With age, your HVAC and plumbing system is more likely to need repairs. While many consider the cost of a cool house worth the price tag, there are some plumbing repairs that will ding your wallet harder than others. Often times, homeowners have no choice but to accept a costly plumbing repair or invest in an HVAC update or replacement. But a poor repair or neglecting your A/C or plumbing can accelerate the process and leave you fitting a potentially hefty bill.
How expensive can an HVAC/plumbing repair be? Here is a look at the top 5 most expensive repairs:
5 Most Expensive Residential Plumbing Repairs
1. Faulty A/C Compressor
The compressor moves refrigerant through your HVAC system. It can be damaged if the coils are coated in dirt, in which case the system can overheat causing the compressor to fail. In fact, any strain on the A/C system can lead to this outcome. To replace the compressor and its coils, the repair job may cost as much as $2,000. This includes the hours of labor needed to complete the process.
2. Water-Damaged Bathroom
Water damage is notoriously expensive to repair. The bathroom has the highest density of water fixtures than anywhere in the home, but people far too often overlook potential signs of water damage. Just because your showerhead or toilet are working fine, doesn’t mean there aren’t issues. Look for damage to caulking and grout. If any material is missing, frayed, or gapped, replace it or seal up any tough spots. Replacing your shower and everything around it can cost up to $15,000; grout and waterproof caulking costs just a few dollars.
3. Poorly Ventilated Attic or Crawlspace
A lack of ventilation can trap heat and moisture in places you don’t want them. In this situation, the underlying plywood will eventually decay to the point there are structural problems. It can be hard to ignore the moisture and mold problems that occur long before then. By not taking steps to ventilate your attic and crawlspace, you could shorten your roof life by years. You could spend $16,000 in roof repairs but avoid these by investing about $1,600 in exhaust fans and vents.
4. Exterior Drainage Issues
Water on the ground is fine, as long as it’s outside, right? Neglecting signs of drainage problems is a big mistake. Pooling water can leak into the basement, leading to mold, rot, or even foundation shifting. Relocating piles of mulch and dirt to away from the house, fixing downspouts and gutters, and adjusting your yard slope away (at least six inches of vertical slope for every 10 feet) is an investment. But dealing with water damage issues can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
5. Failed Septic System
Septic systems are quite common; about one in five U.S. households have one. Proper maintenance helps a septic system last longer. Without it, critical components can clog up and the entire system may stop working. That’s not a situation anyone wants because all your waste travels through the septic system and is broken down there. Emptying your septic tank usually costs under $300 but replacing the system can cost as much as $45,000.
Contact Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing
Our licensed contractors can fix any heating, cooling, or plumbing problem. Whether you need residential A/C maintenance or plumbing repair, we are available in Glenpool, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and other surrounding areas. We’re known for our 24-hour emergency service as well, which is important since many HVAC and plumbing issues need to be addressed quickly to avoid much more serious, and expensive, repairs. Contact us online or call 918-268-3799 to learn more about our services and financing options o