Most homeowners are used to calling their local plumber whenever something goes wrong with their plumbing system. However, most people don’t realize that fixing things themselves can often be just as easy and much less expensive than hiring a professional service! These DIY plumbing tips will help you save money and handle simple plumbing tasks quickly and easily.
For example, plumbing companies in Kirkland, Washington will charge automatically you anywhere from $100-$150 just to come out to your home and assess the problem. More often than not, a Kirkland plumber will apply the appearance fee to the total that’s invoiced for the job. Rather than call for Kirkland plumbing services every time there’s a plumbing issue, why not do what you can do yourself? Here are some DIY plumbing tips that could potentially save you thousands in plumbing expenses.
Fix leaky pipes asap
A leaky pipe can be an annoying, time-consuming problem. Fortunately, you repair the problem within minutes and can save money by doing it yourself.
- The first step to fixing a dripping pipe is to determine where the leak is coming from.
- If you spot the source of the leak inside your home, turn off the water supply valve to that particular section of your plumbing system.
- Next, try tightening any loose connectors or fixtures until the leak stops completely. If the source of the leak is outside your home, turn off the water supply valve for as long as necessary until you identify where the leakage is coming from.
- Once you know where a leaking pipe is located, you can use a wrench to tighten pipes that are loose or in need of repair.
Address leaky pipes as soon as they’re discovered. Although it may not seem like much water is leaking, the constant dripping adds up quickly. Nip those drips in the bud asap to maximize your savings!
Unblock clogs using homemade solutions
The white vinegar or baking soda mixture will not only safely unclog minor blockages but also kill any harmful bacteria that may also be present in your pipes. Use this homemade solution to unblock minor clogs in your drains. This is safe for your plumbing because it’s non-corrosive and won’t break down your pipes.
Prevent pipes from clogging in the first place
Dirty pipes over time can build up mineral deposits that clog the main lines and cause your water pressure to decrease. This is not a problem you want to ignore. Instead, you should regularly clean your pipes with a pipe cleaner or salt-lick mixture to prevent clogs and ensure your water pressure stays high.
Stop food scraps from going down your drain and adding to future blockages. You should also never put cooking oil down your drain. Sure, it’s liquid when it goes down but warm oil will harden as it cools. This will decrease the size of your pipes and restrict the area that water can flow through. Dispose of cooking oil the right way and save on plumbing expenses!
Install low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets
You can make your entire plumbing system 50% more energy efficient by installing low-flow faucets, toilets, and shower heads. With a minor investment of anywhere between $20-$50, you can find a showerhead that saves you thousands of gallons of water every year.
Do the same for all of your faucets, aerators, and toilets, and rack up the savings!
Improve the quality of your water
Most people fail to realize the importance of having good water quality in their homes. In fact, drinking water is one of the most basic requirements of life and can impact how healthy you feel on a daily basis. Luckily, there are several ways to improve the quality of your water, thereby reducing the risk that you or your family will develop serious health problems as a result.
- First, you should purchase a whole-house carbon filter system that removes sediment and harmful chemicals like chlorine from your water supply.
- Second, always clean or change your filter regularly to prevent buildup.
- Third, have your water tested regularly to make sure it is safe and healthy to consume.
Know When To Call A Professional
If you’re not sure about any potentially disastrous plumbing problems, hiring an expert will usually be the best option. Sometimes, knowing your limits is one of the best things you can do for your wallet. Some of the more simple tasks such as installing faucets, toilets, and other fixtures, can cost you more than you bargained for if you’re just really bad at it!
Save yourself time and money by hiring a plumber instead of trying it yourself. If a professional is needed to solve any problems that occur with your plumbing system, they will quickly assess the problem and provide you with an accurate quote before moving forward with repairs or installation.
Owning a home can generate expensive maintenance costs. Plumbing problems are just one of the things that can force you to spend hundreds if not, thousands of dollars. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Making simple adjustments and using DIY plumbing tips can help you save money and time so you can focus on other important things in life.