A plumbing repair should be carried out by your local professional plumber. But, if you want to reduce the frequency and costs of repairs and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system, what are your options? In this article, we will show you five proven ways to spend less on plumbing repairs.
- Regular Servicing and Maintenance
Many people neglect their plumbing system until something goes wrong, and then they call their plumber. This is the wrong approach; if you become proactive, you can reduce your overall costs with regular inspections and maintenance. If you get your plumbing checked out annually, the plumber can identify potential problems. When things are fixed earlier, the repair bill is smaller and larger problems that are more expensive to fix can be mitigated or avoided altogether.
2. Get Multiple Estimates
It’s always a good idea to get an estimate from a few different plumbers in your area. But, bear in mind that the cheapest estimate may not be an indication of professionalism and good service. If the estimate seems too high compared to the others, it may mean that the plumber is charging too much. When you compare quotes for any type of work, it’s likely that the best options will always be somewhere in the middle. Before you make your final choice, check the reputation of the plumber online or get a recommendation from someone you trust. If you can find a local certified plumber with a great reputation and fair pricing, you’ve hit the jackpot.
3. Condense Plumbing Jobs to Save Money
When a plumbing emergency occurs, it tends to happen at inconvenient times. But, if you have noticed some problems with your plumbing system, you can save money by getting everything fixed at once. When the plumber can fix a number of problems at the same time, you only pay for one set of gas mileage and traveling times. This is the best way to get the most out of your plumbing visit without breaking the bank.
4. Make a Basic Plumbing Kit
It’s a good idea to invest in a couple of different plumbing snakes (augurs), a cup plunger, and a toilet plunger with a flange. Place these tools in a separate toolbox and keep in on hand to deal with drain clogs. Avoid using chemical drain clearing products, the caustic chemicals can damage your pipes, and that will lead to an expensive repair bill.
5. Prevent the Formation of Drain Clogs
Drain clogs are one of the common plumbing repair problems, and avoid them is a good idea. Avoid pouring anything into the drain that could form a clog, such as oil, grease, soap scum, hair, and other materials. You can clear simple clogs using the tools mentioned above, but a deeper or persistent clog will need a professional plumber. They have the skills, experience, and specialized tools to remove the clog without damaging your plumbing system.
If you have a clog or other plumbing problem, contact your local certified plumber for expert help and advice.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.