Properly maintaining your plumbing system isn’t only about conserving water. It can avoid serious situations that can be inconvenient and costly. Plumbing emergencies and many repairs and premature replacements are often preventable. You can therefore save quite a bit of money with these essential plumbing tips:
Don’t Ignore a Leak
Plumbing leaks are more common than you think. On average, leaks waste close to 10,000 gallons of water a year per household (and 10% of homes leak at least 90 gallons/day), according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That not only accounts for small leaks in pipes, fittings, and connections. Even a dripping faucet can waste a significant amount of water. To save money, have that leaky faucet fixed by a professional and turn the tap off all the way. Water can drip if it is left only slightly open.
Clean Your Drains
Don’t wait until a drain is clogged to maintain it. It’s a good idea to put strainers over a sink, shower, and bathtub drains to prevent a buildup of soap and hair. Blockages can strain your plumbing and cause drainage, pressure, and leakage issues that can ultimately lead to expensive pipe failures. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners or pouring cooking grease down a drain. And on a monthly basis, use baking soda and vinegar to prevent buildup and help keep your drains working.
Maintain Your Toilet
The toilet has many moving parts and uses a lot of water. You can therefore save money by:
- Addressing gurgling sounds, as they indicate a main drain problem such as a blockage or intruding tree roots.
- Check for leaks by putting food coloring in the tank; if the color reaches the bowl, call a plumber for leak repair.
- Flushing only toilet paper and nothing else down the toilet.
Additionally, the shutoff valve, fill valve, flapper, and other moving parts should be examined periodically. If they’re not working right, call a plumber to check them and provide any necessary repairs.
Insulate Pipes
Hot water pipes are especially vulnerable to efficiency issues. A simple essential plumbing tip is to insulate these pipes to minimize heat loss, which can decrease your energy bills. You can even insulate cold water pipes. This can keep water less cold as it reaches the hot water heater, so it consumes less energy.
Only Run the Washing Machine or Dishwasher on Full
Running water-using appliances on small loads can mean paying steep water and electricity bills. If you have a small family, use compact machines to avoid having to run them at partial capacity. It’s more energy efficient to let clothes and dishes pile up and run a cycle when the machine is full.
Upgrade to Smart Plumbing
Smart pipes are now a thing and connect to a central computer, where you can receive instant alerts on leaks and monitor water consumption over time. By installing LED temperature monitors, you can track water temperature and manage energy consumption.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow toilets and showerheads can save you a lot of water. An efficient toilet uses fewer gallons of water per flush while a low-flow showerhead can use up to a third less water during a 10-minute shower. The difference in the quality of flow may not even be noticeable. But it can save money on your utility bill.
Don’t Do Complex Repairs Yourself
Attempting a plumbing repair can result in an injury, mishap, or mistake that will cost you dearly. You might trigger a leak or, worse, a flood. Calling a plumber at the onset of trouble can avoid getting billed for an extra set of repairs. A professional plumber is trained and equipped to spot a problem and repair it quickly.
Contact Village Plumbing and Air
We hope these essential plumbing tips help. A woman-owned Houston plumbing company, Village Plumbing and Air has licensed plumbers who can fix any leak and clean any drain. Our team provides water heater and sewer line repair services as well. You can also count on us for 24/7 emergency service. To learn more about our services, maintenance plans, discounts, warranties, coupons and specials, continue browsing. Call 713-526-1491 or submit your information online to request assistance.