plumber to arrive, ensure that you turn on all the taps in the house to drain the remaining water. You may notice that even after you turn of the water at the main valve, there is still lots of water coming out. This is due to water still being stored in those pipes.
It is also vital that you do cold water first before hot water. When draining hot water, make sure to also turn off your hot water service before turning on hot water taps.
Need a burst water pipe repaired? Get in touch with our friendly team today for a free quote on your burst water pipe repair costs. Waterline Plumbing offers emergency burst pipe or leaking water pipe repair services at a reasonable price with efficient results.