Many people tend to take their drains for granted, they pour various items and liquids into them and ignore the possible consequences. The drains are designed for wastewater only and everything else should be placed in the trash where it belongs. Eventually, all drains will fail and a repair will be needed to restore them to full functionality. Here are five key factors that can affect the cost of a drain pipe repair.
First, it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions when the drain stops working. Some people call their plumber and the problem is a simple clog that is easy to remove. Over time, debris can accumulate in the drains that can lead to the formation of clogs. You can clear a simple kitchen sink drain clog with a cup plunger and a little elbow grease. If you’re prepared to spend a little more, you can purchase a plumbing augur (drain snake). This should be an essential tool in any home plumbing toolkit and it’s easy to use. Simply insert the business end into the blocked drain until it comes into contact with the clog. Then crank the handle slowly to drill into the clog and break it apart. Another option is to pour a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. A chemical reaction will occur, leave it for 10 minutes and flush the drain with hot (not boiling) water. If none of these methods work it’s time to contact a local certified plumber because the problem may lie deeper in the drain line.
If the drain line has been damaged, the major factor in the cost of the repair will be the extent of the damage. Certain parts of the drain may need to be fixed or even replaced entirely and this will be assessed by the plumber. A remote camera will be fed into the drain line to locate the source of the problem. Then the plumber can discuss the best repair options to get your drain line working again.
In certain cases, a trenchless repair option may be available and this can lower the costs of the repair and minimize disruption. During a standard repair, it may be necessary to dig up large areas of your yard to reach the affected drain pipes. A trenchless repair is less invasive because a smaller area is excavated to reach the pipes.
Before you authorize any extensive plumbing repairs it’s a good idea to get in touch with your insurance company. Depending on your specific homeowner’s insurance policy, you may be covered for all the required work. Don’t assume that this is the case and always double-check your documentation.
A local licensed plumber with plenty of experience will cost more than a handyman. But, you don’t want to hire an amateur and risk further damage to your plumbing system. Hiring a good local plumber is well worth the investment and you can ensure that your plumbing system is in good hands.