The introduction of indoor plumbing has changed the way that Americans live their lives with access to clean, fresh water and amenities. Despite the vital role that plumbing plays in our lives, a minority of Americans have their homes inspected with leak detection equipment regularly. Every winter pipes become vulnerable to freezing and thawing cycles which can result in cracks in the piping where water can escape. While many are quick to dismiss the dangers a leaky pipe can pose in one’s home, even minor leaks can cost homeowners significant costs.
The Cost of a Leaky Faucet
Chances are, there is some kind of leaking pipe, showerhead, or faucet in your home. While it may seem innocent enough, a leaky faucet that drips at a rate of just one drop per minute can waste thousands of gallons of water every year — water that homeowners have to pay for. It is estimated that nearly half of all toilets have a leak somewhere due to improper installation. Hidden leaks have the potential to damage floors, furniture, and other areas of the home; in fact, water damage and freezing account for nearly 22% of all homeowners insurance claims with the average claim valuing $4,024.
Professional Leak Detection
In order to avoid the need for costly repairs that follow from a lack of proper maintenance, many homeowners are having professional drain inspection done on an annual basis in the spring. Even new homeowners may have a line that is connected to an older pipe that could have leakage. Leak inspection costs typically range between $250 to $350 and can usually be done in an afternoon.
Trenchless Sewer Repair Services
In the case of a leak, homeowners may need to have their sewer lines repaired or replaced to avoid excess water loss and potential damages. The traditional clay sewer pipes that were used up until the 1980s typically last up to 40 years, experts recommend having professional video inspection services for leak detection if your sewer line is 40 years old. Unlike traditional sewer replacement which requires significant excavation to one’s yard, trenchless replacement options only need to make a small hole to completely repair or replace a sewer line. Pipe lining is a trenchless repair option that uses a cured in place compound affixed to a specialized bladder which is then fed through the homeowner’s existing sewer line though a cable — the bladder is then filled with hot air or water which causes the compound to harden while adhering to the existing pipe, creating a complete seal. Pipe boring is a trenchless replacement option that uses a boring head to go through the existing sewer pipe; a replacement pipe is fed to the borer piece by piece, destroying the existing pipe while simultaneously laying a new pipe. Although trenchless options are usually 30% to 50% more expensive than conventional digging, many homeowners see the added value of avoiding costly landscaping fees.
