The water bill arrives and the consumption is higher than normal. In looking at the bill you realize it's winter time, your water consumption is down, but the bill says it is up as if its summer when your water consumption is higher. Then it hits you bathtub replace a water leak! At some point almost all homeowners run into this problem.
Visually water line repair examine the frozen pipe for signs of damage including cracks holes or breaks. Begin your quest in the areas that are located closest to cold area such as the outer walls and crawl spaces. The holes can be as tiny as a pinprick, so inspect the pipe closely.
After you have the stems out you should be able to find the washer on the "inside" end. If it is nicked, torn or brittle it is likely the cause of your drip. Even if it looks brand new, go ahead and replace it. You've already come this far. You can get replacement washers at almost any hardware store. Sometimes you may want to replace the whole stem, especially if the handle end is stripped out. It's best to just take the stem with you to the store and see if you can match it up. Most Do It Yourself stores have replacement stems for many popular brands. If your valve has a center diverter valve to switch the waterfrom the tub spout to the shower head the same process applies. Many times it is easier to replace the diverter stem than to repair it. This really depends on the design of the stem.
Clean the hole in the gutter railing first. It must be free of any debris, so you may want to clean the entire drain channel using a proper cleaner. In this way, you will have a clean surface area which will allow you to repair the hole more easily.
One tip is to avoid hiring a plumber, who is a part or who is representing a company. They usually work on a commission basis. The company usually has a flat rate for every plumbing service and the plumber's commission will be added up to the company's charge. This is one of the main reasons why some plumbers charge you with a ridiculously high amount of money for their services. Opt for freelance water line repair plumbers instead. They work for themselves, so the price is usually negotiable.
If you plan to replace fixtures, you may be able to do this on your own. Buy the same style or functional fit and then turn off the water to make the switch. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to get the job done.
The next huge thing is to prevent and kill mold that has already started growing. Mold is the most dangerous thing when an area floods. Mold can turn deadly within a extended period of time. Use mold killing agents like Killz and other products on the the market. Be extremely thorough with this process. If the water flooded above the dry wall line, you MUST remove the dry wall to make sure you can replace insulation and dry wall which mold naturally is attracted to. Painting a Killz primer on the concrete is a great idea before installing new carpet and drywall. This will ensure that you have prevented future mold growth and will also ensure the safety of your family.