As any plumber will tell you, there are a few tips everyone should know about your plumbing system. Some of them will save you money, some of them will keep you safe, and all of them are essential.
Save Money With These Plumbing Tips
One of the most common questions we get asked: 'How do I save money on my utilities?' Here are a couple tips so you can start lowering those water and heating bills.
Install dual-handle faucets: Accidental hot water use can cost you a few bucks every month. Even if you only use it for a second and the water never actually heats up, it still draws from the water heater, causing cold water to enter the tank, which then needs to be heated. You can prevent this by installing dual-handle faucets on every sink you frequently use.
Fix all leaks: It seems like an obvious solution, but allowing that leaking faucet to go a little longer can actually end up costing you a fair amount. Even a leak at one drip per second is estimated to run over 128 liters of water a month. That number jumps to 378 liters at two drips per second. Fix those leaks and you will see a noticeable drop in your water bill.
Simple Tips for Conserving Water
- Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food colouring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, colour will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn, bent, or corroded parts. Flush as soon as testing is done, as colouring could stain the tank.
- Avoid flushing toilets unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
- Spend less time showering. Replace shower heads with water-saving models to drastically reduce the amount of water used.
- Replace older, high consumption toilets with new, ultra low-flush models and save up to 2/3 of water per flush.
- Consider upgrading your older water softener. New models can save water at rates of up to 70% on water, sewage, and salt.
- Change older faucet aerators to new water-saving aerators.
- Avoid running the faucet continuously while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Be sure to set your clothes washer to the size of load you are washing and try to wash full loads.
Emergency Plumbing Tips
Saving a few dollars every month is great, but knowing what to do in a plumbing emergency can save you thousands of dollars in repair and restoration costs. What do you need to know to prepare for a plumbing emergency?
Know where the main water valve is: In nearly any plumbing emergency the first thing that needs to be done is to turn off the water via the main water shutoff valve. If that simple step is not taken, it can ruin your carpets, sub-flooring, even your drywall. This can cost thousands of dollars to repair, not to mention the cost to any furniture or other valuables that suffer water damage.
Most shutoff valves are in the basement in the wall behind a cabinet door, or outside near the water meter. If you are having trouble finding your water meter, contact your utility company for help.
Know which electrical breaker goes to the water heater: A leaking water heater tank is a common problem. After you turn off the water, the tank will empty of hot water through that leak. If you allow the tank to run without any water in it, it will burn out and need to be replaced.
Seasonal Plumbing Tips
- Winter: Make sure all your pipes are insulated, and run hot water through them semi-regularly. Avoid pouring oils and fats down the drain, as they will solidify and clog your plumbing.
- Spring: Spring is a time for cleaning and the perfect time to do some plumbing maintenance! Clean dishwasher traps and pour water down infrequently used drains to keep everything clean and smelling nice.
- Summer: Like the busy ant, it is time to start preparing for winter. Get your boiler checked, and have your toilets and sinks inspected for leaks. Consider using this time to buy a new water heater if yours is over 15 years old.
- Fall: Plug up outside faucets with a Styrofoam kit available at most hardware stores.
Preventing Plumbing Issues
To keep your plumbing system in top shape, regular maintenance is essential. This can include tasks like inspecting pipes for signs of wear, ensuring drainages are clear, and checking seals and fittings for leaks. Simple preventative measures can dramatically reduce the chances of significant plumbing failures, which can lead to costly repairs down the line.
An important aspect of preventive care is being vigilant about what goes down your drains. Food scraps, grease, and non-flushable items can accumulate and create clogs over time, leading to backups that can damage your plumbing system. Educating yourself and your household about proper disposal methods will go a long way in prolonging the life of your plumbing.
Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Have
Having the right tools on hand can make all the difference when dealing with minor plumbing issues or maintenance tasks. Essential tools for every homeowner include a plunger, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, and a set of screwdrivers in various sizes. These tools will help you tackle problems such as clogs, leaks, and loose fittings without needing to call a plumber for every little issue.
Additionally, investing in preventive maintenance tools such as a drain snake can save you a lot of hassle in the long run. A drain snake allows you to remove clogs without harsh chemicals that can damage your plumbing system. Moreover, a quality pipe inspection camera can enable you to detect issues in your plumbing before they escalate, allowing for timely and less costly repairs.
