How to Estimate the Cost of a Plumbing Project

Plumbing projects have a tendency to spring up out of nowhere. You don’t often see a leaky pipe or a broken garbage disposal coming ahead of time. That being said, you probably don’t have a budget set aside for emergency plumbing problems.

So when these problems do arise, you need to know quickly how much you might have to spend for your emergency plumbing project. Here are a few factors that can affect the overall cost of a plumbing project that can help you decide the best way to get the job done.

Low Water Pressure

Nothing is as dissatisfying as low water pressure in your shower. Not only is it annoying and takes much longer than it should, it also wastes a tremendous amount of water, causing your utility bills to skyrocket.

There may be several reasons why your shower water pressure is low. It could be something as innocuous as replacing your shower head. It could also mean a leak in your plumbing or even corroded pipes. While a new showerhead is a relatively cheap and easy fix, plumbing leaks and corroded pipes are not.

Fitting your home with new pipes could cost thousands of dollars, not to mention the cost of a professional plumber, as this is not a DIY job for the average homeowner.

Clogged Drains

Hair, soap and other debris have a way of slipping into your tub or sink drains. Over time, these particles will accumulate and eventually cause a partial or complete blockage. Often, these can be remedied with over the counter drain cleaners. However, if more than one drain is clogged, the stoppage may be deeper in the draining system.

Deep clogs could result in having to use a high-powered machine, such as air-burst drain cleaner or electric drain cleaner, which can cause the cost of a plumbing project to rise precipitously.

Some of these machines could cost several hundred dollars to rent from your local home improvement store. Additionally, it will take time to learn how to properly and carefully use these machines, as they are not common household items.

Water Heaters

When you are expecting a hot shower first thing in the morning and it never warms up, you know you may have a very big problem on your hands.

Water heaters are a vital part of your home’s plumbing system and, as such, can also be one of the most expensive plumbing projects out there. Due to the complex nature of the water heater, simple repairs can cost hundreds of dollars, while total replacements will cost thousands.

This is also not a DIY plumbing project; water heater installation often requires licensed plumbing professionals. If your water heater is not working, you may be facing a tremendous cost in the very near future.

Determine the Cost of a Plumbing Project Before You Begin.

As with any home improvement project, working on your home’s plumbing can result in a much higher cost than you had originally anticipated. Plumbing projects have a way of becoming very complicated, very quickly, resulting in an expensive job you might not be ready for. Plan for the cost of a plumbing project before you start and you’ll be ready for anything that might come your way.