Money-Saving Plumbing Tips

Money-Saving Plumbing Tips

If you’re thinking about making some upgrades to your home, it might be time to put your plumbing system on that list. Just a few simple plumbing tips can keep your household budget in check and save you money. Maximizing efficiency, reducing water waste, and maintaining your plumbing system will help you save substantially over time. Besides lowering your water bills, effective plumbing maintenance can also prevent major breakdowns that can put a big dent in your wallet. Check out these five money-saving plumbing tips to save money on plumbing in Central Oregon.

Drop the Drips

If you have a dripping faucet, you may think the amount of water wasted is negligible. But in some cases, a faucet can drip at a rate of up to 15 gallons a day. Reduce water waste in your home by making a conscious effort to turn your taps all the way off. If a faucet continues to leak even after being fully closed, take time to repair or replace it. You’ll prevent wasting water and leaking money down the drain.

Eliminate Drain Build Up

Many homeowners don’t pay attention to their drains until they become clogged or damaged. Place strainers over your sink, shower, and bathtub drains to prevent soap and hair from getting into the pipes. To keep your drains in good working condition and prevent buildups, pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into them regularly. Avoid using a drain cleaner that contains harsh chemicals, it can damage your pipes and harm the environment. 

Update Your Faucets

Your faucets do more than enhance the appearance of your sink. They also adjust the amount of water passing through. Over time, this can cause an increase in your water bill. Newer eco-friendly designs help control how much water is being used and reduce water flow by up to 30% or more. Look for products with the WaterSense label backed by the EPA. 

Take a Look At Your Toilet

You may take your toilet for granted every day, but it actually works hard to keep your home’s plumbing system flowing properly. A sticky flapper valve can cause more water to push through your toilet than what is needed. Inspecting your toilet for flow issues and valve leaks can help to reduce the risk of future plumbing disasters and overflow. If your toilet is over 10 years old consider replacing it with an eco-friendly one that uses less water.

Upgrade Your Water Heater

One of the best ways to lower your utility bills is to replace a hot water tank that is over 10 years old. Older models can drain your electric and gas bills each month. An on-demand gas water heater can save on your utility bills each year. Because you’re only using water that is heated as needed, there is no need to keep stored water warm. If you decide to keep your old water heater, consider having it drained every six months to flush out impurities and improve its performance.

If you try any of these plumbing tips and notice problems, you may need to call a plumber. Hiring a plumber early on can be a great way to ensure you avoid spending money later on costly repairs. Severson plumbing provides both residential and commercial plumbing service and repair for the entire Central Oregon region including Bend, Redmond, LaPine, Prineville, and Madras. We are here to help with all of your plumbing issues and emergencies. If you are in need of plumbing help, contact our team today, 541-382-3720!