How Much Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Cost?

A tub to shower conversion is often done by homeowners who simply want to convert their tub into a shower only.

Going this route can create more room in the bathroom or work well for people have a harder time stepping over the tub.

“Hardiboard is up… covered with plastic” (CC BY 2.0) by  jessicafm

How much does a tub to shower conversion cost?

When converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower, there are so many variables that can affect the costs.  The costs can depend on your geographical location, the underlying framework, how fancy you want your new shower to be and the demolition involved.  The costs to hire a professional can range from as little as $2,000 if you were to do it yourself to more than $15,000 if you were to hire a contractor.  The materials, even if you were to hire a professional, can easily cost $1,500 to $2,500 for the new insert, tile, door, drywall and/or fixtures.

Those who want to do the job on their own can often find a shower stall kit from a local home improvement store for about $1,500.

Because each job is going to be different, consider using HomeAdvisor.com to receive free quotes from licensed contractors in your area.  All you have to do is explain your job and contractors will contact you with free ballpark quotes, allowing you to decide who you want to work with.

According to the BrickUnderground.com, they say homeowners should be prepared to spend $8000 to $12,000, depending on the amount of demo required, the condition of the walls and the shower you want to install.

Factors affecting the costs

Your geographical location

As with anything you buy, your local cost of living can greatly affect the costs.

The demolition necessary

What kind of tub does the contractor have to remove?  Is it a freestanding ball-and-claw tub or a built-in tub?

The weight of the tub

Heavier tubs will need to be broken down into smaller pieces to make it easier to transport out of your home.

The condition of the walls and floors around the tub

If the walls are in poor shape, then a contractor will want to replace the drywall, and sometimes, depending on the age of the plumbing, the pipes as well while the walls are exposed.

The materials you want

A higher-end frosted glass door will be much more than installing a simple shower curtain or in-stock door at a local home improvement store.  The same can be said if you were to want a tiled shower instead of a simple acrylic insert.  On the lower end, materials can cost close to $1,500 for a kit, whereas higher-end materials can cost well into the thousands.

Tub to shower conversion overview

Replacing your bathtub and replacing it with a shower only will first start with cutting off the water supply and removing the entire shower and bathtub enclosure, including the walls.  Depending on your new setup, the drain and/or plumbing may need to be reconfigured if you want your showerhead or shower in a different location or you simply want a different setup.

The conversion, when everything has been demolished, will start with the drain and the flooring, followed by either inserting the new insert or tiling the surrounding shower.  Lastly, new fixtures and a door will be installed.

Most jobs, depending on the complexity and experience of a contractor can take two to four weeks to finish.

What are the extra costs?

Again, there are so many variables that can affect the costs and add to the estimates mentioned above.  For example, if you were to relocate the plumbing lines for a new showerhead or to change the location, this could add to the cost. The same could be said if you were to want a concrete shower floor instead of a typical shower pan made from an acrylic material.

Adding a customized glass door or higher-end glass door can increase the costs by $1,500 to $3,000.  Upgrading to a tiled shower instead of an insert can increase the costs as well.

If any mildew or rot is noticed near the subfloor, then this will have to be repaired as needed.

The shower valve, which is designed to control the temperature and volume, is often replaced for about $150.

How can I save money?

If you’re planning to convert your tub to a shower only, consult with a few contractors in your area before deciding on one.  Always be sure to look at their past work, ask for references and always make sure they are insured.

Materials will make up a large portion of your estimate, and if you’re on a budget, talk with your contractor to see which materials you can use to lower your costs.  For example, a cast iron shower pan can easily cost $1,000 for the pan alone, while a fiberglass pan can cost less than $250.  A simple glass door can cost much more than a higher-end frosted glass door.  Basically, the fewer changes you make to your existing setup, the lower the costs will be.

A kit, which is often the lowest-cost option, commonly made from fiberglass or acrylic, and is made to fit into your existing location.  They will come with pre-made sides, a floor pan, a hinged glass door and hole for the drain.  These kits, if it’s able to fit into your existing setup without any modifications, will be your cheapest option.

Comments (0)

How Much Does Subfloor Repair Cost?

The subfloor — the additional layer beneath the floor and is installed across the floor joists — at some point may begin to rot if exposed to water or may need to be replaced due to cat or dog urine.  This scenario is most often seen inside of a bathroom, but it can happen anywhere throughout the home.

“kitchen joists” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  lemonhalf

How much does subfloor repair cost?

On average, be prepared to pay around $10 to $35 per square foot if you were to hire a professional contractor.  This is a price for just removing the subflooring and will not include replacing the flooring that was removed such as the tile, wood, or carpet.  The costs will depend on the geographical area, the complexity of the job, the flooring condition, the contractor and if the flooring has to be replaced after.  Most of your smaller jobs, such as rotted floor joists, buckling floors or a sagging floor, can cost about $400 to $1,000 on average.

For a simple, straightforward tear out, be prepared to spend about $10 per square foot; however, if the contractor needs to access beneath the walls to alter the structural support, the costs can get much closer to the $35 per square foot range.

The estimates should include the subflooring materials, all labor and cleanup.

Since all jobs are going to be rather different, consider using HomeAdvisor.com, a free estimate search engine that connects you with local, reputable and licensed contractors in your area.  Simply describe your job and contractors will quote you with an estimate.

On this DIYChatRoom.com forum thread, one member was quoted $45 per hour and about $300 in materials.  The entire job, which was about 500 square feet, cost him seven hours in labor in the end, totaling close to $615 to replace the entire room’s subflooring.

According to the data at AsktheHandyman.net, the costs to repair dry rot in the floor around the toilet can be about $400, for example.

What are the extra costs?

If carpet, hardwood flooring or tile has to be removed to access the subfloor, this flooring may have to be replaced if can’t be salvaged.  Depending on the size of the room, especially if it is a bathroom, you may need to replace the whole floor.  The costs to replace your flooring, again, depending on the size, can reach into the thousands.

Aside from the subflooring, the joists may need to be replaced in some cases.  Repairing a joist can cost an additional $100 to $300 per joist.

A damaged subfloor can sometimes be due to a leaky toilet and/or shower/tub.  If this were the case, then you will need to budget to either replace these items or for parts to stop them from leaking in the future.

How can I save money?

Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover damage caused by water.  Depending on the type of policy you have, the repairs may be covered and you will only be responsible for your deductible.

Comments (0)

How Much Does a Subcision Cost?

A subcision is a cosmetic procedure that correct deep scars caused by acne or other skin conditions.

To understand why a subcision would work, we have to first understand the anatomy of an acne scar.

Rolling acne scars and boxcar acne scars are depressed scars, which means the scars are below the surface of the skin.  The reason why they are depressed is that there are fibrous bands underneath the skin that are pulling down the surface of the skin.

The goal with a subcision is by inserting a needle through the surface of the skin and cutting out the fibrous scar tissue pulling down the surface skin.  This, in turn, allows the skin to be lifted since it isn’t “anchored” anymore.

How much does a subcision for acne scars cost?

On average, be prepared to pay $150 to $300 per treatment without insurance.  Since more than one treatment is needed, it is best to assume that you will need a minimum of three sessions, which can bring the total to more than $450 to $900.  The number of sessions will depend on your condition, the number of scars being treated and doctor’s recommendations.

At Lakeview Dermatology, the cost of a subcision is anywhere from $150 to $400 per treatment depending on the number of scars treated.

On this forum thread at Acne.org, members paid an average of $175 per session.

Subcision overview

A subcision is usually performed by a dermatologist inside their office, but it may also be available at many local plastic surgery offices.  It’s best performed multiple times, often weeks apart and can take months to see desirable results.

During the procedure, a small needle punctures the skin, cutting through the scar tissue, allowing the needle to pull down the surface area of the skin.  This allows the scar to be released and heal over time.

The length of treatment takes around 15 to 30 minutes.  Afterward, the patient is able to go home immediately.

What are the extra costs?

A local anesthesia may be charged separately from the estimates mentioned above.  This could be an additional $100 to $200.

Most doctors claim it takes upwards of three to six sessions before noticeable results are noticed.  As mentioned, be prepared to go in for more than one session.

In some circumstances, a subcision can be combined with fillers, such as Restylane or Volbella, and/or resurfacing lasers, adding hundreds to the total cost.

Tips to know:

Even when a local anesthetic is used, patients still experience a mild to moderate pain during the procedure.

It is important to note that a subcision is a safe and simple procedure, but it is not completely free of risk.  You could experience bruising, pain, rough scars, and/or redness in the treatment area for a few days right after the treatment.

A subcision often eliminates scars completely, but there are instances where a scar can’t be removed.  This is due to the severity of each patient’s scars.

According to Dr. Harold Kaplan, MD on RealSelf.com, a subcision works best for an acne scar where the depression is wider than 1/4 of an inch.

The recovery time, for most patients, is very minimal.  In fact, after the procedure is complete, women can apply makeup to cover any noticeable bruises.

How can I save money?

Since there’s a good chance you will need more than one treatment, see if you can buy sessions in bulk to save.

Many offices are more than happy to provide a cash discount if you pay in full.

Even if you’re loyal to one office, compare rates with two to three other offices in your area.  Many offices will either list their prices on their website or offer a ballpark quote over the phone.

Comments (0)

How Much Does a Safe Step Tub Cost?

The Safe Step Walk-In Tub Company, known to be America’s number one selling walk-in tub manufacturer, has a line of tubs and showers, primarily designed for senior citizens who face mobility challenges.

The company is American owned, operated and all of their parts are made in the United States.

“Walk-in tub” (CC BY 2.0) by gemteck1

How much does a safe step walk in tub cost?

The cost of a Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co., as according to the official website, will depend on the installation, dimensions and if any rebates are available at the time.  The prices, from what we had found, would greatly depend on the location of the tub inside of the bathroom.  On average, even though there was a wide range of prices, these tubs could cost anywhere from as little as $5,000 for a tub without any additional features to as much as $10,000+ for tub with most of the features available.  Keep in mind this wouldn’t include the professional installation, and if you were to hire their contractor or your own, this could be an additional $5,000 or even more if a contractor deems it’s a complex install job.  All in all, for a grand total, plan on budgeting at least $8,000 to $20,000 to have a Safe Step Walk-In Tub installed.

Keep in mind that this is simply a ballpark, combining the quotes we had found line via various resources such as ConsumerAffairs.com.  To get an exact quote, Safe Step will send out a representative to scope your bathroom to make the measurements and explain what they can do for you in terms of pricing and options.

Refer to our table below to see the installation prices we found posted online:

According to this ABC News article, a couple purchased a Safe Step Walk-In Tub for $16,333, but after five months, it began to leak downstairs.  Even though multiple efforts were made to correct it, the tub still leaked.  Eventually, the company offered $1,000 a goodwill gesture and were finally able to fix the leak with new parts and a door.

Safe Step overview

Some of the standard features include a quick release drain, which, unlike a traditional plug located at the bottom of the tub, will be located in an easy-to-reach location to avoid straining your back.  Other features include a door, making it easier to get in and out, a safe water ozone system, which kills bacteria, a 17-inch ADA compliant mounted chair with anti-slip properties, heated seat, and a locking ergonomic handle to make locking the door a breeze.

The company backs it product with a lifetime warranty on the tub, including manufacturing defects, the door seal, faucets, water pumps, heaters and blowers.

What are the extra costs?

Optional features, aside from the standard features mentioned prior, can include a hydrotherapy massage system, MicroSoothe therapy system, lower back heating system, light therapy system, aromatherapy and/or personal hygiene therapy.  Depending on the optional features you’re interested in, adding one or two can easily add a few hundred or thousands to your total bill.

In some cases, you may need to upgrade your water heater in order to fill the tub completely.

How can I save money?

Sometimes, the company does offer a special offer that knocks some money off the total price.  For example, right now, as we write this, they are offering a $1,500 off special, but this could always change.  Always refer to their official website to see if any offers are available.

Call your local dealer to see if they have any cancellation orders or older models.  If so, this is a great way to save up to 50 percent.

Try to hire your own contractor as the dealer’s installers can often be more than a licensed one you can find nearby.  To find multiple contractors with a click of a button, consider getting free quotes at HomeAdvisor.com.  Here, simply talk about your job and reputable, licensed contractors will email you a quote.

Safe Step is one of the many brands that manufacturers walk-in tubs.  Be sure to compare three other brands to compare pricing, features and what it can offer you.

Discounts are available for those who are a member of AARP.

Comments (1)

How Much Does a Heart Event Monitor Cost?

The heart event monitor, also known as the cardiac event recorder, is a battery-powered portable instrument used to monitor and record the heart’s electrical activity (ECG) when the patient is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and chest pain.   The objective is to find out what is causing the symptoms.

By wearing this monitor, it can tell your doctor if the medicine is working, if your pacemaker is working or if your heart is receiving enough oxygen.

This type of equipment is used for patients who have been experiencing these symptoms frequently but not necessarily while at the doctor’s office.

How much does a heart event monitor cost?

If you were to need a seven to 30-day event monitor at a local doctor’s office, then the costs are often between $300 to $850+ without insurance.  The costs will depend on your doctor’s office, the data monitoring fees and where you live.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare, a non-profit corporation serving the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region, offers Event Monitor services using the King of Hearts event monitor device.  A heart event recording test costs $193.86, while the analysis fee is $324.66.

Someone on Yahoo! Answers said their doctor quoted no more than $600, but when she received the bill, it was $1,875.

As for the device, if you were to purchase it, the prices for a new monitor can cost anywhere from $450 to more than $1,100.

Heart event monitor overview

Heart event monitoring involves wearing a small, portable cardiac event recorder over a few weeks to months or however long it takes to record the heart while the symptoms are occurring.  When a patient is experiencing symptoms, he or she simply pushes a button to monitor and record what is occurring to the heart.  This recorded data can then be uploaded when you turn the device in.

Heart event monitors come in a range of designs and may or may not be attached to the patient’s chest with wires and adhesive patches. They can also be in the form of a wristwatch or beeper form, or they can be carried in the pocket or purse.

There are two types of heart event monitors/recorders: the looping memory monitor and the symptom event monitor.  The looping memory monitor is about the size of a pager that can be set to record a person’s ECG for a period of time and can be activated through the push of a button.  A symptom event monitor can be a hand-held unit or worn on the wrist and has small metal discs on the back that work as electrodes.  When the patient feels a symptom, he places it on his chest and activates the button. Both event monitor devices yield data (or tracing) that can be sent by telephone to a transmission or to a receiving unit located in a hospital.  If the tracing signifies there is an emergency, the patient will be advised to go to the emergency room.

What are the extra costs?

The costs, depending on the doctor’s office, may or may not include the doctor appointment fees and/or data monitoring fees. These fees, if not included, can cost another $150 to $400+

Tips to know:

The loop recorder is the most suitable device for people who pass out when they experience symptoms related to heart problems.

When using the heart event monitor, it is important that you stay away from metal detectors, microwave ovens, garage door openers, electric blankets and high-voltage areas.  This is because these types of equipment emit signals that can cause interference with the recording.

A heart event monitor that starts automatically when symptoms occur can be a better option, particularly for those who are concerned about being unable to activate the monitor when they need to.

It is important to keep a detailed journal of your daily activities and the symptoms you experience.

There are no risks involved when wearing one; however, it may irritate your skin when you remove the patches.

How can I save money?

Check with your insurance provider as this monitor should be covered as long as it’s deemed medically necessary.  If you do not have a policy or maybe you are looking to switch your current policy, consider browsing through hundreds of health insurance plans in your area for free at eHealthInsurance.com.

Even if you do not have insurance, ask your doctor’s office if they have discounts available for those who pay in cash.

Comments (0)

How Much Does a Gypsy Wedding Dress Cost?

Gypsy wedding dresses are famous for its elaborate, massive look and sometimes over-the-top designs.

Usually made to achieve an element of surprise, gypsy wedding gowns can be quite elaborate.

How much does a gypsy wedding dress cost?

On average, be prepared to pay anywhere from as little as $5,000 to more than $25,000+ for a quality Gypsy wedding dress.  The average, according to most dresses we looked at, cost about $5,000 to $18,000 on average.  Keep in mind that like other dresses, the costs can easily surpass the range above if you were to need a premium name branded dress created by a celebrity designer, premium materials and/or customizations.  Like a traditional wedding dress or piece of clothing, it can be hard to offer a “definite” price as there are so many factors when pricing a gypsy wedding dress.

Sondra Celli, the dress designer who made wedding dresses seen on TLC’s television show, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, had pre-owned dresses online for $15,000 to $25,000.  If you were to buy new, however, you could easily double or triple these costs, often as high as $40,000 to $65,000+

According to TLC.com, a gypsy wedding dress can be very expensive, with some gypsy girls having reportedly spent more than $80,000 on a wedding dress alone.  In addition, brides in the traveler community spend around $1,500 on accessories.

The average gypsy, according to the Daily Mail, will spend close to $5,000 to $9,000 on her dress.

In this Boston Globe article, they claim the dresses can often range anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000, and the average dress can weigh 80 pounds, depending on the decorations being used.

What are the extra costs?

Optional add-ons need to be considered, just like those available for a traditional wedding dress.  This can include matching accessories such as a veil, shawl, bolero jacket, crinoline slip, and/or bouquet ribbon. These accessories can range from $25 to $125, but custom modifications can cost much more.

Other accessories, such as heels, jewelry and hair supplies, of course, need to be budgeted for as well.

A customized bouquet, designed to match the dress, could cost another few hundred dollars, depending on the design and size.

Rush orders, if available, can add hundreds to your order, depending on the wedding gown maker.

If the dress has to be altered or customized, this can add to the total price as well.  Most dresses can have the necklines, skirt, corset and bodices customized to fit your exact measurements.

Tips to know:

A gypsy wedding gown can have a low-cut style or a thigh-high split, depending on the personal preferences of the bride.  Most gypsy wedding dress designs are white and decked with crystals, sometimes as many as 50,000 and close to 100+ feet of fabric.  In essence, when compared to a traditional wedding dress, these dresses will have more volume in the skirt area and will incorporate more vibrant colors and crystals.  The three defining characteristics, as said by TLC, are size, style and Swarovski jewels.  When it comes to the dress, bigger is always better.

The average dress, by the time you add all of the fabric and the crystals, can weigh close to 80 to 100 pounds.

When buying from an online store or even in person, always make sure to ask when the gown will be finished to ensure that it does not arrive late.  Most gypsy wedding dresses require a longer production time compared with traditional wedding gowns, particularly if the design is elaborate and needs a lot of customized work.

A very elaborate gypsy wedding dress may have as many as 24 net underskirts, a train of up to 20 feet long and a very tight-fitting corset with sharp accessories that may make wearing the gown uncomfortable.  If at all possible, be sure to try on a similar dress before committing to the purchase to make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with.

How can I save money?

Consider purchasing a dress second hand on either eBay, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com or Craigslist.  At the time of this writing, for instance, we were able to find a Sondra Celli gypsy wedding dress, with a $40,000 retail value, selling for less than $15,000 on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.

Comments (0)

How Much Does IVIG Treatment Cost?

IVIG (immunoglobulin therapy) is a plasma product formed by taking antibodies from donors and mixing them together to combat several immune system disorders, including CIDP and GBS.  At this moment, the FDA has approved IVIG to treat six diseases:  primary immunodeficiency; immune thrombocytopenia purpura; chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; multifocal motor neuropathy; B-cell lymphocytic leukemia; and Kawasaki syndrome.

For an immune deficiency, where the body does not make enough antibodies, these IVIG infusions will supply them.

After these infusions, patients often see a response in less than 48 hours.

How much does IVIG treatment cost?

Since IVIg is obtained from plasma donors and then send to a processing center to mix, remove the antibody, treat chemicals and filter it to remove viruses, the costs can be quite high.  A single infusion can cost as little as $100 to more $350+ per gram, with most treatments costing at least $10,000+ each or close to $30,000 per month without insurance.  The cost of the treatment will greatly depend on your body weight and where you have the injections done.

We had browsed the Internet to see what patients had paid for their IVIG treatments.  With quite a few statements posted online, we listed our research inside our table below:

According to ChoosingWisely.org, they claim the procedure can cost more than $30,000 per year.

A forum member on this gbs-cidp.org forum thread had five treatments in the past 14 months and the first three were billed at $32,000 or close to $152 per gram, while the last two were billed for $96,000 or closer to $457 per gram.  Another member on this same thread claimed they paid close to $7,500 per day in 2005.

As long as the procedure is deemed medically and you are diagnosed with an immune disorder, then most insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid will cover the injections and you will be responsible for your co-pays and meet your deductible.  Talk with your insurance company before making an appointment to make sure you’re working with a facility that accepts your insurance.

IVIG treatment overview

During the process, the IVIG will first be mixed inside of a bag, which is then attached to a tube that runs to a vein inside of your arm.

For an adult infusion, the entire process can take four to five hours.  IVIG can be administered at a local doctor’s office or inside a hospital outpatient center.

Tips to know:

Common side effects can include headaches, an allergic reaction, fatigue, rashes or an odd reaction.

How can I save money?

Always check with your insurance company ahead of time to understand your policy and help you choose a facility that’s covered.  As mentioned prior, your treatments should be covered as long as you meet the insurance company’s criteria.  Medicare and Medicaid are also known to cover the sessions as well.

On LivingwithPolyneuropathy.org, one recommended a home infusion since these infusions can be much cheaper than a hospital setting.

If you don’t have insurance, some companies will work with you if you pay in full with cash.

Also, for those who don’t have insurance, always compare providers as each one will greatly vary with their pricing.

Comments (7)

How Much Does Perforated Eardrum Surgery Cost?

A perforated eardrum, also known as a ruptured ear drum, can be caused due to a variety of scenarios.

With children, it is most often caused by an ear infection that causes too much pressure inside the ear drum.  With adults, it can be caused by a loud noise right next to the ear, a sudden change in ear pressure and/or an injury to the ear.

While a hole in the eardrum can heal on its own in some cases, there are instances when surgery is needed in order to close the hole to prevent it from becoming infected.

A tympanoplasty is a surgical method used to repair perforations in the eardrum and the middle ear bones (ossicles), which are composed of the incus, malleus, and stapes.

“Ear” (CC BY 2.0) by Katie Tegtmeyer

How much does perforated eardrum surgery cost?

Known as a Tympanoplasty, the average perforated eardrum surgery can cost anywhere from as little as $2,000 to as much as $15,000+ without health insurance.  The costs will depend on your geographical location, the type of procedure, how anesthesia will be billed, the facility you use, doctor and inclusions in the bill.

David Steward, MD, on NetWellness.org, said he would charge $2,000 for a simple tympanoplasty with a same day discharge, but the hospital would charge $8,000 for the same procedure.

For those who have an insurance policy, your surgery should be covered as long as it’s deemed medically necessary.  If this were the case, then you will only be responsible for your co-pays and meeting your deductibles.  Those who are looking for a new policy or simply want to switch, consider browsing through hundreds for free at websites like eHealthInsurance.com.

Perforated eardrum surgery overview

A tympanoplasty will be performed if the hole inside your eardrum is large or if you’re experiencing chronic ear infections that can’t be cured with antibiotics.  During the procedure, while under general anesthesia, the surgeon will use a laser to remove any excess tissue or scar tissue that may have built up inside the middle of your ear.  Then, a smaller piece of your own healthy tissue will be taken from a vein and will then be grafted onto your eardrum in order to close the hole.  The surgeon, from there, may either go through your ear canal to repair the eardrum or will create a smaller incision behind your ear to in order to access your eardrum.

The surgery can take up to three hours, and patients are allowed to go home immediately after being performed.

After the surgery has been performed, your ear will be stuffed with cotton packing, with a bandage over top, which will have to remain there for up to seven days.

What are the extra costs?

Before the surgery is even considered, a hearing test will be done to surgery can help.

Tips to know:

Risks and complications from the surgery are rare, but you may experience damage to your facial nerves or to the bones of your middle ear; dizziness; incomplete healing; or moderate hearing loss.  More than 90 percent of those who have had this surgery recover with no complications.

How can I save money?

A freestanding surgical center will always be cheaper than a local hospital.  If at all possible, always try to make an appointment outside of the hospital to save up to 40 percent.

As with any medical procedure, always talk with your health insurance company to make sure you are working with a facility/doctor that accepts your insurance

Comments (0)

How Much Does an EVAP Smoke Test Cost?

The Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system is designed to store and dispose of the fuel vapor built up in the fuel system of a vehicle, preventing the vapor from escaping into the atmosphere.

Abnormalities in the EVAP system may lead to driving problems and can often mean a failing grade on the two-speed idle test or enhanced I/M evaporative pressure or purge test.

EVAP smoke testers are used to check the system for leaks that affect the performance of a vehicle.

How much does an EVAP smoke test cost?

On average, an EVAP test can cost anywhere from $60 to as much as $150.  This is just for the test and won’t cover the repairs.

According to SmogTest.com, the average cost to repair an EVAP system that failed the EVAP test is $250.

A diagnostic smoke test, according to British Columbia-based Jericho Electronics, costs $89.99 at some shops. The price does not include repair.

The machine itself, if you were to purchase on for personal use, could cost $150 to $800+.

The best sellers on Amazon.com, for instance, sell for $150 to $750.

EVAP smoke test overview

An EVAP smoke test procedure usually entails a technician clamping the end of the EVAP hose that leads to the charcoal canister and applies pressure on the gas tank using nitrogen via the EVAP test device. The tool calculates the drop in pressure resulting from leaks. If there is a loss of pressure, the vehicle will fail the EVAP portion of a smog test. Vehicles that fail the EVAP smoke test the first time are usually subjected to “phase two” of the process, which signifies that a leak large enough to set a DTC if detected.

What are the extra costs?

An airlift cooling system leak checker and purge tool kit may be a necessary extra purchase. The tool, which can cost about $100, eliminates problematic airlocks in modern automobile cooling systems.

For do-it-yourselfers, specific tools may also be required to perform the task efficiently. These may include hose clamp pliers, a hose removal tool, a spill-free funnel, to name some. These tools can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 each.

If repairs are required after a test, costs can be as high as $1,000, depending on the repair that has to be done.

Tips to know:

The purpose of the EVAP system is to reduce the number of fuel vapors escaping into the atmosphere and maintain the efficiency of a vehicle. The fuel vapors inside the EVAP system are typically stored in a charcoal canister and flushed out and burned in the combustion chamber during different states of operation. Tests are conducted to ensure that the EVAP system is working efficiently. If a test yields results that go beyond preset parameters or limits, a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) is set and causes a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) or SES (Service Engine Soon) warning that alerts the driver of a malfunction.

Industry experts estimate that of the seven million vehicles that need an EVAP smoke test each year, 11 percent of them will fail.

Avoid emissions failure due to the normal evaporative emissions purge cycle. Do not test the vehicle following extended hot soak periods, prolonged idle, or after it has been left sitting out in the sun in hot weather. These conditions result in the accumulation of copious amounts of fuel vapor in the charcoal canister.

There are scan tools that have bi-directional controls with the ability to command the vehicle to conduct a self-test of the EVAP system. The test can take 10 to 20 minutes and is regarded as more comprehensive than the initial testing procedure for the reason that all the components of the system are tested.

Leaks usually found in automobiles include broken or disconnected vacuum lines, a broken exhaust, damaged throttle shafts as well as cracked plastic components and leaking gaskets and/or fittings, to name a few. With an EVAP smoke test, leaks are found, and subsequently, repaired, keeping the vehicle in good condition.

How can I save money?

Shop around.  Ask friends, family or co-workers to see who they use for their mechanic.  It never hurts to get at least three quotes before committing to one.

If your “check engine” light is on, go to a local AutoZone to receive a free reading.  With this code, research it more in-depth online to ensure you need this type of test.

Comments (1)

How Much Does a Russian Tortoise Cost?

Originating from Uzbekistan, the Russian Tortoise are the smallest known tortoise species available, essentially making them one of the most sought after turtle species at local pet stores.

In the wild, these tortoises are commonly found along the edges of rocky hills or the deserts of Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“Tortoise” (CC BY 2.0) by  雷太

How much does a Russian tortoise cost?

On average, most Russian tortoises are going to cost between $75 and $200, and the costs will depend on the age, size, health and seller.   Baby tortoises will almost always be twice the amount of an older turtle.

For example, a Russian tortoise costs $150 at PetSmart.

Another pet supplier online, BackwaterReptiles.com, sells its Russian tortoise hatchlings for $200 or $70 for one that is four to five inches long.

Tortoise Supply, another online pet retailer, sells its tortoises for $100 to $200.

Russian tortoise overview

Males can grow up to eight inches long, and females, on average, tend to be two inches longer than their male counterparts.

When healthy, hey can live up to 30 to 50 years in captivity.

The Russian tortoise has a light brown and olive color shell with dark brown bands that wrap around the shell.

They are known to be very active for a turtle, friendly and tame when gently handling them.

What are the extra costs?

Housing, at a minimum, should be at least 36 inches long and 12 inches wide; however, the larger the cage is, the happier your tortoise can be.  Aside from the indoor cage, an outdoor pen is also recommended when the weather is warm outside to allow your turtle to roam to receive its much-needed UV rays and should measure at least four by-four feet.  A good cage can cost $125 to $200.  For example, the best rated Russian tortoise tanks online retail for about $150 to $200.

Inside of its indoor cage should be a hiding area, a dehumidifier if you live in a humid environment and a UV light, which should be kept on for 12 to 14 hours per day, to help it receive heat.  The temperature should be kept at 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  The bottom of its cage should be lined with a substrate, such as alfalfa pellets, at least one to two inches thick.

As for its diet, they tend to eat just about any plants, fruits and vegetables, and experts recommend a high fiber, rich in calcium diet with as little as protein as possible ensure a good digestive tract function.  Some of their favorite foods include romaine lettuce, endive, radicchio, chicory, kale, collards, hibiscus and certain flowers.  It’s best to budget about $1 per day to feed.

Tips to know

This type of animal is a great animal for beginners since they tend to be social and are very easy to maintain.  However, keep in mind that if properly taken care of, they can live more than 30 years, a much higher average than most other pets.  You are making a long term commitment.

If you catch your turtle in the wild, it is imperative you bring it to the vet to make sure that it is healthy and has no signs of stress or health issues.  You also need to give the tortoise time to acclimate to its new surroundings since getting used to a new home in captivity may cause underlying problems to surface.

Russian tortoises can be housed together, but never house different species together.

Common health problems, as per Petco, can include respiratory disease, ticks, gastrointestinal disease or a vitamin deficiency due to insufficient UVB lighting and/or its diet.

How can I save money?

See if there’s a tortoise rescue in your area offering older tortoises for sale.  This is a great way to help a local organization and offer a tortise who truly needs a home.

Comments (0)