Plumbing issues aren’t known to put a smile on anyone’s face, but it is important not to fall into the trap of neglecting them. There’s a lot of money to be saved in pre-emptive plumbing repairs or simply repairing on time instead of letting the issue linger.
And when they do linger, they tend to cost a lot more, usually considerably more than you thought a plumbing repair should and could cost.
So, save yourself the unpleasant surprise of facing the numbers you are not willing to deduct from your bank account and learn how to take care of your plumbing system in a way that will save you money.
Look at these simple tips of plumbing maintenance and plumbing tricks that can reduce the risk of costly plumbing repairs.
Learn Where the Water Shut-Off Valve Is
Shutting off the main water valve is a quick way to prevent a plumbing problem like a leak that can quickly turn into a plumbing disaster or a flood.
Even those homeowners with little to no experience in plumbing can do a lot of good by simply locating the main water valve and shutting it off. However, not many know where that valve is located, especially if they recently moved.
Check the basement of your home. The valve is usually located near the water meter, but in case it is not there, you should search the foundation wall. It is the wall that’s facing the street, and most of the time, it’s where you’ll find the shut-off valve.
Don’t Neglect Plumbing Maintenance
Issues like clogged drains and broken pipes are a job for an experienced plumber. A good plumber will find the solution in no time and fix the problem without causing new ones in the process.
Still, it is up to you to listen to the sounds your plumbing fixtures make and look for the signs of slow drainage or any water leaks. This way, you can catch the problem while it’s still small and not so costly as other major plumbing issues.
Avoid DIY Plumbing Projects
When it’s a matter of changing an old faucet for a new one, DIY projects can be easy, and you may actually have some fun while doing it. But when it comes to major plumbing repairs, these are better left to the professional plumber.
The reason is simple- you want to avoid causing more damage to your plumbing system.
Experienced plumbers know how complex plumbing systems work. They know that one mistake on one end can lead to an issue on the other end months later.
Paying for one or two plumbing services a year will put a lot less stress on your finances than paying for one every other month.
Create Some Good Habits
If you want your plumbing to last, you need to show it some TLC. This comes in the form of developing good habits that will protect your pipes, drains, and fixtures from deteriorating sooner than they should.
- Mind Your Waste: Ensure all your drains have a waste-catcher and be very careful not to flush the un-flushable materials down the toilet.
- Turn Off Your Taps: A dripping faucet can drip up to 15 gallons of water a day. That is a lot of money wasted on water bills. To stop the water waste in your household, make an effort to turn your taps off all the way. If it continues to drip once you turn it off correctly, replace or fix it as soon as possible.
- Buy Low-Flow Shower Head: Low-flow showerheads are a great way to reduce the amount of water you use daily. They can be bought in most hardware stores and are pretty simple to install. These types of plumbing fixtures are a great way to lower your water bills.
- Check for Leaks: Not every leak is easy to find. But you can be a bit sneaky about it with the use of your water meter. First, turn off every tap and appliance in your home and check the water meter. If it’s still running, it’s a sign you have a leak somewhere in your home. Then, contact a plumber near you to help you find the issue.
- Drain Maintenance: There’s nothing that gets used and abused like drains in your home, and most homeowners are really care less about what goes down their drain. That is until a clog appears, and then all eyes are on that drain doing anything possible to fix it.
The most common problem with kitchen and shower drains is a clog, which can be prevented. Besides taking more care of what you pour down the drain, you can do a monthly cleaning with a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar.
Leave a Reply