6 Plumbing Disasters That Can Destroy Your Home’s Value

February 20, 2025

Plumbing problems are a drag and they can have an awful impact on your home. You might overlook some potential warning signs of larger issues with your plumbing. However, if some issues are ignored, it can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even structural deterioration. Here are six plumbing disasters that could potentially ruin your home’s value.

1. Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are a serious issue, especially in the wintertime. If you have a pipe bust, it can cause extensive water damage within minutes. In the long run, it can lead to mold, structural issues, and ruined flooring. Older homes are especially at risk. Outdated plumbing is more prone to this kind of disaster. To avoid this, you should have regular inspections of your plumbing done. Also, ensure that your pipes are properly insulated.

2. Sewer Line Backups

Talk about a nightmare! Nobody wants sewage backing up into their home. It smells awful, but it also poses serious health risks. If there is a backup, it can seep into your yard, basement, or home. And it’s wildly expensive to fix. Some of the most common causes of this issue are tree root intrusion, grease buildup, and clogged drains. Again, routine maintenance, such as professional drain cleaning and avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items, can help prevent this disaster.

3. Hidden Leaks

Hidden leaks are silent destroyers of your home’s integrity. They often go unnoticed for months, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and expensive water bills. Common places for hidden leaks include behind walls, under floors, and beneath sinks. If you see water stains, peeling paint, or feel unexplained moisture, it may be time for a professional inspection. Regularly checking your water meter and monitoring usage can help detect leaks early.

4. Water Heater Failures

A failing water heater can cause major damage to your home. Leaks from a faulty tank can flood your basement or utility room, leading to costly water damage. In worst-case scenarios, an overheated water heater can even explode. Signs of trouble include strange noises, rusty water, or inconsistent temperatures. Flushing the tank annually and replacing aging units can prevent catastrophic failures.

5. Clogged Drains Leading to Water Damage

You might think that a clogged drain is just a minor inconvenience, but it can actually lead to water damage if you don’t take care of it. The floors and walls can be impacted by clogs. Not to mention, stagnant water can lead to mold growth (nothing will decrease the value of your home more than mold). Grease, hair, and foreign objects are common culprits of clogs. Using drain screens and avoiding pouring grease down the sink can help maintain clear pipes.

6. Poor DIY Plumbing Repairs

This is something we are currently dealing with in the house we rent. A lot of people try to DIY plumbing fixes to save money. Improper repairs actually lead to plumbing disasters in the long run. Under our kitchen sink, someone actually used bathroom plumbing materials to connect the sink to the drain (one of them doesn’t even fit). This has led to multiple leaks and water damage under the sink. Plumbing codes exist for a reason! And you should always hire a pro to handle any repairs.

Protect Your Home’s Value

No one wants to deal with plumbing issues, but it can become much more than just a headache. Plumbing disasters can actually decrease the value of your home. So, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and have a professional come in to inspect your house’s plumbing. Addressing minor problems now will help you avoid massively expensive plumbing fixes down the road.

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Drew Blankenship

Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.