4 Ways to Save Money on Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing repairs – two words no homeowner wants to utter. Unfortunately, we’ll all have to deal with plumbing problems at some point. Some fixes are minor and inexpensive. Others can break the bank.

To save money on plumbing repairs, you need to take a proactive approach. Prevention is the key.

Here are four ways to save money on plumbing repairs.

1. Fix Small Problems Right Away

It’s easy to ignore small plumbing problems. A dripping faucet may be annoying, but it isn’t flooding the bathroom. The drain may empty slower than it should, but it’s not delaying your morning routine.

But these small problems can grow into big ones if you don’t fix them right away.

Spending a little bit of time and money on fixing these minor issues can help prevent major repair spending later on down the road.

2. Take Care of Your Drains

Most of us take our drains for granted. We don’t think twice about dumping anything liquid down the drain, and if you have a garbage disposal, you may even be guilty of using your sink as a garbage can for leftover food.

But over time, grease can cause serious drain clogs. Many people think it’s okay to dump grease down the drain as long as they follow it with dish soap and hot water, but this is not true.

Dump your grease in a sealable, disposable container and wipe out pots before washing them.

As for the drains in your bathroom, you may want to install strainers to catch hair and prevent more clogs.

Keep in mind that clogs can also be caused by other things, like tree root infiltration. In this case, you’ll need to call in a professional. A camera inspection can help determine what the problem is and where it is.

“With our high-quality cameras, we can capture clear footage of the inside of the drains and pipes in your homes without digging large, extensive trenches,” says C. Lee Services.

3. Be Careful with What You Flush

Just like with drains, you need to be careful with what you flush down the toilet. The only thing that should go down the toilet is toilet paper.

Even things that are labeled as flushable, like sanitary supplies, wipes, and cat litter, can result in clogs. Other seemingly harmless things like hair and even bleach can also damage your pipes.

The moral of the story? Only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet. Anything else could cause clogs or damage your pipes.

4. Locate the Shut-Off Valve

If a pipe bursts in the middle of the night and starts flooding your home, knowing where the shut-off valve is can save you from costly repairs.

A home’s shut-off valve may be located:

Inside (not as common)
Outside and underground in a pit

If you know where the shut-off valve is located, you can turn off the water in case of an emergency. This can prevent serious flooding and water damage that can be very expensive to fix.