We understand that plumbing emergencies are super stressful and sometimes to lessen the costs we often think trying to DIY our home plumbing may easily rid us of this problem. But that’s never the case, in fact that might only make matters worse and in the long run, cost you more for damages.
Remember, your plumbing system is complex and made of pipes and fixtures that work together to ensure your water is clean and your waste is safely disposed of. It is also interconnected to other residential and commercial pipes around the city, which is why plumbers must be licensed and have the proper credentials to even do the work.
So while we highly recommend getting yourself a plumber, here are some more tips you can do on your own to help lessen the costs of plumbing services and make your plumbing concerns much easier:
Hire a Trusted Plumber
Word of mouth is a great way to go. Talk to family and friends who already have a go-to plumber. If you lack sources like these, you can also try reviewing plumbers thoroughly online. There should be one with a lot of great reviews in your local area.
Look into Documents
Always ask about warranties because terms and conditions may differ depending on who your plumber’s supplier of materials is. So be sure to bring this up when the need to purchase new parts is on the table. Just because an item is cheap, doesn’t mean that it’s the best solution. You will get what you pay for so always ask your plumber about his recommendations. Not just that, but also ask about your plumber’s insurance as well as licenses for your protection.
Opt for Plastic Pipes
While copper plumbing is common in many homes, plastic is the new ideal solution because of its durability. PVC pipes are a popular choice but there’s a newer and better option around the corner, PEX pipes. They’re definitely the most flexible option in the market, which lessens the chance of it being majorly affected by drastic temperatures. Plus they cost only a third of what copper pipes, saving you a significant amount of money.
Research About Your Plumbing Fixtures
In the end, it is truly the cost of your plumbing pipes and installation that takes a big part in the overall cost of the project. This is why choosing cheap but highly functional plumbing fixtures and appliances makes a world of a difference.
Not every item has to be high end, for example, you can save a nice looking faucet for your kitchen sink and then opt for a cheaper fixture for your spare bathroom. It definitely helps to shop around and compare prices in builders and supply stores, home improvement stores and online. This expands your options, allows you to get the best deal possible and even helps you create a more unique home.
Be Aware of Your Plumbing Layout
When creating the floor plan and layout of your home, you may have had a lot of imagined looks and ideas for your home. While this is great, oftentimes people tend to overlook their plumbing layout and how much a certain piece in their home could totally increase the cost of plumbing.
The design of your home will have a huge impact on your plumbing costs so make sure to rethink this or consult with a plumbing contractor as you draw up your floor plan. He or she will definitely know how to design economically. If some areas of the home that require plumbing are too far apart, you would pay for more pipes and more installation labor.
For example, if you were to create a multi-story home, you should consider placing an upstairs bathroom above one downstairs so they can share pipes, saving you from spending on too much plumbing work and materials. Another great example is keeping the laundry room close to your kitchen for the same reason.
Have the Plumbing Done Right the First Time
Ensure that as your plumbing is being installed for the first time in your space, that it is installed accurately. This will save you time and money in the long run, so be meticulous. If this is not done properly, you risk wasting your current set of materials and will have to hire another plumber to fix the problems that will arise. To make matters worse, you may even have to apply for multiple permits if you fail your plumbing inspection the first time. This will hinder your construction process and cost you a lot of money in the long run.
Energy-Efficient Fixtures
According to PlumberLasVegasNV, another way you can save money is to ask your plumber to install water-efficient fixtures. This is especially useful for faucets, toilets, and showerheads and can help you cut down on water usage by up to 70 percent, significantly slashing your total water costs. You can also research online about new technology that helps lessen water waste and find out if it’s available in your area.
Rebates
Another way to save money is through rebates. These are obtained when you switch out your old plumbing and water fixtures for more sustainable energy-efficient ones. Not only does this help you, but it also helps the environment. Consult with your utility company to find out what types of rebates are offered for homeowners who would want water-saving faucets, toilets, and showerheads.
Plan Strategically
Lastly, it’s best to think ahead. We asked someone who knows – Buz Plumbing and they said to be aware of your plumbing plan and how to switch the water off. In case of any emergency, as water gushes out of a broken pipe, you won’t have the time to think, and finding the leak could take up too much time. So instead, shut off your valve to save you from water and money loss and even property damage.
We hope that this article helped you get at least a basic idea on how to cut down your plumbing costs!
