Leak Repair

Fixing a leak can be expensive, and the prices vary widely. They usually depend on where the leak is and how serious it is. For small leaks, you might pay around twenty-five to one hundred dollars if you call a plumber. But if the leak is big or hard to get to, like inside a wall or underground, it might cost several hundred dollars. And if you don't fix it quickly? Well, it could cost you even more later.

Typically, the responsibility for mending water leaks depends on where the leak is located. If it leaks inside a dwelling, the owner usually has to take care of it—or if they can't, hiring a plumbing service is the next logical step. If the leak is outside or in a public area, the local government is usually tasked with solving the problem. They have workers who handle those types of difficulties. So, the reality of it is that if the leak is inside a house, you are usually the one responsible for getting it fixed.

When you have a water leak in your yard, there are several professionals you might call to remedy the situation. Your first option is to call a plumber. Plumbers are experts in all things related to pipes and pipe leaks; if a water leak in your yard is due to some sort of piping problem, a plumber is most likely going to be the best bet for fixing it. Sometimes, a plumbing problem that causes a water leak in your yard could be fixed by a landscaping professional. If, say, the leak is in some sort of system that's part of your yard's irrigation or just-sprinklers, a landscape professional might be just as good a choice as a plumber. Another option is to contact your water utility company. If the problem in your yard is related to the main water line that runs through it, the guys who work for your utility company can and should help you fix it. The most important thing to remember is that whichever professional you choose to help you with your leak, you've got to be sure that they know what they're doing.

Acting rapidly is vital when you first spot a water leak in your ceiling. Calling a plumber should be your very next step. These professionals specialize in locating and mending leaks. With the proper tools and plenty of experience, they will either find the leak in a jiffy or in a way that minimizes further damage to your ceiling and (hopefully) your home. If you do need to bring in a second set of hands for repairs, that person should certainly be a handyman or contractor. But start with the plumber.

Water leak repair may be covered by your insurance, but that depends on your policy. If the water leak results from a sudden accident, like a pipe bursting, insurance often helps cover the repairs. But if the leak results from normal aging of the house or lack of maintenance, insurance usually doesn't cover it. It's definitely a good idea to check your policy details or talk to your insurance company to know for sure.

If you have the knowledge and tools, you can perform your own water leak repairs. First, find the leak. It may be from a pipe, a faucet, or even a toilet. When you've localized the problem, shut off the water supply. This should keep more water from making your indoor space soggy. For small leaks, like the kind that might issue forth from a cracked pipe, the solution could be as simple as applying plumber's tape or a sealant. These are tasks you can do with your hands and the right tools. A faucet could also be a source of a water leak. In this case, the seal or washer that creates the connection between handle and fixtures might be the culprit. Again, this is a task that could be done safely and simply if you are careful and know what to do.

If you see a leak in your home, it's almost always a good idea to call a plumber first. He or she can help you fix the problem quickly, stopping any more water from causing damage. Once the problem is under control, you can call your insurance company and find out what they need for your claim. Almost always, they will ask for photos or receipts that document the damage.

Indeed, water utilities may impose charges for leaks in particular scenarios. When the water is escaping from the customer's part of the system—meaning the infrastructure right up to the house—the customer may see a whopping increase in their bill and may need to pay for the repairs. However, plenty of water companies know how dire that situation can be and may offer assistance or reduced-rate programs to help pay for the necessary repairs. That said, it is hugely important for the customer to check with their own local water company to know what policies apply to them and whether they should be concerned about repair charges.

Follow these steps to successfully file a water leak insurance claim. First, stop the source of the water so that it can't cause more damage. Then, document the leak and any damage done with photos and videos—everything that serves as evidence of the problem. Next, contact your insurance company to report the leak; they need to know about it as soon as possible. If they don't ask for the evidence you've already collected, offer it up so they can understand just how serious the situation is. Sometimes, they'll need to send someone out to inspect the damage. Finally, keep in contact with your insurance company for the duration of the claim. Better yet, understand the claim process well enough so you can explain it to them.

Leaks or damages occurring as a result of plumbing that is not up to par are usually not covered by insurance. If the pipes are rusted, in poor condition, or have been leaking for some time, then the insurance company might say it is the owner's responsibility to repair them. Insurance companies generally expect people to maintain their plumbing in a condition that will not result in leaks or damages, to the extent humanly possible. So, if there's a leak from old pipes that haven't been maintained properly, that might be an instance where insurance isn't covering the costs.