Does it seem like your budget is getting tighter and tighter every year? We’re all looking for ways to save money on those monthly bills. Here are some great plumbing tips that can potentially save you a lot of money.
#1 Take Care of Your Drains
Clogged drains are probably the most common plumbing issue that will cause you to call a plumber for service. And, most clogged drains could have been avoided in the first place with a few protective measures in place.
- Hair traps are a must in all sinks, tubs, and showers.
- You can also clean your drains monthly by pouring baking soda and vinegar down them. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse with hot water.
- Chemicals and other drain cleaners aren’t usually the best idea. They can actually damage your pipes, causing other issues down the road.
- Be careful of what’s going down the drains in the kitchen. Things like grease, coffee grounds, and excessive food waste can clog your drains, even if you are using a garbage disposal.
#2 And, Speaking of Garbage Disposals
They aren’t exactly trash receptacles conveniently placed in the sink. Some things that you eat will actually harm them. Always avoid things like fatty meat, poultry skins, larger fruit seeds, banana peels, and celery, just to name a few of the things that they don’t like. And, don’t even think about trying to toss bones in there. You’ll not only be taking a chance of clogging the drain, you could break the garbage disposal.
#3 Don’t Ignore Leaks
Faucets will only last for so long. But, usually a leaky faucet doesn’t mean that it has to necessarily replaced. Having leaks taken care of right away might only mean replacing a gasket or other minor fitting. Waiting might mean buying a whole new faucet.
#4 Low-Flow Showerheads
They are fairly inexpensive, can be installed in a matter of minutes, and will significantly reduce the amount of water you and your family are using in the shower. You won’t be wasting as much water and you’ll save money on your monthly water bill.
#5 Leaks
The thing about leaks isn’t so much the actual damage to the pipes that’s causing the leak. It’s more about the damage that the dripping water will cause around the leak. Repairing a leaky pipe is a pretty easy fix. Replacing water damaged wood and other surfaces in your home can get extensive and expensive quickly.
#6 Pay Attention to Your Toilet
You know what it’s supposed to sound like, and there shouldn’t be any water pooling where the base meets the floor. If you hear gurgling when you flush the toilet, there could be any number of things about to happen ranging from a potential clog to a failing pipe to a toilet that won’t flush. And, water on the floor could be even worse. If your toilet’s not acting quite right, the quicker you get a plumber involved, the less the repair will cost.
#7 Annual Plumbing Inspection
It’s the most proactive way to make sure that you aren’t surprised by any expensive repairs. You can schedule a plumbing inspection every year to validate the integrity of every aspect of your plumbing system. They even have cameras that they can send into your pipes, inspecting for any hidden issues that you may not be aware of.