These plumbing secrets could help you save a lot of money and time. Get the inside scoop on what a plumber won’t tell you.
Monday is the busiest day of the week for us. That’s when a lot of people contacted us to fix whatever DIY plumbing endeavor went wrong over the weekend. The day following Thanksgiving is also a very hectic day. Sink and toilet pipes take a hammering during huge family gatherings, and plumbers are frequently called in the following day.
A burst washer hose is a common homeowner’s insurance claim.
You’re risking hundreds of dollars in water damage if your washing machine is linked to bare rubber hoses. These hoses are prone to leakage or even bursting when exposed to steady water pressure.
Replace them with washing machine water hoses that are wrapped in a woven metal sleeve which prevents leaks from developing in weak areas of the rubber.
For a plumber recommendation, contact a plumbing supply or fixture store.
Because these types of stores don’t accept lousy plumbers, you can rest assured that you’ll be sent to the best. Another wonderful option is local general contractors; they work with a variety of vendors and know who will get the job done correctly.
Know where the main turnoff source is.
Nothing is more frustrating than a huge water leak in your home. Because flowing water can be frightening, make sure you know how to turn it off ahead of time. One of the things every homeowner should know to save money and prevent harm is the location of the primary turnoff source.
Keep an eye out for long or thinning hair.
Invest in a drain strainer or a hair snare to prevent hair jams in your drain. If you do come upon a hairy obstruction, there are inexpensive drain snakes that are perfect for getting rid of it. One of the many DIY plumbing remedies you may do is unclog a drain.
Wipes that are “flushable” should not be used.
One thing we see pretty often that can cause pipe obstruction is “flushable” wipes. They don’t degrade in the same manner that toilet paper does. Check out the other 12 items you should never flush down the toilet.
With parts, you have a choice.
For the same job, certain parts are more expensive than others. If your plumber doesn’t want to give you a choice, ask — or, if you have the time, do your own research. You are usually able to save money by using PVC pipe instead of copper.
You’ll never know unless you ask.
Most plumbers want to resolve your plumbing issue as quickly and painlessly as possible so that they may move on to the next lucrative task. However, if you ask, they could be willing to undertake extra work or install a specialty item. Plumbers aren’t supposed to remove flow inhibitors from shower heads, for example, but it never hurts to ask.
It’s Simple to Replace the Toilet Handle
Do you have a habit of jiggling the toilet handle? Don’t bother calling a plumber just yet; you only need to replace the flap valve. The part is only $4, and it’s a simple fix; a plumber will charge you a lot more.
You can unclog a clogged garbage disposal on your own.
An Allen wrench is frequently included with the garbage disposal. It should be kept under the sink. Follow the guidelines in the manual if your garbage disposal jams, and you won’t require a plumber.
For the winter, turn off outside faucets.
Do you want to keep your pipes from freezing?
Disconnect your outside hoses in the fall.
You’ll want to always be sure that the water is turned off from the inside as well. Drain the hoses and put them away till next spring.
Things should not be hung from your pipes.
Don’t put clothes on your basement’s pipes. We have seen items that are hung on exposed pipes break the pipes and flood a basement. It’s not something you want to have to deal with.
What Is the Price of Materials?
True, plumbers are famously pricey, but there’s a reason for it. If you’ve ever had a really good plumber, don’t get too caught up with the expense of materials.
“Sure, my material costs are more than the guy who works out of his garage,” says Bill Stevens, owner of Berkey’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning in Texas. “However, it is the experience that you are paying for, not the copper.”
When you’re on vacation, turn off the water.
Turn off your water if you’re going away for an extended period of time, such as on vacation. It’s the greatest approach to avoid major water damage while you’re away due to a plumbing issue.
If the weather drops below freezing on any of those days, have someone examine your house for burst pipes.
You Get What You Pay For
You may pay a bit more upfront for a plumber with a good reputation, but you’ll save money in the long term by eliminating call-backs and extra expenses. For major installations or repairs, look for a business that offers a one-year warranty.
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