Don’t wait until the new year to add home repairs to your resolution list. While some repairs may not need immediate attention, others may definitely be urgent. Plumbing problems should be at the top of the list for a variety of obvious reasons as well as some that may not be as obvious initially.
Do you know or think that you might need one or more of the following home plumbing repairs?
- Drain cleaning
- Frozen pipes
- Kitchen sink chip repair
- Kirchen sink drain repair
- Leaking faucet
- Leaking pipes
- Sink and toilet repairs
Or perhaps you need one of the following items replaced or installed:
- Gas water heater
- Dishwashers
- Ice makers
- Faucets
- Low-flow toilets
- Washing machines
Were you aware that indoor plumbing was first introduced around 2500 B.C.? Most people probably can’t imagine what it’s like not to have indoor plumbing. When plumbing issues arise, though, such as sink and toilet repairs, there is usually a definite feeling of urgency to contact a local plumber.
Bathroom remodels are the most requested jobs, according to a National Association of Home Builders Survey. In the United States, these account for 78% of home renovations, and can make a major difference with investment returns. Kitchen remodels also have a substantial return on investment, with an average of 82.7%.
The need for plumbers and fitters to handle these remodels, repairs, and installations is significant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2022, there is expected to be 21% growth in this industry.
Were you aware that your home plumbing system is composed of two separate subsystems? Freshwater comes in through one of these systems and the other system takes out the wastewater.
If you have water leaks, these are usually easy to fix. It’s important to note that these leaks can waste up to 90 gallons or more of water every day. Once repaired, however, you can usually save approximately 10% on your water bill.
On an annual basis, water leaks can potentially waste 10,000 gallons of water. This is enough to wash 270 loads of laundry.
In addition to handling sink and toilet repairs, you may want to consider purchasing a low-flush toilet. These can potentially save you 18,000 or more gallons of water every year, which can make a difference in your quarterly and annual water bills.
Have you recently had water damage due to freezing pipes that burst? This accounts for nearly 22% of homeowners insurance claims. While the average amount for these individual claims is $4,024, the damage can be even more significant.
When a pipe cracks due to freezing, especially when there is minimal or no insulation, approximately 250 gallons of water can spew out. In addition to ruining floors, carpets, and furniture, this can also destroy appliances and personal items, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
It’s important not to postpone repairs because what may at first seem like a minor issue, could potentially be a major one. Even a small kitchen or bathroom faucet drip could be a sign of underlying plumbing issues.