Homeowners all want to save money on their plumbing and the only way to do this is by preventing costly plumbing repairs and buying expensive replacements. In this article, we’ll talk about helpful tips on helping homeowners avoid expensive repairs and save money on their plumbing. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our plumbers in Mansfield, TX.
Tips to prevent repairs:
Periodically Inspect the Laundry Area
Some homeowners make the mistake of converting a room on the second floor of their home to a laundry room. This is really not recommended, for safety purposes. Because if you’re not careful, leaks can happen and imagine how much it would cost you when the water damages the first-floor area too.
You can avoid a catastrophic plumbing emergency by investing in high-quality appliances and ensuring you only hire a licensed plumber to install your new washing machine. As much as possible, invest in stainless steel washing machine hoses instead of rubber ones. The former is less susceptible to damage and also lasts longer.
Also, as a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to regularly check your plumbing including the laundry room. And don’t just stop with the washing machine. Check the drains too and ensure it’s in top shape. Install strainers to catch dirt and debris. Get regular plumbing inspection to help you identify plumbing issues that may potentially lead to a costly plumbing emergency. Most importantly, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth for any plumbing-related issues. Our plumbers will make sure all problems are permanently resolved.
Maintain Your Water Heater
Flush the sediment buildup in the water heater tank at least once or twice a year. You will need to do it more than once when there is a high concentration of hard water in your plumbing. If you don’t remove the mineral buildup, your water heater will start to lose its efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills every month. This can also lead to the storage tank leaking water — and when this happens, you will have no choice but to completely replace the water heater tank.
You may also call a plumber in Mansfield, TX, to install a water softener for your home, or if you need assistance with your water heater.
If your water heater is more than 10 years old and is no longer that efficient, we recommend getting a new replacement. You can save more money by getting an energy-efficient water heater. Better yet, get a tankless water heater so that you won’t have to worry about water leaks anymore.
Tankless water heaters last longer and have no standby heat loss. Because you’re only using energy as soon as you turn on the tap or shower, it means you get to save money. For installation, though, please make sure to only work with a licensed plumber in the area. Installing a water heater can be complex and you need the services of a licensed plumber for this.
Purchase Leak Detection Devices
If you’re worried about leaks, we suggest installing leak detection devices for your home. Place these devices near your washing machine, water heater or dishwasher. Leak detection devices will automatically shut off the water supply when it detects a leak. It will also notify you immediately so that you can call a plumber in Mansfield, TX for an inspection.
Several types of leak detection devices are available in the market. To help you make an informed decision on which type of leak detection device to purchase for your home, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our plumbers. We are more than happy to help you choose the leak detection device suitable for your home.
Cover Exposed Pipes
Do you have unexposed pipes or outdoor plumbing? You need to protect these pipes to avoid pipes expanding and bursting. When the temperature reaches below zero, the water inside unprotected pipes can freeze and that can eventually lead to pipes leaking.
A catastrophic pipe leak can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. You’re lucky if it doesn’t damage your home’s foundation as that will even cost you more. Not to mention the mold problem when you don’t properly dry the area.
Go to your local hardware store to get an insulating tape to cover the pipes. You may even add extra insulation to ensure they are well protected. Make sure to also protect outdoor faucets or showers, if there are any. Contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX, if you have questions about insulating the pipes.
Another way to avoid burst pipes is to slightly open the faucet so that warm water can flow through the pipes. Open the cabinet doors underneath the sink too so that warm air can circulate in that area. If you think the pipes are already frozen, contact a plumber right away to help you thaw the pipes. Avoid fixing the problem on your own especially when you don’t know what you’re doing.
When the pipes have already burst, shut off the water supply and contact a plumber immediately. Dry the area and don’t forget to take pictures if you have homeowners insurance that covers water damage. The insurance may cover water damage especially when it’s accidental. Check with your insurance company to know what’s covered and not in your homeowners’ insurance policy.
Install Several Shut-Off Valves
The shut-off valve stops the flow of water and is highly useful when there is a leak in your plumbing. Some homeowners install them in the basement but we wouldn’t recommend it. You need to have shut-off valves installed near your sump pump, washing machine and water heater. If you need help with installation, contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX, today.
Contact a Plumbing Service Right Away If You Suspect a Problem
Plumbing emergencies don’t actually occur overnight. They usually happen because the homeowner failed to address a problem promptly. For example, they think that high water pressure isn’t a problem when in fact it can severely strain the pipes. If they don’t purchase a water pressure regulator to address the water pressure issue, you could end up with a flooded home in no time.
Low water pressure is also a problem as that indicates a leak in your plumbing. We suggest calling a plumber in Mansfield, TX, immediately for an inspection. Our plumbers can identify plumbing problems and permanently resolve them for you.
Install Strainers On Your Drains
A dirty drain is a serious problem that leads to many other issues such as pest infestation and smelling drains. No one wants a kitchen that smells. To remedy the problem, clean the drains regularly and make sure you don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. Install drain covers to catch food particles, hair and debris. Most importantly, get professional drain cleaning to ensure your drains are in excellent shape. If you need more help, contact a plumber in your area.
Repair Leaks Right Away
Toilet leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water if not addressed. This translates to higher water bills if you don’t get help right away. To test if you have a toilet leak, drop food coloring into the tank and wait for about 15 minutes. Check the toilet bowl after — there is a leak when the water changes color.
For faucet leaks, you may need to just tighten them or replace them with new ones. Call a plumber if you don’t have experience installing new faucets.
Common Plumbing Problems
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to contact a professional ASAP when there are plumbing problems that need to be resolved. Don’t wait until it becomes a major plumbing emergency that will cost you a lot of money down the road. Below are common plumbing problems homeowners encounter:
Rusty Water – When you see yellowish or brownish water coming out of the shower or the tap, this could be a corrosion issue. If you have older pipes, it might be better for you to get a replacement. Contact a professional right away so they can inspect your pipes and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
For your water heater, the sediment buildup can also lead to water discoloration. If you haven’t flushed your water heater in a while, it’s time to drain it to get rid of the mineral buildup.
A broken water softener can also discolor your water. You must perform regular maintenance on your plumbing appliances and fixtures to avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Sewage Backup – Dirty water should go outside and not back up in your sink or toilet. When it backs up, it’s a clear indication of a problem with your plumbing. This could be a sewage backup especially when tree roots have penetrated the plumbing pipes. We advise that homeowners don’t plant trees near their plumbing because it could lead to a catastrophic problem. A tiny leak in the pipes can attract tree roots, and this can lead to a major plumbing issue that may cost you a lot of money. Contact a professional right away to help you alleviate the problem.
Our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is fully equipped and highly trained in tackling any issues with plumbing. Simply call us at your earliest convenience and we will quickly dispatch a professional to your home or office.
Higher Water Bills – The likely culprit is usually a plumbing leak. Do a water meter test to help you determine if there is a leak in your plumbing. You can also reach out to a professional for leak detection. Signs of leaks include low water pressure, water stains, and puddles of water in the yard. You can prevent leaks by taking care of your plumbing and getting regular plumbing inspections.
Flooding in the Basement – Do you live in an area that gets a lot of storms? We suggest you install a sump pump in the basement. The sump pump can help prevent flooding and costly repairs. If you have appliances installed in the basement, you may need to also completely replace them.
When your basement already floods, contact a professional immediately. You may need to also contact restoration services, to prevent mold from growing. Mold is a serious problem that needs to be resolved right away. Otherwise, it could jeopardize the structure of your home.
Stained Walls – There is likely a hidden leak in your plumbing. Other signs to watch out for include water spots in the ceilings or in the walls. Bulging wallpapers is also a sign of a leak. Contact a plumber for professional leak detection.
Gurgling Sounds – Do you hear unusual noises coming from the pipes? This is annoying especially when it happens at night. There is likely a clog somewhere in your plumbing. Make sure you do something about it by calling a plumber right away for an inspection. Our team can investigate the problem, diagnose the issue, and provide you with the best solutions.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need a plumber in Mansfield, TX? Reach out to us anytime and we’ll gladly help you the best way we can. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is an established plumbing company that serves both homeowners and businesses. We can take care of any plumbing repairs from burst pipes to a running toilet and sewage backup. We also install major plumbing appliances such as the washing machine and the water heater. If you need help deciding what plumbing appliance or fixture to purchase for your home, we can also help. Our team is knowledgeable and skilled when it comes to anything about plumbing. Get in touch with us anytime.
Additionally, we can also help with installing a water filtration system, and do professional leak detection or drain cleaning. Call us today for an appointment.