If you are like most people, you do not spend a lot of time thinking about your pipes. That can be costly as there are about 700 water main breaks in the United States every year. One of the main causes of property damage for homeowners is water damage due to plumbing problems and pipes freezing. Whenever the temperature outside goes below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes become vulnerable to freezing. This is more of a concern for pipes with little or no insulation. You can keep your home or business free of plumbing problems with proper and regular maintenance. Many residential and commercial plumbing repair problems can be prevented this way.
Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Tips to Save You Money:
- Find and repair your plumbing problems early. Small plumbing problems have a way of becoming large plumbing problems if they are ignored. What starts out as a small leak that is easy to fix will grow into a large one that causes a lot of water damage and requires more costly plumbing repairs if left alone. Standing water that is left to pool can also attract mold. Mold can be very dangerous so if you see pools of water or notice a leak, have it fixed as soon as you can. Fixing leaks early will also save you money on your water bills. It has been estimated that homeowners can save up to 10% on their water bills when they find and fix any small leaks around the house.
- Have the right tools around. The most common commercial plumbing repair problem is a clogged sink, whereas the most common residential plumbing problem is clogged toilet. Both can be fixed with a snake or auger. Having one around your home or business can help you save some money, and thankfully, they are easy to use and not expensive to buy. Residential and commercial plumbing contractors can charge between $20 and $100 to come out and use a snake when you can use your own for free.
- Know where the cut off valve is. If you see a lot of water pouring out of your toilet, or if you want to work on your system yourself, you are going to want to shut down the water to your residence or business. You need to know where the shut off valve is to do this. Find out where this is before you have a problem.
- Figure out what kind of pipes you have. If your building was built before 1970, the pipes are most likely made from galvanized iron which is prone to rusting and leaking. You may need to have a residential or commercial plumbing repair expert take a look at your pipes to determine what they are made of and what condition they are in. You should have your pipes looked at on a regular basis by a plumbing contractor to make sure they stay clean and clear.
- Find a plumber before you need one. Have a residential or commercial plumbing repair company in mind before you have a real problem. You are never in the best position to negotiate when you are having a crisis. Ask around for recommendations for good plumbers before you have a huge flood, blockage, or other problem in your home or business.
Water loss from leaks is a big problem throughout the United States, The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has said that between 180 and 250 gallons of water are used by the average household. Nearly 14% of that daily total is lost to pipe and plumbing leaks.
Dealing with plumbing in a home or business is never fun and is not the most exciting part of owning a house or company, but it is something you have to think about. If you wait until your restaurant's toilets or sink are clogged to think about finding a good commercial plumbing repair company, the cost will not just be the fee for the plumber. You can lose valuable customers, too. Spend some time having your pipe and sewer system checked periodically to look for problems and fix whatever issues you do find. This will save you time, money, and worry later on.