5 Winter Repairs You Should Start Saving for Now

5 Winter Repairs You Should Start Saving for Now from  North Carolina Lifestyle Blogger Adventures of Frugal Mom

Winter is here. Love it or hate it, the cold weather can wreak havoc on your home. From water damage to a busted hot water heater, a lot can go wrong between winter and spring. Here are six winter repairs you should start saving for now to avoid a surprise financial crisis.

1. Frozen or Burst Pipes

When temperatures dip below zero, pipes are more prone to freezing and bursting. Flooding and water damage is more common in the winter. Air leaks from cracks in the home can make pipes even more vulnerable to freezing.

The good news? You can take steps to prevent your pipes from freezing, such as:

  • Letting faucets drip.
  • Opening cabinet doors underneath sinks.
  • Insulating pipes.

The cost of fixing a burst pipe can run $900 or more. Be prepared for this repair and start saving now.

2. Ice Dams

If you live in an area that gets snow and freezing rain, ice dams can be a problem. Ice dams form when snow accumulates on the roof edges of poorly-insulated homes. The heat from the home causes the snow and ice to melt, which creates a pool of water. The water moves back into the home, forming an ice dam.

There are a few ways to get rid of ice dams, including salting, spraying and even pounding the dam with a hammer.

Hiring a professional to remove the dam with steam will cost you between $300 and $600 per hour.

3. Water Heater

Winter weather means cooler temperatures – and that means hotter showers. Most of us use more hot water in the winter, which can put a strain on your hot water heater.

Water heaters have a 10-year lifespan on average if they’re well maintained. If you have an older unit, it may need to be replaced soon.

The cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is about $826.

4. Sewer Pipe Damage

Sewer pipe damage can happen at any time, but the winter weather may make your sewer line more vulnerable. Sewer repair can be expensive. And it can come out of nowhere.

Signs of a clogged sewer line include:

  • Slow Drains
  • Toilets making a bubbling or gurgling sound
  • Rotting food smell near kitchen drains

Signs of a broken sewer pipe include:

  • High water bills
  • Backup of sewage in the basement or toilet
  • Excessive sewage or water in one spot in the yard

The cost to repair or replace the line can vary greatly. Plumbers perform a sewer camera inspection to find out where the problem is and to gauge the extent of the damage. Typically, the cost can range between $1,000 and $3,900.

5. Gutters

Melting snow and ice can also create ice dams on your gutters. Over time, the weight of the ice can crack or even break your gutters. Your home’s gutters direct water from your roof to protect your shingles. If your gutters fail, they need to be repaired or replaced quickly. Unfortunately, gutters can be expensive to repair. The average cost to replace 150 feet of steel gutter is $1,343.

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