When it comes to your plumbing system, two of the most effective ways to save money are to maintain it and reduce water waste. Maintaining your home’s plumbing prevents costly emergency repairs. You can also save every month by installing low-flow fixtures. Here are five practical money-saving plumbing tips for your home.
1. Fix Leaky Faucets
You might not think a leaky faucet is a big deal. Yet, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually. If you have a leaky faucet, ensure the tap is turned off. If the tap is turned off but the leak persists, call a plumber to repair or replace the faucet to stop the leak and reduce water waste.
2. Install Frost-Free Outdoor Spigots
You want to do everything possible to prevent your home’s pipes from bursting during the long, cold winters in Lincoln, NE. One way to protect your home from a busted water pipe is to install frost-free outdoor spigots.
These spigots have a 12-inch-long stem that juts from the home’s internal plumbing to keep water from freezing inside the tap. Frost-free outdoor spigots allow you to keep the outdoor faucet’s water supply on during winter.
3. Schedule Yearly Drain Cleaning Services
Most people don’t think about their drains until they’re clogged. However, a proactive approach to drain cleaning can save you money by preventing busted pipes, overflowing sinks, and water damage repair.
Professional drain cleaning services are much less expensive than pipe repair and replacement. Staying on top of drain cleaning keeps your home’s water moving in the right direction.
4. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures
A great way to save money and reduce water waste is to upgrade existing plumbing fixtures. Low-flow faucets and toilets keep water usage in check without interfering with your daily habits. When you install low-flow fixtures, you won’t notice a difference in performance or convenience, but you will notice lower water bills.
5. Make Sure Your Toilet Flushes Properly
You want to ensure your home’s toilets flush properly because they’re the most-used plumbing appliance in the house. A common problem with toilets is leakage between the bowl and the tank. A broken internal part like the flush-valve mechanism or the toilet tank float usually contributes to leaky toilets.
If your toilet makes gurgling noises, flushes by itself, or runs nonstop, these are signs that you need toilet repair. Replacing internal mechanisms is cheap and keeps your water bill from skyrocketing.
6. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Has your water bill suddenly skyrocketed? Are you worried you might have a hidden leak? These are reasons to schedule a residential plumbing inspection. For expert money-saving plumbing services, contact Select Plumbing to book an appointment today!