8 Smart Ways to Save Money on Plumbing Problems

There’s nothing like a plumbing disaster to ruin your day. They always seem to occur at the most inconvenient times — a small leak you thought was harmless can suddenly turn into a big problem just when you’re getting ready for work.

To avoid being confronted with a plumbing problem, there are smart things you can do. Keep reading for eight ways to prevent a water disaster in your home.

1. Don’t ignore the small things.

Take preventative measures to ensure you don’t develop a plumbing problem. If you see a small issue like a leaking tap or a crack in your water pipe, seek professional help before it turns into a larger problem. It’s best to bite the bullet and pay to fix a small issue, as chances are it’ll worsen later down the line and the plumbing bill will be considerably larger.

What’s more, leaking pipes may seem benign, but they will be reflected in your water bill. Get them fixed ASAP — think of it as a smart investment.

2. Look for plumbing problems.

Leading on from the above point, you should actively seek out plumbing problems around your house that have the capability of turning into something troublesome. Don’t turn a blind eye - “out of sight, out of mind” is not the mentality you should have here. Get on top of the condition of your plumbing. You should regularly check your taps and toilets for any leaks and check your water meter. If it is moving when there is no water being used, you may have a costly leak. Check your water heater for any water around the base, smell of gas, and temperature if applicable.

3. Keep your ears open.

You should also listen for any unusual sounds or leaks. The key is to not ignore anything. Even if you think something isn’t broken, getting it looked at early on will save you some serious cash.

4. Learn how to shut off your water.

When you move into a new house you should acquaint yourself with your water valve. This is so that in case of a plumbing emergency you can shut off your water to prevent any further leakage or damage.

What’s more, if you call for a plumber to come and fix a leak and you haven’t already shut off your water valve, you will be worsening the amount of work for them and they may be inclined to hit you with a larger bill for their trouble. Instead, mitigate the severity of the leak by shutting off your water before they arrive. Making the conditions easier for your plumber may result in a smaller bill.

To shut off the water, turn the valve clockwise to tighten it. If you don’t know where your valve is, consult a plumber who has worked on your home previously or ask a neighbour.

5. Watch what you’re flushing.

One of the biggest culprits for plumbing disasters is blocked drains. Washing food debris down the sink will block your drain; flushing sanitary products down the toilet will block your pipes (and is not environmentally friendly), and washing long hair down the shower will clog your drain.

To save money on plumbing, be mindful of what you are putting down your plug holes and toilets. If trying to unblock the drain by yourself, remember using a plunger is not always wise. It may temporarily fix the problem, however, it may simply push the blockage further down the line. It can also be risky to use chemical drain cleaners without professional advice.

6. Protect yourself from gas leaks.

Gas leaks can not only be dangerous but expensive. A small leak can very quickly become large and end in an explosion or fire. It’s always a good idea to inspect all cabinets and surrounds of all your gas appliances regularly, and your gas meter for gas smells. Every gas appliance should have a valve or tap that will shut gas off to the unit.

If you think there is a gas smell or leak present, if possible, turn off the gas valve and call a plumber immediately.

7. Don’t trust online information.

If you spot a problem and consult YouTube tutorials and online forum threads for guidance, you are putting yourself at risk. The internet is brimming with misinformation and unlicensed guides purporting to fix household problems. The best advice is to call a registered and licensed plumber, saving you time, and the risk of making your issue worse.

8. Call an emergency plumber.

You will definitely save money and decrease the need for a plumber by following preventative maintenance. There will always be times though, when a plumbing issue eventuates that requires professional attention. In this case, the key is to keep calm and review your options. It may only require a very simple fix, which many reputable plumbers may be happy to help with over the phone, so don’t be afraid to call!

In case of an emergency, or if in doubt, it’s best to seek professional attention, so call on a reputable emergency plumber to take a look.

The best way to avoid plumbing problems is to take preventative measures. By following these eight tips you can mediate any potential plumbing problems!

 

Author Bio:

Tom is an online marketing enthusiast, who works as a Digital Marketing Manager at Watermark Plumbing. From his 7 years of experience in this industry, he has gained enormous knowledge and expertise in web marketing. He is an always-updated digital marketer! Tom loves to share his online marketing agendas and mantras among new businesses and marketing enthusiasts. He likes to write blogs while sipping his favourite coffee, and you'll often find him debating over various digital marketing trends over different online portals.