6 Ways to Prevent Costly Plumbing Issues
Preventing your plumbing bills from skyrocketing requires you to do regular maintenance, learn good water habits, and protect your pipes from volatile temperatures.
The average cost of plumbing repairs can range from $125 to $800, depending on the size of the job. The longer you wait or let issues go unattended, the more costly they become.
We're here to help you keep those costs manageable for a happier and safer family lifestyle. Our efficient plumbing tips can help you find better ways of safeguarding your water system to bring down those bills.
1. Create a Plumbing Checklist
To prevent plumbing issues, you need to understand your home's system inside and out. Get to know when something sounds wrong and when it's time to call for expert services.
Take the time to inspect your water system every couple of months so no issue ever goes unnoticed for long. Many minor problems can easily become bigger and expensive repairs when left alone for too long. You may not ever notice unless you take the steps to investigate beforehand.
A good plumbing inspection checklist should include:
Check for leaking water under sinks and around toilets
Look for signs of water damage
Test the speed of your drains
Ensure water connections to appliances are well-sealed
Check water quality and clarity
Analyze water bills within the last few months
2. Learn Good Disposal Habits
Did you know that many costly plumbing repairs are due to poor homeowner habits? There are a lot of items that get flushed down drains that should never be forced through a water pipe. We're often lucky when that food grease or paper towel doesn't create a clog, but we're always rolling the dice with these kinds of habits.
All it takes to avoid preventable clogs and damage is to begin implementing better disposal habits. A few changes are all it takes to make a positive impact on your plumbing system. Start by no longer allowing the following items to go down your toilet and sink drains:
Paper towels
Food grease and oils
Food scraps (take extra care with rice, pasta, and bones)
Hair
Hygiene products
Cleaning products
Baby wipes
Makeup wipes
Mud or soil
3. Protect Your Drains
Learning better habits can only take you so far. To further protect your drains from preventable damage, a drain guard can do wonders.
When you're cooking, for example, it can be difficult to prevent food scraps from going down the drain. A guard will trap the scraps before they can ever get close to your water pipes. Placing a guard in your shower will stop those pesky loose hair strands from tangling inside your pipes as well.
4. Control Water Pressure
Do you know how much pressure your water system deals with daily? A higher pressure is often seen as a good thing, but that's not always a correct assumption.
A lot of excess pressure forces your plumbing to work harder to compensate. It can wear out pipes and drains faster, meaning you'll have to deal with repairs more often. By keeping your water pressure at a safe range of 40 to 60 PSI, you'll extend the longevity of your plumbing system and keep your costs down.
5. Guard Against Extreme Temperatures
In Pennsylvania, we're lucky that our average temperatures don't often go to extremes. The problem with this is that it can lure us into a false sense of security that leaves us unprepared when a sudden winter freeze comes through.
Even with our relatively mild temperatures, you want to make certain your plumbing system efficiency accounts for all kinds of temperatures.
Winter temperatures should be your biggest concern, which can be offset by using high-quality insulation. Insulation is a homeowner's best friend in fighting against the possibility of burst pipes. Portable heaters are another useful tool for those extreme winter nights.
6. Call for Regular Maintenance and Checkups
Whenever you're uncertain about a plumbing issue, it's vital to call for a plumber to take a look. They can stop a small repair from becoming a large investment that forces your family to live in a hotel for a few days. They'll know how to get your system on the right track to keep your family comfortable and your costs as low as possible.
Make sure your trusted plumbing company can help with all types of tasks, including minor issues and emergency services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Risky Is Plumbing?
Home plumbing maintenance should focus on simple tasks that prevent major issues in the future, like the ones listed above. Trying to fix big problems without the right expertise can lead to a worse situation in the blink of an eye. Water can quickly seep into core parts of your home, which then often leads to damage or even mold.
What Is Defective Plumbing?
Defective plumbing is a term used when a homeowner notices that their water system isn't performing as it should after a fix. This often happens after a mishap while trying to DIY a repair, or when a plumber isn't experienced enough to realize something went wrong.
This is why you should always look for a reputable plumber from a well-established Pennsylvania company to ensure every repair and installation is done with care and expertise.
Can a Plumber Identify a Leak?
If you notice musty smells, gurgling sounds, or a sudden spike in your water bills, it's likely there's a leak somewhere. Trying to find this on your own can be a hassle and lead to more damage. An experienced plumber can help find a leak and apply a repair before the damage gets worse, avoiding future issues and higher costs.
Secure Future Savings With Tim Beil Plumbing
When it comes to plumbing, waiting to act will almost always end up costing you more in the end. No family wants to deal with water damage, weird noises, or even potential mold growth. Stay on top of your plumbing needs with a local and trusted plumbing company.
At Tim Beil Plumbing, we've supplied local families with stellar plumbing services since 1967. With three generations of passionate family members to rely upon, our company aims to help Pennsylvanian families with all of their plumbing needs.
Contact us today, and we can assist you with water softening, drain cleaning, bathroom remodeling, and water system repairs!
