Repairing just about anything usually isn’t cheap. Repairs also tend to be unplanned expenses, and this can play havoc with your finances. You have a budget you’re trying to follow, but you have unexpected repairs like plumbing problems. You need an experienced plumbing company, and it’s rarely cheap.
However, did you know you can take a few steps to help keep costs down? Maybe you can even keep your plumbing repair expenses low enough to keep from going into debt. If this sounds good, here are a few tips on how to keep your plumbing repairs to a minimum.
Give Your Old Plumbing Fixtures an Upgrade
Not everyone cares about the latest home décor styles. Your plumbing fixtures may look outdated but who cares as long as you get hot and cold water. Even if the fixtures have a tiny leak like a slow dripping faucet, it’s no big deal.
However, there are a few reasons why it makes sense to replace your outdated fixtures. Newer ones are more efficient, so you can take advantage of significant savings on your water bills. Replacing things like handles and washers can also extend the life of your fixtures, reducing the need for expensive plumbing repairs. Just think, you can save money on two fronts which can help offset replacement costs.
You may even want to look at touchless faucets. Not only does a touchless faucet help reduce germs and minimize repairs, but the fixtures also help conserve water.
Go Trenchless Whenever Possible
Most homeowners agree there’s only one good reason to dig up the yard, you’re installing an in-ground swimming pool. Unfortunately, plumbing repairs can leave your yard looking like it recently hosted war games once the backhoe starts digging a trench. If you’re dealing with a broken pipe or a particularly large, stubborn clog, you may think digging a trench is the only way to go.
If you’re wondering if this is expensive, the answer is yes. Just paying for the backhoe to dig up your property is a hefty expense, and the repairs haven’t even started. Before the plumbers start digging, ask about a trenchless pipe repair.
Going with a trenchless pipe repair means there’s no need for extensive digging. This can result in significantly lower plumbing repair bills since you’re not paying for extensive labor. The job also tends to go a little more quickly, and this means additional savings.
Going Eco-Friendly Can Result in Savings
Clogged drains are pretty much a given. Regardless of how careful you are, drains can and usually do develop clogs. Some clogs are fairly easy to tackle without calling in the professionals. Just grab a bottle of drain cleaner.
While drain cleaner is pretty effective at getting rid of small clogs, there’s a risk. The chemicals in drain cleaners are caustic and can damage your pipes with repeated use. These same chemicals are also hazardous to the environment.
There’s always a drain snake, but your store-bought snake can only do so much. If the clog is deep in the pipes or a solid mass, you’re probably not going to be able to take care of it by yourself. You’re going to need to call an experienced professional plumber.
However, if the clog is small, you may be able to skip the cost of calling a plumbing company. You can also bypass buying pricey drain cleaners. Instead, you can get rid of most small clogs using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. These common household items are cheaper than drain cleaners and won’t harm your pipes or the environment.
Floor Drains Are a Cost-Effective Option
This tip is more for commercial plumbing customers, but homeowners may also want to pay attention. If your home has a shower, you have a floor drain, and you’re probably not going to need one by your toilet. However, it’s a little different in commercial spaces where multiple individuals are using the same restroom.
A floor drain is precisely what its name implies. The drain is located on the floor. If the toilet or sink overflows, the excess water runs easily down the drain, instead of pooling on the floor. Standing water can be a safety hazard and it can also cause additional damage. Best of all, installing a floor drain is an inexpensive procedure that can end up saving you money on plumbing and repair costs.
These are just a few ways you can keep your plumbing costs down. Talk to an experienced plumber to learn more money-saving tricks.
