Most of us expect our plumbing to function without flaw, however, unfortunately sometimes something goes wrong. However, it is possible to improve and maintain your plumbing efficiency and reduce the likelihood of major issues which will inevitably incur unforeseen costs. Below we’ve outlined some money saving tips that you can do yourself at home this winter!
Incorporating the 6 suggestions below has the potential to decrease the likelihood of repairs and replacements, decrease your bills and extend the lifespan of your fixtures.
1. Investigating Problems
If you notice an issue such as water pressure reductions or bad smells – do not ignore them! Water pressure problems can easily spiral out of control, so the best way to save money is have a professional examine the problem as soon as possible. The same goes for badly smelling drains. An odorous drain is a sign that something could be wrong with your plumbing as drainage systems are engineered to prevent venting within the home. Again, your best course of action is to call a professional to accurately diagnose the problem before it gets worse.
2. Maintenance
It’s important to perform regular maintenance checks on your drains, faucets and water heater to avoid costly repairs caused by a problem later. If you notice a drip or a leak, it’s best advised to call a plumber as soon as you can. Do not try and over tighten the tap in attempt to stop the leak, because you can easily damage the faucet which can mean a costly replacement. You should also try and keep your drains clean of hair and other debris to avoid future blocks.
3. Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaners
You should avoid the temptation to pour liquid drain cleaners down your drains, as doing so could cause you problems. Heat is generated because of a chemical reaction between the drain cleaner and the pipe, and this heat can seriously damage your pipes. The chemicals will also rest on the clogged area, creating the potential to weaken or even melt the pipe!
4. Insulate your Water Heater
Insulating your water heater is an easy and inexpensive way to improve energy efficiency and save you money each month. If your water heater is new, it is likely already insulated. Be sure to check this before spending money on an insulator that you then won’t need. Insulating your water heater can reduce standby heat losses by 25%-45% and can be as easy as applying a water heater blanket. This insulation will allow for minimal energy to be used when warming water each time a faucet is turned on.
5. Install Drain ‘Strainers’
As mentioned before, if you want to save money you should keep your drains clean of hair and other debris. A really great way to do this is to use strains in your sinks and showers! This way you’ll prevent a build-up that can easily clog your drains. A clogged drain can cause many problems, can be extremely frustrating and can cost you to get it fixed. By using a strain you’re saving time, effort and money.
6. Stop Leaky Appliances
A dripping tap has the potential to waste up to 15 gallons of water per day. Sometimes these minor leaks can go unnoticed and slowly rack up your water bill. Keep an eye on faucets and taps and if you notice a leak, make sure you remedy the problem as soon as you can. The best way to go about fixing the problem is to contact a trustworthy and reliable plumber.
At Max Shutler Plumbing & Heating we’re qualified plumbers able to carry out all aspects of domestic general plumbing installation, service and maintenance. If you experience any plumbing issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
