Few people enjoy the prospect of plumbing repairs, but they’re a necessary evil for any homeowner. While you can’t completely avoid plumbing repairs altogether, there are some things you can do to help minimize their cost. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our top tips for avoiding costly plumbing repairs in Alameda.
In Alameda, as in other parts of the Bay Area, plumbing problems and solutions can be expensive. But there are ways to minimize the cost and disruption of plumbing emergencies. Check out these tips to help you save money on your next plumbing repair bill.
1. Stay on top of routine maintenance
Many people assume that plumbing is a 100% hands-off issue, especially in regards to pipes. The fact of the matter is that while you may not ever need to do any work on your pipes, they still need regular upkeep and maintenance. That’s where we come in! At O’Brien Plumbing, our repair technicians are trained professionals who can take care of various repairs around your home, so you don’t have to worry about them yourself.
2) Fix Clogged Toilets
If you’ve ever had a clogged toilet, then you know all too well the amount of stress and frustration it can cause. If left for too long, a clog can result in overflowing water – which is both costly and extremely messy! If your home has multiple toilets, don’t wait to call one of our plumbers if you notice any signs of a clog.
3) Be mindful of your HVAC unit’s heat setting
In Alameda, summertime temperatures can get into the 90s or higher pretty quickly. While this may be great for people who enjoy warm weather, it doesn’t do much for homeowners who are trying to keep their energy bills down. The best way to avoid high cooling bills during the summer is to keep your HVAC unit at a reasonable temperature. By utilizing the home’s air conditioning efficiently, homeowners can save up to 20% on their annual cooling costs.
4) Ventilate Your Attic Properly
It might seem odd to think of a ventilation system as a source of plumbing problems. However, there are actually some very real ways that poor attic ventilation can lead to costly plumbing issues – and even insurance claims! If you suspect that your attic may be too hot or humid, it’s time to call our team of experienced technicians. Keep in mind that an overheated attic could also damage other aspects of your home – including its structure! In extreme cases, attics with ventilation might affect indoor air quality as well.
5) Fix Dripping Faucets & Leaky Pipes
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning. Even the smallest plumbing issues can result in some pretty hefty bills if you neglect them for too long! A leaky pipe might not sound like much, but you’d be surprised how quickly that leak can add up throughout the day – resulting in wasted water and higher energy usage. It kind of makes that next shower or bathtub session feel less luxurious, doesn’t it? If you notice any signs of leaking pipes around your home, don’t wait to call our team of plumbers. We’ll perform an inspection with advanced equipment to determine where your leaks are coming from.
6) Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
The hot water heater is a relatively popular appliance in Alameda homes. However, many people forget to consider how much energy it actually uses! In fact, roughly 90% of the average household’s energy usage comes from heating water – which isn’t exactly cheap. If you avoid washing your clothes in hot water and stick with cold or warm instead, you’ll save over 20% on your annual water bill. Plus, that money will stay in your pocket instead of going towards heating costs!
7) Utilize “Low Flow” Plumbing Practices
Did you know that homeowners can help lessen the burden on our natural resources simply by shifting their plumbing habits? It may sound hard to believe, but “low flow” plumbing practices can actually help save thousands of gallons of water every year – and that’s a pretty big deal! If you’re ready to make a change for the better, our team is here to provide helpful advice and concrete suggestions. We’ll even provide a free consultation if needed!
8) Ensure Your Plumbing Fixtures Are Energy Efficient
There are more ways to cut down on your energy usage than simply switching up your method of showering! In fact, making small changes around the house could easily reduce your household’s electricity use by as much as 20%. The easiest way to start is by replacing old plumbing fixtures with modern models that have been designed with energy in mind. Energy-efficient faucets, toilets, and showers can help save on electricity costs by limiting hot water usage.
9) Get Your Dishwasher & Washing Machine Set Up Properly
If you’re using an old dishwasher or washing machine, you might actually be wasting more money than necessary! If your appliances aren’t connected properly to the existing plumbing system, it’s possible that they could end up wasting a considerable amount of water. By getting in touch with our team of experts, we’ll make sure that every appliance is hooked up properly and running efficiently. We even provide free consultations if needed!
10) Know when to call for help
Speaking of avoiding costly repairs costs, our last tip is perhaps the most important one: don’t try to fix things yourself if you’re not an expert at it! While many people are up to the challenge of tackling home repair projects on their own, there are some jobs that are simply too big or complicated for them to handle safely. If you have any doubts about whether or not a plumbing repair is something you can take on yourself, call us instead.
We’ll be happy to send one of our reliable plumbing experts out to deal with the issue for you.