Homes can be great investments. However, sometimes, the plumbing breaks or the roof starts leaking, and it can send you scrambling. If you’re worried about what might happen in your home, here are three of the most common home repair emergencies and what you can do:
Plumbing Breaks
According to HomeGuide.com, average plumbing jobs can easily cost up to $800 to fix.
However, the damage from a busted pipe can be immense, with the average home insurance claim exceeding $6,000.
What to Do if the Plumbing Breaks?
If your plumbing breaks, don’t panic. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize damage:
- Shut off the water supply. If you don’t know where this is, go ahead and find out ASAP before you need it.
- Dry or contain the water. Use towels, squeegees or whatever is necessary to get the water up before it does any harm.
- Call a plumber. The sooner, the better.
- Review your insurance policy. Not all water damage may be covered under insurance.
- Examine the damage. Obtain quotes from several contractors, find out if they provide a finance plan; and investigate other financing options, if necessary.
Leaking Roof
- Roofs tend to leak at the worst possible times, such as, during rainstorms or heavy snow. During these weather events, it can be difficult to get a hold of a professional due to “high demand."
- A leaking roof is a common home repair and requires urgent attention. When water is consistently dripping, it can ruin ceilings, floors, walls, and/or personal belongings. Insurance policies may cover some of these losses, but the policy holder is still responsible for paying the deductible.
- The average cost of repairing roofs varies from state to state but can average between $500-$2,000 to complete, according to Angi.com (formerly Angie’s List).
What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking?
Here are some things to do if your roof starts to leak to minimize damage.
- Move everything that could get wet. It is best to not assume that insurance will cover damages for any personal property.
- Manage the water. Use buckets, towels, and whatever you have on hand to start collecting and cleaning up the water, if safe.
- Take lots of pictures. You may need these for insurance later.
- Cover the roof. If you can do so safely, cover the damaged section roof with plastic or a tarp to inhibit leaking until it can be fixed.
Termite Damage
Inspecting your home for the presence of termites or damage is a major step in home maintenance and repairs.
Not sure how to tell if you may have termites? Here are a few signs of termites being present in your home. First, you may notice swarms of flying insects outside of your basement. Or you may notice hollowed-out wood, holes in walls and ceilings, or other signs of infestation.
Termite control options range from easy do-it-yourself solutions to more involved treatments using pesticides from pest control companies. Termite treatment costs vary according to the type of treatment required and the degree of damage.
What to Do in Case of Termite Damage?
To address termite damage, you should:
- Call a professional pest control company for an inspection and treatment plan.
- Remove any wood debris or mulch that is in direct contact with your home, as termites love to live in these places.
- Take preventive measures such as caulking cracks and gaps in your foundation, installing screens over windows and vents, and inspecting wooden structures regularly.
Overall, it is crucial to have a plan in place to address common home repairs emergencies. Whether you choose professional help or DIY methods, the key is to act quickly and know your options. By doing so, you can minimize damage to your home and get back on track as soon as possible.