The plumbing system is the unsung hero of your home. Working hard behind the scenes, your plumbing ensures you have access to clean water on demand while removing wastewater from your home. Since it works most of the time, not to mention the bad habits contributing to more wear and tear, your plumbing system will eventually show noticeable damage.
Some of the most common plumbing issues not only ruin your day and wreak havoc in your home but can also drain your wallet. In fact, homeowners can expect to pay around USD$175 for small repair jobs up to USD$3,000 for extensive plumbing issues and water damage.
Since it’s not that wallet-friendly, this article shares a few tips on how to save on your plumbing repairs.
1. Choose The Right Plumber
There’s no reason to stick to a specific plumber if they charge a high cost for your plumbing repairs. So, like how you take the time to research before buying an inexpensive item, make sure to shop around for a more affordable plumber.
Choosing the right plumber also ensures that the job gets done right the first time. This prevents the endless modifications and repairs that will cost you more throughout the process.
So, before hiring a plumber, gather the necessary information. Check their qualifications and experience in doing quality work. Ask for local references who can offer you insights into how the plumber works.
You can also check out third-party review websites. Most plumbers have account listing on top review websites to increase their digital presence. A prime example is Dan’s Plumbing, a reliable contractor in Australia with a company listing on the Word of Mouth website. Here, you can read reviews from real-life customers of Dan’s Plumbing, allowing you to learn more about client experience.
Also, check if the plumber offers a warranty on their work and materials. Verify with your local building department if the plumber you’re considering is licensed and insured. Lastly, you should also hire a local plumber. Most plumbing agencies may charge extra fees if they need to travel far to visit your home. In addition, choosing a company closer to home ensures a timely and prompt visit, minimizing potential damage to your home and saving more on repair costs.
2. Prep Your Home
Some plumbers may charge a per-hour fee. If that’s the case, reducing the time they need to be in your home is essential. You can do this by prepping your home for the plumber’s arrival.
Generally, you want to move your personal belongings away from the work area. Pull out the drywall to provide easy access to the pipes if needed. Doing some preparation allows the plumber to focus on what you hired them for.
3. Know How To Shut Off Your Water Line
When water disaster strikes, such as a burst pipe, limiting the amount of damage is a great way to reduce costs. As such, you should know the location of your water shut-off valve and how to turn it off. By immediately cutting off your water supply, you can reduce the risk of other areas sustaining water damage.
Generally, this component is often found in the basement of your home or near the street. It’s typically located near the water meter. Please note that individual plumbing components, such as sink or toilet may also have a shut-off valve. By simply turning these valves in the right direction, you can cut off your water supply and significantly help reduce overall plumbing repair costs.
4. Don’t Ignore Plumbing Repairs
A plumbing issue will never fix itself. Although a dripping faucet or slow-draining sink may seem harmless, ignoring it can lead to a bigger and costlier problem. So, instead of putting off your plumbing repair, thinking it can help save you on expenses today, call an expert professional immediately while your repair costs are still affordable.
5. Avoid DIYing On Major Repairs
Most homeowners turn to DIY methods to save costs. Simple DIY repairs, like changing an old fixture or replacing the O-ring on a drippy faucet, aren’t a problem. However, more significant repair projects should be left to a licensed plumber to save on cost.
Hiring a plumber for more serious projects helps avoid causing further damage to your plumbing system. This ensures that the issue is resolved from the roots while preventing costly mistakes that can lead to another problem on the other end.
Takeaway
There’s no denying that plumbing repairs can be expensive, especially with more significant problems. However, there are ways to save money on these projects. Depending on your situation, follow the above tips to reduce the overall cost of plumbing repairs. This way, you aren’t spending more than necessary to fix plumbing issues.
