Plumbing problems are probably the most frequent issue homeowners face in their homes, says EPM Iowa Property Management. That is because of the massive plumbing network in a modern house and because we use water for several things in the home.
These two factors markedly increase the chances of issues with a home’s plumbing. Also, unlike the electrical system that is also vast, water reacts very strongly with anything it touches. So there is a high possibility of corrosion in the system.
That being said, there are lots of things you can do to cut down on the amount of money you spend on your plumbing. In this post, we talk about eight tips all savvy homeowners can use to make their plumbing more resilient while saving money.
8 ways to save money on your home’s plumbing
Know the location of your main shutoff valve
That is the most vital first step for solving any situation where a burst pipe or broken appliance is dumping water into your home. Knowing how to shut off the water can make the difference between a hundred dollars versus one thousand dollars in repair costs. Not only should you know how to turn the water off, everyone in your home, including the babysitter, should know how to do this.
Learn how to use a plunger and auger
Fixing a clogged sink or overflowing toilet may look daunting at first glance, but like most problems in life, it is not as tough as it first appears. Every home should have two types of plungers; one for the sink and the other for the toilet. Knowing the difference between the two and how to use each one will save you a lot of trouble and money.
Know how to stop a running toilet
A running toilet can inflate your water bill by hundreds of dollars if you don’t solve it fast. This problem can also interfere with the operation of your toilet and make it harder to flush. Solving this problem is not hard; it’s just about identifying the damaged components (usually the flapper, fill valve, or flush valve) inside the tank and replacing them.
Flush your water heater by yourself
This is another superficially intimidating task that you can easily do yourself. Flushing a water heater improves its performance and also prolongs its life. We recommend that you flush the water heater at least once in two years (once a year if you have hard water). You can save the money you would have paid to a plumber if you learn to do this yourself (it takes less than an hour).
Unclog and reset your garbage disposal yourself
You can easily reset a jammed garbage disposal unit by pushing the red button at the bottom. Inserting a 1/4” or 5/16” Allen wrench into the hole at the bottom of the unit and working it back and forth vigorously will dislodge food particles that keep the impeller from turning. Don’t replace the garbage disposal until you have tried these quick fixes.
Never go cheap with plumbing parts
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.” The worst thing about using cheap parts or inappropriate components is that they fail and cause other problems that cost you more. When you use cheap components or mismatched parts, you don’t solve your plumbing problems, but you only give them time to get worse.
Replace your anode rod to save your water heater
The anode rod is called a “sacrificial anode rod” for a good reason. This metal rod stays inside the tank of your water heater. Its job is to keep the tank and its metal components from rusting. It does this by bonding to the iron electrons released by water to keep them from attacking the tank. In the first year of owning your water heater, you should replace the anode rod, and maybe every two years afterward. If not, you run the risk of needing a water heater replacement earlier than expected.
Always use a plumber for plumbing problems
With the right tools and patience, you can solve minor issues with your plumbing. However, once in a while, you will have significant plumbing problems beyond your abilities. For those kinds of issues, never use a handyman. Always make sure you hire a professional plumber to repair your plumbing issues. Using a non-professional will save you money at the moment but cost you more in the long term.
And that’s it for our eight tips to save money on your plumbing. But before we go, remember it is essential to know the difference between plumbing issues you can DIY and those that need an expert. Never try to fix a plumbing problem if that issue requires a professional.