Common plumbing issues in Atlanta and how to fix them
Plumbing issues are a hassle.
Plumbing is taken for granted until something goes wrong. When you have a leaking sink drain, or when an infrequent cold snap freezes pipes and causes them to leak, you realize just how important functioning plumbing is. Plumbing issues can range from minor problems to major emergencies. Let’s talk about common plumbing problems in Atlanta, their causes, and how to fix them.
Exterior pipes and sewer line damage
Many homes in Atlanta have old pipes made of cast iron or clay, and over time, the pipes get cracks and leaks. Underground tree roots and the clay soil of the Atlanta area are also common culprits. Clay soil expands and contracts when weather temperatures and moisture levels change, causing damage to outdoor pipes from pressure.
It’s recommended for homeowners to have regular inspections of pipes to check for potential problems before they get worse. Plumbers can run a video device through sewer lines to inspect them from the inside. If your pipes or sewer need to be replaced, it could cost hundreds or potentially thousands of dollars, depending on how much damage there is and what materials are needed. If you have old plumbing, be sure to hire a professional plumber who has extensive experience with old clay, cast iron, or lead pipes.
Main water line leaks from the street to the house often reveal themselves as high water bills, low water pressure, and wet spots in the yard. The cost to fix a water leak in the yard depends on its location and degree of damage.
Water heater issues
Water heater problems can be caused by the age of the heater, corrosion, and problems with keeping the pilot light lit on old gas water heaters. Heater leaks from a busted water tank can unfortunately cause damage to floors and ceilings, depending on where the unit is found. Bacteria sometimes builds up in the water tank of the heater, which can cause illness. Water that smells of rotten eggs is a red flag, and it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible.
If your water gets hot, but runs cold fast, there could be a problem with the thermostat or the heating element in the heater, or the water heater simply can’t keep up with the demands for hot water in your household.
There are many cost variables for a new hot water heater and installation costs. To get a heater repaired, the costs depend on the size of your heater, the type of heater, materials, the location of the unit, and labor. Some units can be bought with a monthly payment option. Replacing a hot water heater requires a city permit and inspection, which your licensed plumber will arrange.
Frozen and burst pipes
The occasional hard freeze during Atlanta’s relatively mild winters sometimes freezes water in pipes. When the water in a pipeline freezes, it expands and puts a lot of pressure on the pipe walls, often causing them to burst. To avoid bursting or leaking pipes from cold weather, winterize pipes, allow a thin stream of water to run from your indoor faucets, and open cabinet doors, especially ones on exterior walls.
The cost of fixing burst pipes can vary depending on the location, how large the problem is, and the type of pipes you have. Minor repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, but major damage may cause more than $5,000, according to Fixr.
Natural gas lines
Signs of a gas leak include a hissing sound near a gas line or gas appliance, the odor of natural gas, constant bubbling in standing water, or dead plants around underground gas lines. Gas leaks may cause fires and explosions, so leave the area immediately and then call Atlanta Gas Light at 877-427-4321 or 911.
The cost of repairing a natural gas line in Atlanta typically ranges between $185 to $1,000, with an average cost of around $400, according to Forbes. This is a job for a professional plumber only.
Clogged pipes and drains
A pipe clog can happen fast or over time. Signs of a clogged pipe are:
- Bad sewer smell near drains
- Backups in sinks, tubs, and toilets
- Slow draining
- Bubbling when water drains
- Gurgling sounds in drains
- Leaking sink drain
Clogged pipes may be caused by debris in the pipes from flushing “flushable” wipes, pouring grease down a drain, dental floss, hair, cat litter, and food waste. There are a few DIY options to try before calling a plumber. You can try using a plunger, a product like Drano, or a drain snake. If none of this works, it’s time to call in the Atlanta professionals. Drain cleaning services generally range from $100 to $550 depending on the issue, according to Angi.com.
How to sell a house with major plumbing issues
Consider choosing We Buy Ugly Houses® if you have plumbing issues you would rather not deal with when selling your house. We can help! We are Atlanta’s premier property buyers, with amazing reviews and a high 95%* customer satisfaction rating nationwide from sellers who responded to our post-sale survey. We buy houses “as is,” even houses with plumbing issues, and we make it easy and convenient.
Simply contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at your house. One of our local, friendly property buyers will meet you, take a tour of your Atlanta property, and answer your questions.
We can sometimes give you an offer on the same day. Our offers are usually below market value in exchange for speed and convenience, but we charge no hidden fees or commissions, and we pay typical closing costs. You’ll also avoid preparing your house for showings and the hassles of staging and photography. If you accept our offer, we’ll do our best to figure out a quick closing time that works for your sale. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.
