7 Tips to Saving Money on Home Plumbing Repairs
Monday, January 12, 2015, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
Plumbing is an integral, yet often overlooked part of your home. It’s easy to take it for granted, at least until something goes wrong. Once it does, you know it’s going to cost you money. Fortunately, you can keep those costs under control with these seven easy tips.
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Prevention
Ideally, you can avoid spending too much money by keeping serious issues from arising to begin with.
The most common preventable problems include leaking faucets and clogged drains. For faucets, avoid over-tightening the taps, which can lead to expensive repairs.
As soon as you notice leaks, act quickly to fix the problem. If caught early enough, fixing it may be as simple as replacing a washer.
For drain clogs, ensure that the u-shaped trap is free of foreign debris. You should also employ strainers in all of your drains to avoid clogs caused by hair, soap and food particles.
Furthermore, never pour grease down any drain, even if it’s followed by hot water.
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Hire a Qualified Plumber
If you lack the expertise to do the job yourself, it’s strongly recommended to hire a qualified plumber, such as Plumb Perfect Ltd.
It can be tempting to try making your own repairs. However, without the proper tools and knowledge, there’s a good chance that you’ll make some expensive mistakes.
In most cases, you’ll save a lot more money by hiring a professional from the beginning.
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Purchase Your Own Parts
If you need to have major repairs or renovations done, you can save some money by purchasing the parts yourself.
Many plumbers will gladly provide you with a list of things you need and will then install them for you.
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Save Time for the Plumber
Most plumbing jobs are charged on an hourly basis. Therefore, you want to make sure the job takes the shortest time possible.
You can help facilitate this by clearing the way for your plumber so they don’t have to spend time doing it themselves. That way, they can get started on the job immediately and finish sooner.
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Make the Best Use of Time
Some plumbers have a minimum job time requirement. If you call them out for a job that takes only ten minutes and their minimum time is 30 minutes, you’re still paying the same amount.
It’s recommended to have your plumber address any other small jobs, like a leaking faucet, to make the most of your money and their time.
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Plan Ahead
If you’re performing any major plumbing overhauls, you should consult your city’s planning board before-hand in case you require any permits. If you neglect this step, you could get hit with steep fines.
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Obtain Multiple Quotes
Most money-saving experts recommend getting at least three written quotes from prospective plumbers, especially for large jobs. Don’t automatically go with the cheapest one.
Consider what’s included in each one and base the final decision on which quote best meets your needs and budget.
Plumbing problems are inevitable for any homeowner, but you don’t have to let them break the bank. By following these seven key tips, you can make choices that keep your costs low.
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