Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know to Save Money

Being prepared for plumbing emergencies is crucial.

Owning a home requires some basic plumbing knowledge to avoid frequent calls to a plumber whenever the toilet fails to flush. Instead of immediately hiring a plumber at a rate of $100 an hour or more, acquiring basic plumbing skills is beneficial.

Prevent Plumbing Problems Before They Start!

Plumbing issues can be costly, yet many are preventable with the right knowledge and simple maintenance.

Here are some tips to help homeowners avoid common plumbing problems and save money in the long run.

Garbage disposal safety: Keep hands out!

If something malfunctions in the garbage disposal, homeowners should resist any urge to place their hands inside to solve the issue. A garbage disposal remains hazardous even when off. Search for a diagram of the specific model online.

The importance of a quality shower head

When replacing a shower head, opting for quality over price is crucial. Purchasing the cheapest available option often leads to early breakages due to lesser durability.

Use a hairdryer to thaw frozen pipes

To thaw frozen pipes, employ a hairdryer on a lower heat setting. This method is safer and avoids potential damage to the pipes and oneself, eliminating the need for costly plumber services.

Don't remove grout from the plumbing

Removing grout from plumbing should be avoided. While it might be possible to dislodge it slightly, complete removal typically requires professional help, especially with metal pipes.

Keep sink overflow holes clear

Ensure that sink overflow holes are debris-free to prevent overflows. Regular maintenance of these holes should be part of routine plumbing checks.

Septic tank cleaning: Expensive but necessary.

Cleaning a septic tank every five years is recommended to prevent sediment accumulation, which can lead to sewage backups or septic system failures. While costly, regular pumping is more economical than dealing with emergencies.

Clean the dryer lint trap to prevent fires.

Always check the dryer's lint trap for cleanliness to prevent fires and ensure no tears or holes allow lint to clog the pipes.

Tankless water heaters: An eco-friendly choice.

For those who are environmentally conscious, consider investing in tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand and save on electricity and water.

Drain garden hoses to protect water pipes in winter.

Before winter, drain and disconnect garden hoses to prevent potential damage to water pipes. If stored in a frost-free area like a garage, hoses can remain connected.

Plumbing Tips to Avoid Disaster

Being prepared for plumbing emergencies is crucial. Following these simple steps can prevent costly and messy situations. Whether dealing with a leaky faucet or a backed-up sink, these tips provide valuable guidance.

When doing plumbing work, be aware that not all issues are easily fixable. Whether a job calls for a professional plumber or can be handled independently depends on the homeowner's plumbing knowledge.

Choose drain cleaners carefully.

Select drain cleaners that are gentle on pipes, avoiding those with harsh chemicals that could harm the plumbing system or pose health risks.

When tightening pipes, avoid overdoing it.

Over-tightening can damage the threads and potentially crack the pipe. Tighten just enough to prevent leaks.

Avoid paying plumbers in full before the job is complete.

Only make a full payment after confirming all promised work is finished, which safeguards against fraudulent practices.

Ways to Prevent Plumbing Problems at Home

No homeowner enjoys plumbing problems, but with preventative knowledge, many hassles and expenses can be avoided.

Here are four tips to help keep plumbing systems in optimal condition:

Avoid disposing of items like carrots, bananas, chicken skin, and pumpkins in the garbage disposal, as they can clog the drain. Instead, these should be thrown in the trash.

Cleaning the aerator can resolve low water pressure issues due to sediment buildup. Remove, dismantle, and clean the aerator with vinegar, then rinse, reassemble, and reinstall to improve water flow.

MNS Plumbing provides prompt, efficient, and reliable drain cleaning, repiping, drain inspection, and video sewer line inspection services. Call 602-362-4524 to learn more.