As a homeowner, there are all sorts of maintenance tasks that you need to keep on top of in order to avoid costly repairs down the line. While some tasks, like changing the furnace filter or painting the shutters, are pretty straightforward, others—like dealing with a clogged drain or a broken water heater—require the help of a professional.
If you’re looking for ways to cut down on your plumbing costs, there are actually quite a few things you can do yourself. From fixing a leaky faucet to unclogging a shower drain, there are lots of small repairs that even the most inexperienced homeowner can handle with a little know-how and the right tools.
Here are five DIY plumbing tips that will help you save money and avoid costly repairs:
1. Fix A Leaky Faucet Yourself
A dripping faucet isn’t just annoying—it’s also wasting water and driving up your water bill. Luckily, fixing a leaky faucet is usually a pretty easy repair that you can do yourself without having to call in a plumber. All you’ll need is a few basic tools and some time to spare.
2. Unclog Your Shower Drain Yourself
Clogged showers are no fun for anyone—least of all your wallet. A professional plumber can easily clear out most clogs, but if you want to save yourself some money, there are a few things you can try first. There are all sorts of homemade drain cleaners that use things like baking soda and vinegar to break up clogs naturally. Give one of these recipes a try before reaching for the phone.
3. Fix A Running Toilet Yourself
A running toilet not only wastes water but it can also hike up your water bill pretty quickly. In most cases, the issue is with the flapper valve, which is an easy fix that even the most inexperienced DIYer can handle. Simply open up the tank and take a look at the flapper valve to see if it needs to be replaced or adjusted.
4. Insulate Your Pipes Yourself
One of the best ways to avoid costly repairs is by taking preventive measures against common issues like burst pipes. Burst pipes typically happen in cold weather when water freezes and expands inside unprotected pipes. To prevent this from happening, make sure your exposed pipes are well insulated before winter arrives. This is something you can easily do yourself with materials from your local hardware store.
5. Know When To Call In The Professionals
Even if you’re reasonably handy, there will be some plumbing repairs that are simply too big or too complicated for you to tackle on your own—burst pipes and sewer line backups, for example.
If you find yourself in over your head, don’t hesitate to give your local plumber a call. They’ll be able to quickly diagnose the problem and get it fixed so that you can get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
While there are some plumbing repairs that are better left to the professionals, there are actually quite a few things that homeowners can do themselves to save money on plumbing costs. From fixing a leaky faucet to unclogging a shower drain, there are lots of small repairs that even the most inexperienced homeowner can handle with a little know-how and the right tools.
By following these five DIY tips, you’ll be able to keep your plumbing in good shape and avoid costly repairs down the road!