Sometimes, hiring a plumber can be costly and it is good that you get value for your money. The mistake that most of us make is that we only remember to look for a plumber when there is a plumbing emergency. This makes us contact any plumber we think of without considering whether or not they can meet our needs.
A little research before a plumbing problem occurs can help you save money in the long term. In fact, a little regular work and knowledge can help you avoid most of the small plumbing expenses.
Plumbing
To know how expensive plumbing costs can be, think about this: The claims made on house insurance policies relating to water damage are 5 times more the claims related to theft, fire or vandalism. So, without further ado, here are plumbing tips that can help you save money:
#1. Purchase Your Own Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures will eventually need to be replaced. This can help you save money in two ways. First of all, it will reduce your water consumption hence helping you save money on water bills. Secondly, it is cheaper to buy your own plumbing fixtures than buying them through a plumber.
Many plumbing companies and plumbers often mark up the price of plumbing fixtures they buy for you. When a plumber comes to your house to inspect a plumbing job, ask him the plumbing fixtures he needs so that you can buy them yourself. Ensure that you buy quality plumbing fixtures as fixtures that of poor quality can be costly in the long run since, they will need additional maintenance or cause costly plumbing problems.
#2. Fix Small Plumbing Problems by Yourself
Dealing with small plumbing problems can help you save money. The good thing is that most of the small plumbing problems can be solved easily. It is good to learn how to do simple plumbing jobs so that you can deal with small plumbing problems by yourself.
One of the most common plumbing problems that you can fix by yourself is a leaking faucet. There is no need to contact a plumber when you have a leaking faucet as you can fix this problem within 5 minutes. Another plumbing problem that you can easily fix by yourself is a blocked drain. The good news is that there are many resources online that will help you learn how to deal with many simple plumbing jobs.
#3. Get Quote Details in Writing
This may seem obvious. However, you may gladly accept an amount that a plumber tells you during a conversation or over the phone but end up paying more than what the plumber told you once the job is completed.
Most of the plumbers out there will tell you that it is impossible to give you a concrete figure because of unexpected complications. In such a case, ask the plumber about his hourly rate and keep a record of time spent on the job. If you have doubts when the bill arrives, do not be afraid to question it.
#4. A Little Knowledge Can Help You A Lot
While most of the homeowners out there don’t like opting for the DIY route, this is an option worth considering. It is good to learn the basic plumbing principles as doing so will help you when dealing with a plumber or when looking for a good plumber to do a plumbing job.
This knowledge can also help you avoid becoming vulnerable to unscrupulous plumbers during a plumbing emergency. There are many guides that can help you understand the basic principles quickly.
#5. Hire a Professional
When you find that a certain plumbing job should be left to professionals, it is good that you do your research so that you can hire the right plumber. One of the best ways to find a good plumber is by asking for referrals from close friends, family members, neighbors or colleagues since word of mouth is often a reliable way to find a good professional.
Choosing the right plumber can be a daunting task as there are many plumbing companies and plumbers to choose from. However, if you know what to look for in a plumber, the process of finding a good plumber will be easy.
Look for an experienced and reputable plumber to ensure that you get the best plumbing services. Keep in mind that hiring a cheap and inexperienced plumber may be tempting but it can end up costing you a lot in the long run.
#6. Saving Time – Saving Money
Once you have contacted a plumber, it is good to prepare your house for the plumbing job by ensuring that everything that the plumber needs is within reach. Remember that many plumbers charge per hour and it is good to cut down on any obstacles that can make a plumber spend more time working in your home. Ensure that the pipes are easy to get to and move anything out of the way.
Get rid of anything under the sink if that is where the problem is. If you have a basement and the plumber will have to check the pipes, remove anything out of the way. Remember that you are paying the plumber to do plumbing work and not to move things out of the way. Also, remember to make sure that the lights in your basement work and that any trap doors are easily accessible.
