Best Tips on How to Save Money on Plumbing Repairs
Being a homeowner is a wonderful privilege as long as your house functions well. However, when any plumbing issue pops up, it can turn homeownership into a real headache. And plumbing issues come in many forms—leaks, clogs, sewer issues, septic issues…These problems can damage your property and your budget. As a matter of fact, most people spend around $300 on every plumber’s visit. However, with a few preventive measures (small fixes and general knowledge of what to do in an emergency), you can avoid damage to your home and minimize or even avoid plumber costs. Here’s how every homeowner can save money on plumbing repairs:
Learn about the shut-off valve
Every homeowner should know about the location of the main shut-off valve. Why? Well, in case you got a big plumbing emergency on your hands, shutting off the main water valve should be your first step of action. And you definitely don’t want to go searching for it once every second can make a difference between some water on your floor and a total flood. Once you learn the location of your main valve, find out how to use it properly so you can react quickly in an emergency. In most cases, you need to turn these valves and tighten in order to stop the water from flowing to your leak. After that, collect all the flooded water so when your plumbers come, they can tackle the plumbing issue as soon as they arrive without the water slowing them down.
Tackle small issues ASAP
Things like a slow-dripping faucet or a drain that empties more slowly than usual can be very easy to ignore and put off. However, turning a blind eye to plumbing issues is not a good idea. These small problems might take you not more than 15 minutes and a YouTube tutorial to solve, preventing major spending in the future. So if you notice any drips, clogs and especially damp patches on your walls, don’t hesitate to look into them. Damp patches on walls, floors and ceilings can grow into a real plumbing catastrophe. You can also test your home for any hidden leaks by turning off all appliances and taps and checking the water meter. If the meter is running, it means there’s a hidden leak in your home that will need instant professional assistance.
Have a good plumber
When small problems with plumbing get too big to handle yourself, it’s a smart idea to call professionals as soon as you can. In many places, like Australia, homeowners who are not licensed are not allowed to handle plumbing, so it’s extra important to have good professionals on speed dial. If you check out Chiswick plumbing services, you’ll find they can tackle any plumbing issue, from handling burst pipes and detecting leaks to repairing toilets and unblocking drains. Investing in professional help might cost you a little bit more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run. Why? Well, pros will solve all your issues quickly and effectively, prolonging your fixtures’ lives, saving you money on water bills and ensuring you don’t have to call a repair service for a long time.
Watch what you flush
Did you know that the only things that are 100% safe for flushing are human waste, water and toilet paper? Even objects that are marked to be “flushable”, such as some wipes, cat litter and sanitary supplies, can cause a clog in your toilet. In most cases, plumbers manage to remove a clog but find things like hair, wipes and cigarette butts in the pipes.
Also, make sure to be careful of what you dump in your kitchen sink. You might think flushing grease is fine if you follow it with soap and water, but this mixture is not strong enough to eliminate all clogs that can form when grease hardens. A much better idea is to use a tin or plastic container to dump the grease and wipe your cooking pots with paper towels before washing them with water.
Use a strainer on drains
Did you know that even hairs on your head can cause a real headache when flushed down the drain? Here’s an easy fix—grab a mesh screen to put over the drain and catch those loose hairs in bathrooms and food particles in kitchens. Clean the strainer regularly and you’ll prevent a lot of buildup in your drains.
Don’t forget about rarely-used drains
Do you have a spare bathroom you rarely use? Or maybe an outdoor kitchen? What about your basement floor drain? If these don’t get any use, they can get smelly and clogged. Every once in a while, pour some vinegar and baking soda in the drain and flush with hot water.
As you can see, it’s more than possible to maintain your plumbing and avoid many major issues with your pipes and drains. With just a little TLC, your plumbing can stay in top condition, saving you money, time and nerve.