Having a fully functioning plumbing system is vital for any property. However, when plumbing emergencies occur, they can lead to extensive damage and greatly reduced property value. As a leading Bexley plumbing company, we understand how critical it is to maintain your plumbing and prevent disasters before they happen.
Burst pipes, blocked drains, and sewer backups are some of the most common plumbing emergencies. However, even small issues like a leaky faucet can quickly escalate into major problems. Left unchecked, leaks and clogs allow water to infiltrate walls, floors, and foundations.
This leads to warped wood, mould growth, and corroded pipes. Extensive repairs are often required, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars.
By inspecting your plumbing regularly and scheduling preventative maintenance, you can avoid emergencies altogether. Annual tune-ups for hot water systems can also extend their lifespan.
We recommend having your drains professionally cleaned once a year to clear obstructions before they turn into blockages. Finally, watching for any drips or damp spots and fixing minor leaks immediately prevents further damage.
If you do experience a plumbing emergency, calling us right away is crucial. If you do experience a plumbing emergency, calling us right away is crucial. Our skilled technicians can troubleshoot issues, stop the flooding, and start the remediation process.
Acting quickly limits how much water can impact your property.
Don’t let plumbing disasters devastate your home’s value. With proactive maintenance from Bexley Plumbing, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly for years to come. Contact us today to schedule service or request emergency repairs if you’re currently experiencing a plumbing catastrophe.
Common Plumbing Emergencies that Can Reduce Property Value
Several common plumbing emergencies can significantly reduce a property’s value if left unaddressed:
- Blocked drains: Clogged drains lead to sewer backups and flooding. Sewage can damage floors, walls, and foundations.
- Burst pipes: Pipe bursts unleash large volumes of water. This water can ruin drywall, warp floors, promote mould growth, and damage valuables.
- Gas leaks: Escaping gas is extremely hazardous and can lead to explosions. Homes with a history of gas leaks are considered high-risk.
- No hot water: Lack of hot water makes a home uncomfortable to live in. It signals larger problems with water heaters or plumbing.
- Leaking taps: Small leaks can go unnoticed for months, slowly rotting wood and drywall. Mould and water damage lower property appeal.
As Bexley’s premier plumbing company, we specialise in all forms of plumbing maintenance, installation, and emergency repairs. Don’t wait until small issues become catastrophes. Contact us today to schedule a tune-up.
Burst Pipes
Of all plumbing emergencies, burst pipes often cause the most extensive damage. Thousands of litres of water quickly saturate drywall, carpets, wood floors, and furniture.
High-pressure water from ruptured pipes can gush into walls and foundations for hours before being discovered. The water also readily promotes mould growth which can spread to contaminate entire rooms in just 48 hours.
Left unchecked, burst pipes lead to warped and buckling floors, eroded foundations, electrical fires, and collapsed ceilings. The repairs are highly invasive, requiring drywall and flooring to be ripped out and replaced. In severe cases, it may be necessary to break concrete to access and replace ruptured pipes. Extensive mould remediation and treatments will also be essential.
The average cost to repair damage from a burst pipe is $5,000 to $10,000 but can easily exceed $50,000 for more severe incidents. Such exorbitant repair costs mean burst pipes can slash a property’s value by 10 to 25%. Additionally, the property may be harder to finance or insure after major water damage.
Preventing burst pipes starts with proactive maintenance.
We recommend replacing older galvanised steel pipes, which corrode and burst over time, with more durable copper pipes. Keeping temperatures consistent, insulating pipes, and repairing drips and leaks as soon as they appear also helps avoid bursts. If you’re away during the winter, keep the heat on low rather than turning it off completely.
If you have a burst pipe emergency, shutting off the water immediately is crucial to limit flooding. Then call our 24/7 emergency plumbing services to begin repairs. Acting quickly helps safeguard your home’s value.
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups are one of the most hazardous and destructive plumbing emergencies. When drainage pipes become blocked, sewage can back up through drains and toilets, flooding bathrooms with contaminated water.
Raw sewage contains high levels of bacteria, viruses, mould, and other biohazards. Contact with this contaminated water can lead to severe infections and illness. Sewage backups also create an unbearable stench throughout the home.
Extensive sanitization and decontamination are required after a sewage backup, including discarding soaked drywall, insulation, carpets, and furnishings. The sewage-soaked areas must be thoroughly disinfected and deodorised, or mould and bacteria will continue to spread.
Left untreated, the contamination from a sewage backup makes a home uninhabitable and practically worthless. Repairing sewage-related damage can cost $10,000 to $30,000. Many homeowners insurance policies do not cover sewer backups unless supplemental sewage coverage is purchased.
At the first sign of slow drains, call us for professional drain cleaning. We use advanced equipment to clear blockages and keep sewage flowing properly. With regular maintenance, you can avoid catastrophic sewage backups and protect your biggest investment - your home.
Signs of Plumbing Problems
Catching plumbing problems early is crucial to avoid emergencies. Watch for these common signs of issues:
- Higher water bills: A spike in your water usage could signal a leak. Check your water metre for flow when all water is off.
- Discoloured water: Rusty, brown, or cloudy water indicates corroded pipes or problems with your hot water heater.
- Changes in water pressure: Surges or drops in water pressure could mean obstructed pipes or issues with your home’s water supply.
- Slow drains: Drains that empty slowly suggest drain blockages. Clogs left untreated can lead to sewage backups.
- Strange smells: Foul odours emanating from drains or around pipes suggest sewer gas buildup and leaks.
- Drips and damp spots: Consistent drips or wet spots on floors and walls indicate leaks. Even small leaks can lead to mould.
If you notice any of these signs, contact our team immediately to diagnose and address the issue before major damage occurs.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Plumbing issues can quickly escalate if left unchecked. Don’t try to tackle repairs yourself beyond basic tasks like unclogging drains or replacing aerator washers. We recommend calling a licenced professional plumber in these situations:
- You have a burst pipe, gas leak, sewage backup, or other flooding emergency. Time is critical in stopping water damage.
- You lack hot water due to problems with your hot water system, water heater, or gas line.
- A tap is leaking persistently and you’ve been unable to stop the drip.
- Drain clogs persist even after using a plunger, drain snakes, or commercial drain cleaners.
- You need major repairs like pipe replacement, sewer line repair, tankless water heater installation, or repiping.
- You notice mould growth, buckled floors, or damage indicating leaks.
- Your pipes frequently clog or you must continually plunge drains.
Our team of experienced, licenced plumbers provide 24/7 emergency repairs plus comprehensive maintenance and installation services. Don’t hesitate to call us if you’re unsure whether a plumbing project is DIY-friendly. We’re happy to provide free consultations and quotes.
How Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Emergencies
Being proactive about plumbing maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent expensive, damaging emergencies. With regular inspections and tune-ups, minor issues can be detected early and addressed before they spiral into disasters.
We recommend having your plumbing system inspected annually. A licenced plumber will check all pipes, supply lines, drains, and mechanical systems like water heaters. They can spot corrosion, leaks, and clogs, and take care of repairs before these problems worsen.
annual check-ups, take these preventative steps:
- Flush drains weekly with hot water to clear debris
- Pour drain cleaner down sinks monthly to keep drains clear
- Check under sinks regularly for any dampness or drips
- Listen and look for changes in water flow from taps
- Replace old pipes made from galvanised steel or lead
Making plumbing maintenance a regular habit will provide peace of mind and help safeguard your property from damage. As Bexley’s trusted local plumber, we’re here to help with all your repair and installation needs. Contact us to learn more about our maintenance agreements and 24/7 emergency services.
Protect Property Value with Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is one of the most important steps homeowners can take to protect their property value and avoid plumbing disasters. Here are some key maintenance tips to safeguard your most valuable investment:
- Inspect pipes and supply lines annually for leaks, corrosion and blockages. Repair any issues immediately to prevent bursts or backups.
- Flush drains weekly and use drain cleaner monthly to keep sewer lines clear and flowing freely.
- Have a professional clean sewer and drain lines annually to remove grease, debris and tree roots before they cause clogs.
- Replace any old steel, iron or lead pipes, which are prone to leaking as they corrode.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics and garages to prevent freezing and bursting in winter.
- Install flood sensors near water heaters and washing machines to detect leaks early.
- Replace washers and valves annually to stop drips before they worsen.
- Check water pressure at all fixtures to identify plumbing issues early.
- Have a licenced plumber inspect gas lines annually for leaks, which can lead to explosions.
- Replace water heaters every 8-12 years to avoid cracks and costly failures.
With regular plumbing maintenance from the experts at Bexley Plumbing, you can avoid destructive and dangerous plumbing emergencies. Protecting your property value starts with prevention. Contact us today to get on a maintenance schedule.
Conclusion
Plumbing emergencies can wreak havoc on your most valuable investment - your home. But with diligent maintenance and prompt repairs, you can safeguard your property and avoid expensive damage. We hope this article has outlined how common plumbing disasters can impact property value if left unchecked.
As your local Bexley plumber, we are here to help homeowners prevent issues before they arise. From drain cleaning to sewer inspections, we provide a full range of maintenance services to keep your plumbing running smoothly for years to come.
Don’t wait until small drips become burst pipes flooding your basement. Or when slow drains turn into sewage backing up into your sinks. By being proactive, you can catch problems early and maintain your home’s integrity.
We make it easy to keep your plumbing in peak condition. Contact us today to schedule an annual tune-up or request one of our preventative maintenance plans. Together, we can protect your most valuable investment from unnecessary plumbing catastrophes.
