Few things can rival the feeling of accomplishment that comes with owning a home. That’s the overarching consensus of over 66% of American homeowners. And they share this sentiment for several reasons. According to the National Association of Realtors, a trusted trade association for real estate professionals, homeowners benefit from appreciation, equity, tax benefits, predictable monthly payments, and stability, none of which come with renting.
There are, however, some drawbacks to owning a home. Homeowners, not landlords or property managers, shoulder the responsibility for maintaining and repairing their homes, which can sometimes be costly. That is especially true when it comes to plumbing. In a study published by Angie’s List, an online home service provider database established in 1995, basic plumbing repairs cost homeowners around $336. That cost can quickly climb into the thousands for major, more complex repairs.
How Plumbing Problems Can Quickly Spiral out of Control
Nearly all homeowners experience plumbing problems, says Hippo Insurance, a licensed property casualty insurance agency specializing in home and condominium insurance. The agency notes that 66% of homeowners experience plumbing problems of one kind or another, especially during the summer and winter. And those plumbing problems can cost them dearly in multiple ways. Data from Hippo Insurance revealed that 29% of homeowners notice an increase in their water bill due to plumbing problems, and around 31% face disruptions in their daily routines. And it does not end there; an estimated 27% experience property damage. All of this is in addition to the cost of fixing the initial plumbing problem. Some of the most common plumbing problems homeowners encounter include the following:
- Clogged and running toilets
- Clogged drains
- Leaking faucets
- Low water pressure
- Sewer line backups
- Water heater problems
Why Summer and Winter Are Peak Seasons for Plumbing Problems
Winter and summer months are when homeowners report plumbing problems the most. In the summer, high temperatures can cause pipes to expand and even burst, both of which cause leaks and water damage. In the winter, low temperatures can cause pipes in a home to freeze, especially in uninsulated areas and along exterior walls. When this happens, it can cause pipes to crack or burst, which, too, can cause leaks and water damage. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can also damage hot water tanks in a home, say plumbers in Melbourne, FL, including those with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
When Pipe Repairs Are Enough to Resolve a Plumbing Problem
The type of plumbing problem homeowners are experiencing plays an enormous role in whether it is best to repair or replace piping. Some of the ones that most professional plumbers consider repairable are those that involve the following:
- Decreased water pressure
- Frequent pipe leaks
- Unusually high water bills
- Water stains on walls, floors, or ceilings
Running or clogged toilets are also repairable plumbing problems. In most cases, removing the debris clogging it or replacing worn or damaged tank components, such as the float, flapper, or flush valve, is enough to resolve most toilet-related plumbing problems.
When to Consider a Whole-House Pipe Replacement
Many older homes still have lead or polybutylene pipes. Even if homeowners do not have a plumbing problem, it’s best to replace them. Both lead and polybutylene pipes are inferior to modern-day pipes. Studies show that lead from lead pipes, which were the go-to pipes for plumbing until the 1950s, can leach into drinking water, jeopardizing the health of an entire household.
Data from the World Health Organization revealed that exposure to lead increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and kidney damage. Polybutylene pipes, commonly used from the 1970s through the 1990s, do not pose any known health risks. However, they are more prone to breaking than copper, galvanized steel, PVC, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), and other modern pipes commonly used today.
Additional Reasons to Consider a Whole-House Pipe Replacement
On average, copper pipes last 70 to 80 years, and PVC pipes typically last 100 years. If pipes in a home are within either of these age ranges, homeowners should consider whole-house repiping. The same applies if they have pipes that show signs of corrosion, such as rust-colored water when turning on hot or cold water taps or noticeable corrosion on the pipe’s exterior. Homeowners should also consider whole-house repiping if they have water leaks in multiple areas of the home. For those curious, the average cost of a whole-house pipe replacement is $1,500 to $15,000.
In summary, there is quite a bit to consider when deciding to repair or replace pipes in a home. The long and short of it is pipe repairs can resolve minor plumbing problems, such as clogged or running toilets, leaking faucets, isolated pipe leaks, and the like. However, multiple water leaks throughout the home, corroded or outdated pipes, discolored water pouring out of taps, and other major plumbing problems generally call for whole-house repiping. For more information or to find out which option is best for your home, consider contacting Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today.