Leak Repair

There are several things that can affect the total cost of fixing a leak. One of them is simply the size and type of leak. A small leak, like a dripping faucet, might be fixable for only a couple of tens of dollars if you did it yourself. And then, when you get into hiring professionals and plumbers, then you're more into the realm of over a hundred dollars just to start. And really, the coCAersation might be around several hundreds to thousands of dollars if you're dealing with a big leak that has hidden parts, like the illegal immigrant in the title of the recent photograph of the blue wine I referenced earlier. And really, when you're doing the leak fix, there's very little coCAersation around if your house is going to be utterly destroyed when the next big rain hits if you're already dealing with a big leak.

The cost for having a leak detected can vary a lot. It might be about a hundred dollars for a basic check, but it could be more if special tools are needed. Some professionals might charge extra if they have to travel a long distance to your place. Before hiring someone, it's a good idea to ask for a price estimate.

Finding and fixing a leak can really vary in cost, depending a good deal on where the leak is and how tough it is to get to. A simple leak could set a person back only 50 to 150 dollars; for example, a constantly dripping kitchen faucet. However, if the problem is not so simple, like a leak that is in a wall or underground, the cost can jump dramatically. Sometimes, it's necessary to use special tools to locate the leak, which adds even more to the bill. Generally, the kind of repairs that might be necessary could easily range from 200 to over 1000 dollars. It's always better to repair a leak sooner rather than later, though, because even a simple leak can waste a huge amount of water.

Absolutely, a homeowner should call a plumber when a water leak is present. A plumber can fix the leak that's causing water to come out where it shouldn't; in fact, a plumber is the best person to use for this task. If there's no visible water pooling near the trouble spot, then it can be hard to find the leak that's causing the problem. But a plumber can, and almost always does, find the problem with certainty and to the homeowner's relief. And voila: the leak gets rectified.

Your insurance could cover a water leak, but it depends on two things: what your policy says and what caused the leak. If you have a sudden and accidental leak, like from a burst pipe, your insurance might jump right in and pay for the repairs. But if your leak is caused by something more insidious, like inadequate maintenance, or if it's a problem that's developed over time and finally given up the ghost, your insurance might wash its hands of the whole business. You owe it to yourself (and to your wallet) to know what your insurance covers when it comes to leaks.

You can repair a water leak, but whether you should do it yourself depends on the size and location of the leak. For small leaks, like a faucet that drips or a pipe that has a joint in it that's not quite sealed, you can make the repair with tools and materials from the local hardware store. Be sure to turn off the water supply first so that no more water can do any more damage. And then follow the instructions that are given either in a pamphlet with the repair kit or that are found online—plumbing is one of those areas in which it really does make a difference to read the directions.

Indeed, water companies can charge customers if the leak is on the customers' property. Water companies are responsible for mending leaks in public pipes. Leaks on customers' side of the plumbing—like in the house or yard—are the customers' problem to fix. Customer service at the water company can sometimes provide help or advice. As a customer, you should always verify your plumbing responsibility with the water company.

Stop the WaterIf it is safe to do so, and you can do it quickly enough, stop the water source. This is the first and most important thing to do.Document the SceneTake pictures and/or videos of the scene. You want your insurance company to know just how bad it is/was, and how much damage is going to occur if repairs aren't done quickly.Make a ListWalk through the affected areas and make a list of everything that is now ruined and/or waiting to be repaired and that you suspect might be covered under your policy. Follow Up

Water damage might be covered by State Farm, but it depends on what caused the damage. If the water damage was sudden and accidental—like from a burst pipe—it usually is covered. However, if the damage is from a slow leak or poor maintenance, it might not be covered. Regardless, it's a good idea to read your policy or talk to an agent if you have questions about what's covered and what's not.

When pipes begin to leak, who pays to fix them almost always depends on where the pipes are located. If the leaking pipe is inside your house or on your property, like in your yard, then it's usually up to you, the homeowner, to pay to have the thing fixed. But if the leaky pipe is outside your property, like in the street or some other public area, then the local water company or city generally has to pay to have the thing fixed. Always a good idea to check, though, with your local guidelines or the water company, to find out for sure.