Burst pipes and water leaks

Water damage to your property is usually covered as a standard feature in your buildings insurance policy.  Often referred to as ‘escape of water’ by insurers, it can be caused by several issues, from burst pipes due to freezing temperatures, to a leaking dishwasher or an overflowing blocked toilet.

Stopcocks – know where these are and make sure that you test them regularly as they often seize up. If there is an escape of water / water leak in your home, turning off the stop cock asap can help to limit the level of damage caused

Consider fitting a leak detection device which will monitor your usual water use and turn off the water if it suspects a leak. Use a plumber or a professional to install these types of devices. Some insurers may offer help with the installation of a leak detection device and may also take this into account when pricing your cover.

Where possible, regularly check the pipes where your appliances are plumbed in for any looseness, leaks or drips. In areas where pipes are covered but that you still have access to (e.g. behind removable bath panels, toilet cistern panels and underneath kitchen units, where accessible,) it’s a good idea to take a look every now to make sure there aren’t any small leaks which could become major.

Consider what you are putting down your drain, and make sure that you clean drains regularly if you suspect a blockage. Substances such as fats and oils from cooking, produce stickers, baby wipes, sanitary products and even hair can all cause clogs in drains and toilets

Main Types of Plumbing Pipes Used in Homes

Whether hiring a plumber or taking on a do-it-yourself plumbing project, the experience can be confusing because of the choice of several types of plumbing pipes. Eventually, pipes’ uses tend to blend together. Which type of pipe should be used for water supply, drainage, sewer, and even for the exterior? The answer is not as clear as it may have been in the past when the main pipes of choice were galvanized steel or cast-iron.

PEX Pipe

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, pipe is one of the newest and most popular pipes to hit the plumbing market. PEX is used only to supply water. PEX is a pipe that is rigid enough to withstand the pressures of water supply but flexible enough to weave throughout walls, ceilings, basements, and crawlspaces. PEX has truly delivered water-supply plumbing into the hands of do-it-yourselfers and professional plumbers.

PVC Pipe

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipe is a drain or vent line type of plumbing pipe. PVC initially gained popularity because it was lighter and easier to work with than traditional galvanized steel pipe. PVC pipe is moderately easy to install and requires little more than a hacksaw and a miter box to cut. PVC glues together with solvents

Rigid Copper Pipe

Rigid copper is often used for water supply lines within the home. Rigid copper is easily cut with a hacksaw or with a special copper tube cutter. The connection is a different matter, as it requires a practiced hand to solder copper pipe together. Rigid copper pipe is great for water supply because it does not come with any health risks.

ABS Pipe

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipe is mainly used as a vent and drain line. ABS pipe looks very much like PVC pipe, except that it is black and slightly softer.

HOW TO FIX A BROKEN PIPE UNDER THE HOUSE

According to data from energy services providers and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Aussie can expect to move house 13 times over the course of their lives.

Moves to and from rental properties account for the bulk of home relocations, with an average of four to six moves being made as a result of a new home purchase. And while pre-purchase pest and building inspections are commonplace, few people think to get inspections of the pipe network often buried beneath the concrete slab supporting their new home.

WHAT IS A SLAB LEAK?

A slab leak is an industry term for a leak within the waterline piping below a home’s concrete floor, and they can occur in homes and buildings of all ages. Broken water pipes under your home can cause irreparable damage to foundations and cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. The extent of the damage can be exacerbated by certain types of soils (expansive soils) which absorb greater quantities of water and expand, often causing slabs to lift and crack (see our article The best ways to repair sewer pipes and collapsed drains under slabs).

SIGNS OF A WATER LEAK UNDER THE HOUSE

While water leaks under house slabs are notoriously good at remaining hidden from the untrained eye, knowing what to look for and regularly checking can help you get on top of things before they do too much damage.

MORE SERIOUS SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL DAMAGE FROM WATER LEAKS UNDER SLABS

Sewer line leaks can be a bit more difficult to spot but they can be just as damaging, particularly in areas with expansive soil. Expansive soils contain minerals that absorb water (such as clay soils) which can increase the soil volume by up to ten per cent, which is why leaking sewer lines under slabs can be so serious.

Plumbing Tricks of the Trade for Weekend Plumbers

More than any other type of home improvement job, plumbing can drive a DIYer crazy. Problems arise, projects grow, frustrations multiply. Even pros are not immune. But one way to manage the frustrations and achieve a successful plumbing project is to allow plenty of time-at least twice as much time as you think the project should take. Another smart step is to learn some tricks of the trade. Here are a few of our favorites.

Reheat Solder When You Can’t Cut a Pipe

The best way to disconnect a soldered pipe is to cut it. But sometimes you can’t—either because you can’t get a cutting tool into the space or because cutting would leave the pipe too short to make a new connection. The solution is to heat the joint and pull off the fitting as the solder melts.

Replace Metal Drain Lines with Plastic

Metal drain lines under sinks look a lot more reliable than plastic. But plastic is better in almost every way. It’s cheaper, easier to install, and easier to adjust or tighten if a leak develops. And unlike metal, plastic won’t corrode. So when a metal drain leaks, often the smartest move is to replace the entire assembly with plastic.

Loosen Stuck Pipes with Heat

When a threaded connection won’t budge, heat sometimes does the trick, especially on ancient connections that were sealed with pipe dope that hardened over time. Be patient. Getting the metal hot enough can take a couple of minutes. Protect nearby surfaces with a flame-resistant cloth. This method is for water and waste pipes only, never for gas or fuel lines

Piggyback Stubborn Shutoffs

Shutoff valves under sinks and toilets have a rotten reliability record. Sometimes they won’t close completely; sometimes they won’t close at all. In either case, there’s an alternative to replacing the shutoff. Most home centers carry “piggyback” shutoff valves that connect to existing shutoffs. Just disconnect the supply line and install the new valve (a new supply line is a good idea, too). If the old shutoff closes most of the way, you won’t even have to turn off the main water valve; just set a container under the valve to catch the trickle while you work.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Broken Water Pipe?

Average Costs of Typical Pipe Bursts

One of the main costs to consider when dealing with a broken pipe is water damage. Due to flooding and leaks in your walls, ceiling, floor, or basement, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000-$50,000. The average insurance claim for a broken pipe and water damage is about $15,000 and up if you have a broken water pipe in wall or floors. While the cost to repair leaking pipe in ceilings is comparable. Your homeowners insurance should cover a majority of the water damage costs, but may not pay to repair the broken pipe. Factors such as location, severity of the break, and level of internal damage can affect how much you will pay.

If the broken pipe is on a small fixture and is easily accessible, you may be able to fix it yourself. On average you can expect to pay anywhere from $10-$50 for a do-it-yourself kit to repair a simple leak. If there is not an excessive amount of water damage, and you choose to hire a plumber to repair your broken pipe, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$250. In the case of an emergency, the cost may go up to $300-$600. Again, there are other factors that can affect these prices, such as how much work is needed and the materials required for proper busted water pipe repair

Estimated Price of Additional Costs

If the reason your pipe burst is due to frozen water, the area may need to be thawed in order to properly locate and repair the pipe. The process for doing this can cost you anywhere from $20-$500.

In the case that there is damage to a water line that has also compromised the electrical wiring in your home, you may need to hire an electrician to come make sure your circuits and wires are working properly so that there are no potential safety hazards. This can cost anywhere from $100-$1,000, depending on the severity of the issue