Five plumbing tips to help save money
Plumbing costs and problems can be a dilemma for any homeowner. Some of the most common issues include leaks and clogs which can cause considerable damage to your property.
Learning how to prevent maintenance issues is a great way to save you money, as well as any stress. We’ve listed out top five tips below for an optimised plumbing system.
Make sure your taps are properly turned off
If you have a tap that constantly drips, you may think that the water loss may not make that much of a difference. However, a leaky or dripping tap can waste gallons of water per year. A simple step to take to reduce water waste is by simply ensuring all your taps are fully turned off.
If a tap continues to drip despite being fully closed, you will need to get it repaired or replaced. If you don’t deal with the issue, you will be continuously wasting your own money.
Prevent drain buildups
Many people don’t pay attention to their drains until they are blocked or damaged. But, of course, it’s harder to deal with blocked drains than to prevent them being blocked in the first place. You should ideally be inspecting your drains using a manhole lifter for safe access and having your drains cleaned every two years for maintenance, without the use of drain cleaner. These cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes, as well as the environment.
Try to get into simple habits like catching hairs in bathroom showers, and avoid pouring oils down the kitchen sink. Instead, let the oil cool and solidify, and then dispose of it.
If you do suspect you might have a problem with your drains, CCTV Drain Surveys are a great way to get to the source of the problem quickly so you can prevent long term issues.
Find and fix any leaks
Whilst some leaks are obvious, others can be hidden and require some investigation to find. To find any hidden leaks, you should turn off every tap and appliance and check the water metre to see if it’s still running. If the metre continues to run, this means you have a leak.
If this is the case, you will need to contact a plumber who will be able to locate and fix the leak for you. If you are within the Manchester area, there are local teams of Manchester based emergency plumbers who can provide a fast response in any plumbing need.
Don’t flush foreign objects
Your toilet is only made to flush toilet paper and waste. Anything and everything else should be disposed of in the bin. Objects such as baby wipes, hygiene products and even wipes labelled as “flushable” can cause a blocked toilet, and potentially expensive plumbing repairs. You may have to end up spending even more money to get a professional plumber to unclog your toilet.
Lower your water temperature
Lowering the temperature of your water heater by just 5 degrees can help to save you money on your heating and water bills. In addition to this, setting your thermostat to a holiday mode whilst you’re away will help to conserve energy by not heating up wasted water.
Draining your water heater is also an effective way to keep your plumbing flowing freely. If you live in hard water areas, your water heater can accumulate sediment over time. Draining it will make your water easier to heat, and it will also have more pure water inside.
Small steps are the best way to save money, especially with issues that you may not even realise cost you money. Remember not to try any plumbing work on your own, and always contact a professional plumbing company, especially in times of emergency.
