Contrary to what homeowners think, it’s not difficult to save money on your plumbing. Read this article for helpful tips on conserving energy and water, and avoiding a costly plumbing repair. If you have questions, contact a plumber in Knoxville, TN.
Here are some tips to follow:
1. Call a plumber for repairs or installations. Some homeowners would do minor repair work and this is okay so long as you have the right plumbing tools to get the job done. For example, use a plunger or a drain snake to remove what’s clogging the drains. If you don’t know how to use a plumbing tool though, we recommend calling a plumber in the area for assistance. For other repair work, get in touch with a professional to save money. Hiring an unqualified person can only lead to more repairs.
2. Cover unprotected pipes. No one wants to deal with water damage because it’s stressful and can be extremely costly. Thankfully, there are things you can do to avoid a catastrophic plumbing emergency. One of them is to protect exposed pipes inside and outside your home. Do this when the temperature starts dropping or the water inside the pipes will freeze when the temperature reaches below zero. When the water freezes, the pipes can expand and then burst. Call a plumber immediately for assistance or you’ll be paying a lot of money for repairs.
3. Always test the sump pump. Is there a coming storm? We recommend you test the sump pump first to ensure it actually works. To test it, simply pour water into the sump pit and wait for the float switch to turn on. Enough water should activate the float switch. If it doesn’t turn on, contact a plumber in Knoxville, TN for assistance as there’s likely an issue with the sump pump. We also suggest you get some backup batteries especially when there’s a coming storm as there might be a power interruption. You can avoid a flooded basement and a costly repair or replacement by ensuring all devices and equipment in your home are working, especially the sump pump. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch with us.
4. Don’t ignore a slow drain. Plumbing emergencies don’t just happen, they occur because a homeowner fails to take care of their plumbing. Slow drains are usually the first symptom of a major drain clog. Don’t wait until your problem progresses into a costly plumbing repair, we recommend calling a plumber immediately for professional drain cleaning. You can also try cleaning your drains with vinegar and baking soda solution. Never use chemical-based drain cleaners as they can be extremely harmful to the pipes. They also pose health risks. Hiring a licensed professional for drain cleaning can extend the life of your plumbing and ensure it’s in excellent shape. Most importantly, it can help you avoid costly repairs.
5. Install a garbage disposal. Are you having trouble disposing of your food waste? Try installing garbage disposal but you need to properly care for your device to avoid a drain clog. For example, never grind down large food particles or they can end up damaging the motor. Maintain your garbage disposal and clean it regularly to avoid unpleasant smells in the kitchen. If there are issues with the garbage disposal, contact a professional immediately for assistance.
6. Switch to tankless water heaters. Do you want to save money with your plumbing? Install energy-efficient appliances like a tankless water heater. Compared to the conventional water heater, the tankless version doesn’t have standby heat loss, which means you’re not wasting energy. You only use energy when you turn on the tap or the shower. With a conventional water heater, you’ll need to always turn on the heating to have hot water. If you want to conserve more energy, replace your old water heater with a tankless water heater. Other benefits include not having to worry about flooding in the basement and homeowners getting to save space. Contact us if you need more information about tankless water heaters.
7. Be careful with hidden leaks. Some leaks are pretty obvious as they usually come in pooling water in the yard or kitchen. Some leaks though, can’t be detected easily. There are signs to look out for, thankfully. If you see water spots in the ceilings or walls, or your water bills have suddenly skyrocketed, there’s likely a leak somewhere in your plumbing. Please don’t ignore this if you want to avoid paying for a costly plumbing emergency. Contact a professional right away for a thorough inspection of your plumbing. Our team can identify the leak and provide you with cost-effective plumbing solutions.
8. Get stainless stain washing machine hoses. Are you buying a new washing machine? You can save money with an ENERGY STAR washer and dryer, and invest in stainless steel braided hoses. The regular hose is more susceptible to damage and they don’t really last long. Stainless steel hoses are less susceptible to damage and can last twice as long. Call us if you need help installing a new washing machine for your laundry room.
9. Get a routine inspection when water pressure is low. This indicates a leak in your plumbing. Consider installing leak detection devices and contact a plumber for an inspection. You can also do a water meter test if there’s indeed a leak in your plumbing and get in touch with us to help you repair the leak.
10. Install low-flow fixtures and energy-efficient appliances. Want to save more money? Invest in low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets. Energy-efficient appliances can also help you conserve energy and save money.
Contact Us Today for an Appointment
Do you need a plumber in Knoxville, TN? Our plumbing team is licensed and are highly skilled in plumbing repairs, installations and maintenance. At My Professional Plumber, there’s no problem we can’t fix. Call us today for an appointment and we’ll fix your issue as soon as possible. Get in touch with us today.
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