Believe it or not, if you do not take care of a clogged pipe in a timely manner, you could be looking at some major health issues down the road. This is in addition to a clogged toilet that can cause a pipe to burst. Always remember that if there is a clog, the water flow will not happen.
Old Age, Rust, and Corrosion
Over time, metal plumbing pipes age and can develop rust that weakens pipe walls, joints, and seals. This corrosion eats away at pipes, creating small cracks and can eventually lead to a complete rupture. Discoloration or warping in pipes are signs of corrosion.
Another symptom of a burst water pipe is water marks on the wall. Most pipes run behind the walls and if they're leaking or burst, they can leave marks on the wall. You may also notice dampness on the walls or squishy parts. Call a plumber to check it out before you find yourself with a bigger problem.
In fact, of all piping types used for plumbing, copper pipes burst most easily when frozen. This is because copper conducts energy and loses heat more quickly than other types of plumbing. Copper also won't expand when the water inside freezes. Instead, it bursts or splits to accommodate expanding frozen water.
While leaky sinks and pipes can cause damage to your home, there's a vast difference between a tiny leak that's dripping and a considerable leak that quickly fills buckets of water. A large volume of leaking water is generally considered a plumbing emergency.
Clogs cause water to back up in the drainpipe of these plumbing fixtures. The standing water in the pipe causes leaks through the caulking and seals. In some instances, homeowners may not notice these leaks right away.
Don't use excessive force when plunging a clog. Also, keep in mind that you shouldn't use too much pressure because it can damage the drain line connection, which will lead to further problems eventually.
A leaking toilet loses water from the tank to the bowl without being flushed, which is typically due to an improperly adjusted or broken fill valve causing water to enter the tank and flow into the overflow tube. Most toilet leaks are caused by a faulty valve (also known as “flush valve ball” or “tank stopper”).
Pipe Material
Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products have a life span that you should know so you can gauge whether you need an upgrade. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years.
Most small issues can take a single afternoon to resolve, while some extensive problems may require a week or more. What matters is that you come to a worthwhile result, one unlikely to cause you a headache in the same way again.
Cost to Replace Toilet Pipes
The cost of this repair depends on the severity of the damage. In most cases, it costs around $80 – $450 per hour of work plus the cost of materials. On average, the total cost of this repair is around $250.
You'll be covered for plumbing leaks if it's sudden, accidental and significant enough that it's discovered right away. But again, most homeowners insurance policies exclude damages that occur gradually.
A leak is a small hole, crack or rupture in a pipe that allows some water to continue to leak.. In such a case, you will notice that small amounts of water are left flowing out through the hole in the pipe. A burst pipe is a situation where the pipe has a wide opening that allows the water to flow out of it freely.
In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (PDF).
Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
If the line is clogged, it will create pressure in it which could cause the line to burst. Other common causes of a broken sewer line include rusted pipes, poor installation, environmental conditions, and punctures.
Sewage contains bacteria and viruses that can affect humans and pets. Wastewater also commonly contains fungi, medications and pesticides. If you come into contact with these contaminants, you could get sick or even end up in the emergency room.
For instance, a clog may send gray water into an adjoining sink, tub, or reservoir, while a broken septic pipe will send black sludge and foul water into sinks, tubs, or other outlets throughout the house. This backup can pose health hazards over time.
Cost to Install or Replace Plumbing Pipes
Installing new plumbing or repiping an entire home costs $2,000 to $15,000. Replacing or installing new fixtures or small sections of piping, like a bathtub, sink, or toilet will cost $450 to $1,800 per fixture depending on if it's a rough-in or full install.
How Long Do Toilets Last? Typically, toilets need replacement after 25 years of use so this can be considered the average toilet lifespan. Some would argue that the porcelain toilet itself has a much longer, and even unlimited, lifespan and that it's only the components inside that need repairs and replacements.