Plumbing Tips to Save You Money
Plumbing is the structure of our homes; it is what our homes are built around and keeps things running smoothly. But fixing plumbing issues can be expensive. To avoid spending your whole safety net on plumbing maintenance, try these 12 tips to save some money.
- Check for Leaky Faucets
Most of the time, leaky faucets are an easy fit and can save you significant money on your water bill over time. - Check for Hidden Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks, even small ones, can cost you an arm and a leg without you even knowing there is a leak. You can check to see if you have a hidden leak by adding a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank, and if you see it in the bowl 30 minutes later, you probably have a leak. Fix the problem with a call to your plumber. - Make Sure Your Toilet is Flushing Properly
If you need to push down hard or jiggle the handle, you probably have some worn parts and may need to replace them. Replacing a handle is much cheaper than what running water added to your bill can be. - Pour Water into Infrequently Used Drains
This will keep them functioning as intended. If they drain slowly, snake it or hire a professional to snake it for you. You can also pour solution into your drains that helps clean crude from them and clear the pipes, but keep in mind this wears away your pipes so you can’t do this on a regular basis. - Clean Drains, Gutters, and Downspouts Around Your Home
And be sure to maintain them on a regular basis. Rain paired with more active wildlife and pests than in the winter months means there are more things happening that could potentially cause issues with drainage. - Check Exposed Pipes for Signs of Leaks
Spotting a leak early can save you thousands of bucks in plumbing repairs. - Add Strainers to Your Drains
Adding strainers to every drain can help keep hair and other particles from building up in your pipes leading to nasty clogs. Save time and money by avoiding clogs before they happen with drain strainers. - Keeping Your Hot Water Tank’s Temperature at the Proper Level
Make sure that your hot water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees in order to save on heating costs and to keep your family safe from hot water burns at sinks and in the tub. - Regular Inspections of Your Sewer Lines
Ensuring that your sewer line is not clogged or obstructed will help you maintain your system, catch any damages early, and ultimately save you on water costs and possible repairs. - Know Where Your Shut-Off Valves Are
Panic combined with an emergency plumbing situation is a recipe for disaster and a huge bill from your local plumber. Knowing where your shut-off valve is can save you a lot of grief, money, and additional damages. If you can’t find the valve, ask your plumber! If you have a flooding situation going on in your home, turn off your water, and call a plumber! - Keep on the Heat
Make sure your heat is on when it’s cold outside, even if nobody is currently living in the home. When water freezes, the molecules expand and become denser. The expanding molecules force the metal of your pipes open, creating a crack or hole in your pipes. You can keep your house chilly (around 50 degrees), just as long as they don’t freeze. If you don’t have heat in certain areas of your home, consider space heaters as an option. - Always be Mindful
Stop being oblivious to the things that are getting flushed down your toilets and washed down the drains. If you cook from home often, stop pouring grease and food particles down your drain. Long hair? Cover your shower drain with mesh to keep these hairs from slipping through the drains and clogging up your pipes. Simple, mindful fixes can be the difference between pipes that work fine for years and plumbing emergencies that cost thousands of dollars to repair.Now that you have some tips and tricks to help save yourself money you are all set to start saving money and enjoying your home’s plumbing the right way. If you aren’t sure that you have thoroughly checked every pipe or think you may still have a leak you can always call your local plumber for a quick inspection. For more plumbing needs call Ohio Buckeye Plumbing today.