Boiler Repair and Installation

The term "boiler" is technically a bit outdated. But if your home is using a boiler system, the costs to repair or replace it are comparable to a modern-day furnace type heater and the like. Some units are radiators, some are "fire-tube" types, and some steam units are still in use today. It depends largely on when your building was constructed and what technology was available at the time. But no matter what unit you have, you can always find expert who service that particular type (1).

Installation costs:

• 

  Gas-fired model

  Gas-fired model $2,500 - $5,000.

• 

  Sight

  Oil-fired unit $3,000 - $6,500.

• 

  High-efficiency boiler

  High-efficiency boiler $6,000 - $9,000.

• 

  Sight

  Repair $300 - $600.

Emergency Plumbing

Should you notice something the matter with your plumbing, piping, or fixture, you're going to need service right away. Certainly there are things you can do to delay this in the short term (2). However, if there is leaking or worse, flooding, than emergency services are the only viable solution. Be advised that some plumbers will only charge you for the work, while some can a flat fee, and others actually have emergency service rates.

Base cost guide for emergency services:

• • Small jobs - $100
• • Medium problems - $400
• • Huge Leaks - $900
• • Flooding - $1,000+

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Piping

When it comes to piping, the main question is whether you have PVC plastic pipes, copper pipes, or a mix of the two. The price difference is substantial, while the total amount of time spent on the project will also vary. Re-piping an average house will cost close to one of the following figures (3):

1. Plastic
   • • Single bathroom may be $1,500 - $8,000 or more
   • • Two bathrooms can run $5,000 - $6,000
   • • A three bathroom home could go up to $6,000 - $22,000
2. Copper
   • • One bath $400 - $1,500
   • • Two bath $500 - $2,000
   • • Three bath $600 - $4,000
3. Mix
   • • One small bathroom could cost $1,500 - $2,500
   • • One to two bathrooms can cost $2,700 - $15,000
   • • With a three bathroom running at cost $3,000 - $17,000

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Plumbing Repair

There are lots of jobs that can fall under the blanket category of plumbing repair. And for the most part, they can actually help save you money, especially in the long run. It may be pricey to call a plumber just to repair a leaky faucet, but that fixture's regained water efficiency will eventually pay for itself over the years. Keep in mind that some plumbers also have a flat rate fee on top of the work that could fall between $50 - $150 per hour. So here are just a few of the examples:

• • Garbage disposal repair: $60 - $180
• • Commercial garbage disposal repair: $500 - $2,500
• • Toilet-only clog repair: $400 - $650
• • Toilet replacing: $50 - $350
• • Unclogging a drain: $50 - $450
• • Sink repair: $200 - $500
• • Utility sink repair: $500-$1,300

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The Home Septic System

For many homeowners not connected to a sewer water system, basic sanitary septic services are just another part of owning a home. At least once every year, maybe twice depending on the amount of people you have living in your home, you're going to need to to have it serviced or cleaned out. It's not just to keep the unit functional, it's also the law (4). Should you notice any issues emerging from your septic tank or piping, call in for expert repair before it becomes a health risk. This type of work should exclusively be handled by experts.

• • Septic Pumping - $75 to $300
• • Septic Repair - $2,500 to $4,000
• • Septic Tank Cleaning - $200 to $500
• • Septic Tank Installation - $5,000 to $10,000
• • Emergency Services - $2,400 - $5,000

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The Benefits of Having a Sump Pump

Should your basement be under the constant threat of flooding, there is an easy solution readily available. Installing a sump pump in your home will divert floodwater from the lowest dip in your foundation and transport it safely outside your home (5). While a submersible unit will typically only cost around $70 - $200 dollars, having a genuine fixture in your home can run between $600 and $1,700 for the total installation fee. But it's a small price to pay to avoid water damage and remediation. So if your home falls into a flood risk zone, or you find your basement taking on water even once a year, this is a cost effective and viable solution for your house.

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Different Types of Water Heaters

When you notice that you're not getting hot water in your shower quickly (or at all), water heater repair is the only way to go. Modern technology has also paved way for the newer tankless model, with an "on demand" water supply. The unit does not store water, and only uses water if needed. It's a real cost saver for your monthly bills. This is the pinnacle of water efficiency in today's market, and can be outfitted to any home. There are even solar tankless water heater options available to increase the amount of money you can save (6). Feel free to team that up with a regular heater and be able to choose how much you spend on heating your home's water (or if it's a particularly cloudy day and the solar isn't functioning).

• • Water Heater
  • • Repair $200 - $400
  • • Install $700 - $1,400
• • Tankless Water Heater
  • • Repair $800 - $2,000
  • • Install $3,000 - $11,000
• • Solar Tankless Water Heater
  • • Repair $200 - $800+
  • • Install $1,800 - $5,000

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References

1. World Heritage Encyclopedia. "Bathtub". World Book Library. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
2. "Manufacturer and Repair Directory". National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
3. Stickley, Aaron. "Before You Call A 24 Hour Plumber Read This First!". The Spruce. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
4. "Re-Piping a House Cost". Costhelper. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
5. "How Your Septic System Works". EPA. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
6. Anderson, Murray."How Sump Pumps Work". How Stuff Works.Retrieved 1 June 2017.
7. "Solar Water Heaters". Energy.gov. Retrieved 1 June 2017.

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