WHAT'S THE POTENTIAL COST OF A PLUMBING LEAK?

However, this system needs maintenance to perform optimally, and it may require hiring a plumber for emergency assistance to stop a leak or prevent major damage to your home.

If left untreated (or undetected), even small leaks can cause major damage to your home that can be costly to repair.

Leaking Water Can Lead To Mold

If left untreated, a plumbing leak can damage your walls. When pipes running behind walls burst or begin to leak, they moisten the drywall, and eventually this moisture makes its way through the walls and produces wet spots.

If you notice persistent wetness or a musty smell, you may have a leak. A professional can fix the problem and, if the problem is still in its early stages, replace only a section of the drywall.

Over time, the moisture may lead to black mold, requiring not only the services of a mold remediation company, but also requiring the removal of large wall sections.

This can be very costly. For example, 100 square feet of drywall can cost as much as $400 to replace, while mold remediation can run anywhere from $500 to $3,000.

Water Damage to Flooring and Fixtures

Another concern is damage to flooring. Water always flows downhill, which means any leaks in a kitchen or bathroom will pool on and under your floors.

In a bathroom, you may notice loose tiles next to the tub or shower or along the tub edging. You might also see water on the floor after a bath or shower not due to spills or splashing.

In your kitchen, be on the lookout for warping or discolored floorboards, especially next to a dishwasher or fridge with a water line.

Hardwood floors cost anywhere from $2 per square foot up to $30 per square foot to replace, after the affected area has been cleaned and the leak fixed. Replacing single tiles isn’t an expensive undertaking, but you can incur significant costs if the subfloor of your bathroom becomes damaged.

Leaks or water quality issues can also cause damage to fixtures like sink taps and shower heads. In some cases, the fixtures may stop working or result in severely reduced water pressure — for example, if a rubber gasket decays and becomes stuck in the line.

If left untreated, the fixture may need replacement, which can cost $100 to $500, depending on the material and brand of hardware required.

Be on the Lookout for Leaks

The first step in lowering costs due to damage is keeping an eye out for potential leaks; the sooner you identify a water issue, the smaller its impact on drywall, flooring and fixtures.

Problems in a shower, for example, are often signaled by low water pressure, a change in water color or slow draining. Tub plumbing, meanwhile, may be damaged if you notice excess water on the floor, loose tiles on the tub surround or damp walls hours after the bath was run.

Kitchen sinks may have discolored water or make a rattling noise when running.

Keeping Plumbing Repair Costs Low

To avoid high costs for repair, homeowners need to watch for potential problems. If you see any of the signs listed above, consider hiring a professional plumber. A pro can assess the level of damage and make the appropriate repairs.

Plumbing leaks are always better tackled immediately; time left untreated is proportional to cost.