Do you want to maintain your plumbing and avoid costly repairs or replacements? In this article, we’ll talk about helpful plumbing tips to save money and avoid catastrophic plumbing issues. If you have questions, feel free to contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX anytime. We’re more than happy to assist.
Plumbing tips that save money:
1. Install Shut-Off Valves Near Plumbing Appliances
When there’s a leak, the first thing a homeowner must do is shut off the valves to stop the water supply. This is why it’s incredibly important that shut-off valves are installed near your water heater, dishwasher or garbage disposal, to make it easier for you to shut off the water. Try not to install them in the basement because you may not be able to access them right away especially when it starts flooding.
As much as possible, install several shut-off valves and ensure that you test them first. You have to make sure they actually work or you’ll have a bigger problem when it starts to flood inside your home. Water damage doesn’t just cost a lot in repairs, but you may need to also hire a restoration company to make sure mold doesn’t form.
2. Install a Sump Pump
If you have a basement, we highly encourage you to install this submersible device to prevent flooding in the basement. For installation, ensure that you only work with a licensed plumber as well. Also, it’s better to get some backup batteries just in case the power goes out. If you need more information about installing a sump pump in your home, please don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber. Our team can help you determine what type of sump pump to install for your home. We can also professionally install it for you.
3. Switch to Stainless Steel Washing Machine Hoses
If you’re still using regular washing machine hoses, we highly encourage you to switch to the more durable stainless steel hoses. The latter is also less susceptible to damage, making them an excellent option for your laundry room. Consider switching yours especially when it’s already a few years old. You can avoid costly plumbing repairs and save money by replacing that with a better hose. For installation, contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX to ensure the washing machine hose is properly installed.
4. Get Professional Drain Cleaning
While you still need to clean your drains regularly to get rid of minor clogs, it’s always best to contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX for a professional drain cleaning service. Licensed professionals are equipped with the right tools and experience to help them properly clean your drains. It’s one of the most effective ways to ensure your drains are in excellent shape. Also, getting a regular drain cleaning can avoid having a smelly kitchen and pest infestation.
Don’t forget to also clean your drains with vinegar and baking soda solution. Avoid using chemical-based drain cleaners as these heavily advertised cleaners don’t just harm your health. They can also harm your pipes. Your pipes are likely to break especially when they’re old pipes and you consistently use chemical-based drain cleaners.
5. Get Regular Plumbing Inspections
In addition to getting professional drain cleaning service, don’t forget to also contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX for regular plumbing inspections. During the appointment, the plumber will check all important components of your plumbing system and all the appliances and fixtures. He will let you know if there might be issues that need to be addressed or those that need immediate attention. Don’t worry, our team is highly experienced and trained. We’ll make sure your plumbing is in top shape and all issues are properly addressed.
6. Install a Garbage Disposal
Are you having problems managing your food waste? We suggest you install a garbage disposal. The type of garbage disposal to install depends on how many people are in the household and if you often eat out. Let us know so a plumber in Mansfield, TX can help you make an informed decision on which garbage disposal to install for your home.
7. Take Care of Your Drains
Install strainers to catch food debris, hair and other food particles in the drain. If you have children at home, educate them on how to properly use the drains. Tell them to not throw any food or their toys down the drains or the toilet as that can lead to a major clog.
8. Be Careful With Hidden Leaks
Some leaks are obvious as you will likely see pooling water near the water heater or the plumbing pipes. However, there are leaks that are also difficult to detect but you must watch out for these as they usually lead to a catastrophic plumbing problem that will cost you a lot of money down the road. These hidden leaks usually take the form of water spots in the walls or ceilings, or bulging wallpaper. These indicate that there are leaks somewhere in your plumbing; it’s best to contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX for professional leak detection to help you locate the leak.
Other signs also include getting higher water bills. If you can’t determine why your water bills are suddenly sky-high, we recommend calling a plumber right away for assistance. Our team can help you determine if there might be a possible leak in your plumbing. We suggest you also consider installing leak detection devices as they can detect leaks and can automatically shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.
9. Protect Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes must be protected especially during the winter when the temperatures can reach below zero degrees. Buying an insulating blanket would do or you can also contact a plumber in the area, for assistance. Another way to prevent pipes from freezing is to slightly open the faucet so that warm water can flow through the pipes. If you have the heating on, consider opening the cabinet doors underneath the sink so that warm water can also circulate in that area.
If you don’t protect the pipes, the water inside them can freeze and the pipes may burst and lead to water damage. Protect the pipes to prevent costly water damage. When the pipes froze, we recommend you contact a licensed plumber in your area to help you thaw the pipes.
10. Switch to Tankless Water Heaters
Are you still using a conventional water heater tank? If it’s more than seven years old, we recommend you consider switching to a tankless water heater to save money. The tankless version may cost more than the standard water heater but you get to save more money in the long run. A tankless water heater can also last twice as long and you don’t have to worry about flooding in the basement because you can just mount them on the bathroom wall. There’s no standby heat loss with the tankless water heater as you only use energy when you turn on the faucet or shower, saving you more money on your energy bills every month. If you need more information about tankless water heaters, please don’t hesitate to contact a plumber in your area. Our team can help you determine which model of tankless water heater to purchase for your home. We can also help you professionally install your device.
11. Hire Licensed Professionals for Repairs
When it comes to doing plumbing repairs, never hire your neighbor or someone inexperienced to do their job. You may think you can save money but you might actually end up paying more down the road. An inexperienced plumber isn’t properly trained to do the job, it’s always best to contact a licensed plumber in your area. Our team is not just licensed but also highly experienced when it comes to any plumbing repairs. We can help with your water heater, pipes, dishwasher or sump pump. Just contact us at your earliest convenience and we’ll quickly dispatch a plumber to your location. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth also offers emergency plumbing services, which means you can call us even in the wee hours and we’ll still help you. Also, we’re fully equipped so if something else comes up, we’ll have the tools to resolve the problem on the same day.
12. Get Professional Plumbing Installations
Are you installing a new garbage disposal or water heater? Although the manual may indicate the steps on how to install the appliance, we still highly recommend you contact a licensed plumber for the installation. Incorrect installation can lead to efficiency issues that may cost you more money down the road. By working with a professional, you have peace of mind knowing the appliance will be professionally installed and you won’t have problems in the future. Of course, you need to also maintain the appliance to ensure it works efficiently. Just follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on how to maintain the appliance or contact a professional near you.
13. Don’t DIY Plumbing Repairs
It’s okay to do some minor plumbing repairs so long as you know how to actually do this. Some examples include fixing a faucet. It’s pretty easy to repair a broken faucet but if you need help installing a new one, it’s better to contact a professional, instead to do the job. Try not to do any major plumbing repairs or installations to avoid mistakes. A DIY video may provide you with information on how to do repairs but it may fail to deliver information on what to do when something else goes wrong. To avoid problems, contact a professional instead.
14. Buy Basic Plumbing Tools
Consider getting a plunger or a drain snake to help you unclog a drain. You should be able to resolve a minor drain problem with a plunger but do make sure that you know how to properly use it. Also, buy two plungers for the toilet and the kitchen drain. Never use a toilet plunger to unclog a kitchen as that’s very unsanitary. You need to be careful with using a drain snake or you could damage the plumbing pipes. If you’re not comfortable using them, contact a professional instead to get the job done right the first time.
15. Watch Out for Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks can skyrocket your water bills. To check for water leaks, drop a few food coloring into the tank and wait for about 15 minutes. The water inside the toilet bowl will change color if there’s a toilet leak. When it does, contact a plumber right away to help you fix the toilet leak. Remember, you’ll be wasting hundreds of gallons of water if you don’t fix the leak. To save water and money, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth immediately. Our team of licensed professionals can help you properly diagnose the problem and provide you with cost-effective solutions.
16. Maintain Your Plumbing
In addition to calling a professional for a regular plumbing inspection, you must also do your part as a homeowner to protect your plumbing. We advise having a checklist on which fixtures and appliances to inspect every week or every month. If you suspect a problem with a plumbing appliance, contact a professional right away to help you check it out. Please don’t wait for the problem to progress into a major plumbing emergency. You can avoid further issues by calling us right away.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need a plumber in Mansfield, TX? We’re always available to help. Our team is available around-the-clock to help with any plumbing problem, big or small. We’re fully equipped to properly diagnose the problem and provide the right plumbing solutions. We are an established plumbing company in the area dedicated to helping both homeowners and businesses resolve any issue. You can call us anytime and our knowledgeable staff will schedule a professional to your location ASAP. Also, rest assured that we’re never late. We also give out guarantees for your peace of mind. Contact us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth for an appointment.