When it comes to household appliances and fixtures, you may feel like there is little you can do to control the energy expenditure and subsequent cost. Plumbing pipes and drains tend to be one of the most neglected fixtures in a house, and most of the time we won’t remember them until a problem comes up, making repair and servicing more expensive than it ought to be. But there are ways to save money on water and plumbing costs.
It may not be so obvious, but reducing water waste and keeping tabs on your plumbing system’s maintenance can help you save substantially over time. Aside from lowering your water bills, having a well-maintained plumbing system can also be a preventative measure for major damages and breakdowns that can put a big dent in your wallet.
Read on to see five of our money-saving plumbing tips for your home.
Plumbing Maintenance
Problems caused by plumbing emergencies can be costly, so it’s better to get on top of small issues right away to save money. One way to do this is to check pipes regularly for possible blockages and cracks. Seeing minor damages on your walls can also indicate the start of some water damage or excessive usage, so it’s better to have those checked too.
Doing a routine checkup can ensure you spot any potential problems and urge you to call a plumbing professional to have it fixed, before it gets worse and even more expensive.
Prevent Buildups in Drains
It’s typical for a lot of homeowners to neglect their drains until they become extremely clogged or damaged, but there are easy DIY solutions you can try to keep your drains unclogged.
A cup of good old-fashioned baking soda and a cup of vinegar can help prevent buildup, and doing this once a month can be a good practice if you don’t want clogged drains. Steer clear from using abrasive drain cleaners that contain harsh chemicals because it can damage your pipes and the environment as well.
For bathrooms, use a strain over the sink, showers, and bathtub drains to prevent soap and hair from getting into the pipes. It’s also advisable not to pour grease or oil down the drain since it can solidify and cause rusting. Instead, keep grease and oils in a separate tin can to dispose of it properly.
Check the Toilet
Toilets are plumbing fixtures that use a massive amount of water, so it’s best to make sure it’s always working in good condition. Hearing gurgling sounds coming out of your toilet can be an indication of a problem with the main drain. This usually occurs in older homes that use drains made of clay, since underground roots can penetrate into or put pressure around your pipes, causing the gurgling sounds. In this case, it’s best to call a plumber to have it checked.
Additionally, make sure to check your toilet for leaks. Seeing water seep into the bowl even when not in use means there’s a leakage in it. This can reflect on your water bill, so have a professional fix it to avoid more water water waste and a higher water bill.
Turn Off Your Taps Properly
A dripping faucet may not ring alarm bells immediately, but in some cases, a faucet can drip at a rate of up to 15 gallons a day. To avoid this and even more unnecessary water waste, make a conscious effort in your home to turn off all taps all the way. If it keeps leaking despite being fully closed, it might be time to have it repaired or replaced. By doing so, you’ll prevent wasting water and an expensive water bill too.
Find and Fix Hidden Leaks
Some water leaks may be left unnoticed, while others are so painfully obvious. Either way, it’s good practice to check for possible leaks. To do this, turn off all taps and appliances and check the water meter if it’s still running. If you see that it continues to run, then there’s a hidden leak somewhere that might have been left unseen. Then it would be best to hire a plumber that can locate the leak and have it fixed.
Conclusion
Plumbing services can be one of the most expensive maintenance expenditures you could pay for, and you wouldn’t want to find yourself dealing with so many fees and costly rates when it could be easily avoided in the first place. In this economic climate, saving money should always be a top priority for many homeowners.
Practice being more proactive in keeping your pipes and drains checked to avoid major damages and by following the tips we set out above, and you’ll find yourself worrying less about spending so much money on repairs and replacements.