When you want to save money on plumbing, you have a variety of options. Check out the list below for easy ways to save some cash.
- Check all your faucets for leaks and drips and make repairs so you waste less water.
- Look for hidden leaks on your toilets. Add food colouring to the tank. If there is a leak, the bowl will be coloured in about 30 minutes.
- Add a strainer to all your drains to keep soap, hair, and other debris from clogging up the drain lines.
- Take a look at your toilet tank and bowl. Look for any leaks and cracks and fix them immediately.
- Occasionally use the water supply valves under your toilets and sinks. This can prevent them from sticking.
- Be sure toilets flush correctly. If you need to jiggle or hold them, tank parts may need to be replaced.
- Check the water heater’s temperature setting. Keep it below 50 degrees Celsius to avoid scalding.
- Drain a few litres of water from the water heater tank to get rid of sediment that could cause corrosion.
- If the water heater is more than 10 to 15 years old, it could be time to replace it.
- On occasion, pour water into drains you don’t use to prevent odours and make sure the drains are working.
- Look at exposed pipes under the sinks and in the basement for potential leaks.
- If you have a sump pump, add a few buckets of water to ensure proper operation. It should turn on, discharge the water, and turn back off.
- Add a backflow valve to the floor drain if sewage backup happens. This can prevent the issue.
- Be sure gutters, downspouts, and drains in the yard are open, clean, and free of debris.
- Check your hose bibs and faucets to be sure water moves freely.
If you have any plumbing issues that you can’t handle, bring in a professional plumber. They can help with the work and make sure everything is operating the way it should be.