The arrival of winter can pose a threat to household budgets in the United States. Considering the rise in energy bills, preparing our vehicles to be safe on the roads, and other potential expenses, families need to be prepared. Another aspect that is often overlooked is home maintenance, specifically potential flood damage and repair costs. This is why flood restoration specialist Kaylyn Tanner from Water Damage Specialist warns that ignoring the costs arising from plumbing failures (such as water leaks) can result in expenses of up to $7,000. Therefore, she recommends taking preventive measures, such as checking the condition of water heaters, roofs, gutters, and pipes.
Threats with the coming of Winter
Winter is one of the favorite seasons for many, as it brings with it the arrival of the most festive time of the year. However, it is not the only thing that comes with it, as it also brings an increase in expenses, especially at home. The need to turn on the heating to combat the cold causes energy consumption bills to rise. We also need to ensure that our vehicles are in good condition to drive on wet or snowy roads. All of this adds up and represents a considerable cost in preparation for the next season.
On top of all that, there is another aspect that Americans often overlook and that, according to flood restoration specialist from Water Damage Specialist, Kaylyn Tanner, can cost households up to $7,000. This concerns home maintenance, especially related to plumbing and flood damage, which can pose a real problem.
Expert Recommendations
According to Tanner, “People tend to imagine floods as big events like storms or pipe bursts. But most of the time it’s the little things you don’t think about—like a cracked hose, a blocked sewer, a slow drip—that end up causing the real disaster.” In this situation, he gives the following recommendations.
Check the washing machine
It’s something that doesn’t even come to mind when we think about home plumbing maintenance, but the truth is that a broken hose can be a real problem. Floods in the kitchen or living room are common when its condition is not checked, not only implying a high repair and replacement cost, but also damage to the rest of the room. Tanner recommends replacing hoses every five years, which can cost between $25 and $40. It is not a significant expense if we compare it to the $5000 or $7000 that the repair would cost once it is completely broken.
Check the water heater
The bottom of the tank collects minerals that accumulate over time, which put pressure on the metal, causing it to leak. According to Tanner, “When a tank goes, it goes fast. More than 40 gallons of hot water can flow through your home in minutes, ruining carpets, walls, and wiring – and before you know it, you’re staring at a $2,000-$4,000 bill to fix everything.”
Check the gutters
It is recommended to clean them twice a year. Tanner explained that professional cleaning costs between $100 and $250. If you ignore it, you could be looking at $3,000 or more in repair work to fix moisture and insulation damage.
Check the pipes
Pipes expand when they are frozen, and if they burst, they can flood a house within minutes. Tanner said, “If you detect a leak, don’t wait—call someone. $100 for a plumber now is better than $5,000 later.”
Check the roof
After storms or heavy rains, it is easy for cracks to form or insulation to become soaked, allowing water to seep in and potentially cause a leak. Tanner recommends that “homeowners check for dark spots on the roof and if they notice a damp or musty smell, have a roofer take a look.”
