Don’t Let Poor Plumbing Decisions Cost You Thousands

When it comes to your plumbing, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you. Poor plumbing decisions can lead to expensive repairs and pipe renovations down the road that can run your wallet dry. Here are a few ways that you can avoid these costly mistakes:

Choosing a plumber based on price alone may result in low quality work. A plumber’s rate is not just for their labor, but also for their years of expertise, specialized vehicle and equipment, and ongoing education.

Poor Drain Care Behaviors

If not properly cared for, drains become breeding grounds for microorganisms that can lead to unpleasant odors and health risks. Preventative maintenance strategies, such as regular drain cleaning and use of safe drain cleaners, are essential to avoiding these costly issues and keeping your home sanitary.

It is also essential to pay attention to early warning signs of clogs or blockages, such as slow drainage or gurgling sounds, in order to intervene quickly and before the problem escalates. Prompt interventions, whether it’s using a plunger or drain snake for minor clogs or calling a plumber for more serious blockages, can help prevent the high costs associated with emergency plumbing repairs and water damage restoration, ultimately leading to substantial cost savings in the long run. It’s also essential to avoid common drain-compromising behaviors, like pouring corrosive drain cleaner down the pipes or overusing commercial drain openers. These careless actions can damage pipes beyond repair, requiring costly pipe renovations down the road. Instead, give these guys a call.

Installing the Wrong Pipes

The type of pipes installed in a home can have a huge impact on its longevity, maintenance costs, and efficiency. Choosing the wrong pipe materials or using improper installation techniques can lead to leaks and other issues down the line. It’s best to leave the piping work to professionals and ensure the correct material is used for each project. Also be sure the correct diameter is chosen for the job. Larger-diameter pipes may cost more upfront but can make a home more efficient in the long run. Also be sure the proper supports and hangers are used to prevent sagging or movement over time. This can cause misalignment, stress on joints, and other problems. Also, never combine different types of pipes as this can cause erosion and leaks.

Choosing the Wrong Plumbing Company

A plumbing company can make or break your home plumbing experience. It is important to choose a reliable company, one that will do high-quality work and stand behind their work. One that treats you with respect and offers fair pricing. You can do some research on your own, but a good place to start is by asking friends and family about their experiences with plumbers in the area. Look for a company with plenty of positive recommendations, as these can give you peace of mind that you are choosing the right company.

You can also find out more about a company by looking at their website and social media pages. You should check their licensing information and insurance coverage, as well. Insurance helps to protect homeowners in case something goes wrong during a job, and it usually includes worker’s compensation, liability, and property damage insurance. If a plumbing company doesn’t have these things, it is best to move on to another option.

It is also a good idea to avoid any companies that use high-pressure sales tactics when they give you estimates on their services. For example, some companies may refuse to put their prices in writing or try to scare you with talk of catastrophic damages if you don’t sign right away. You should also be wary of a company that makes significant contract changes mid-job. This could indicate that they don’t know what they are doing or that they are trying to rip you off.

When you choose a plumbing company, it is also important to look for a BBB (Better Business Bureau) accreditation. This allows you to see how a business has been treated in the past and gives you an idea of their customer service standards.

A good plumber will be able to provide you with a list of references that you can contact to learn more about their work. You can also do an online search to see what other people are saying about a particular plumbing company. Be sure to read both the good and bad reviews.

Not Taking Care of Your Pipes

When you own a home or operate a commercial building, it’s important to keep your plumbing systems working without issue. The most cost-effective way to do that is by taking care of them and having a professional inspect them regularly. This will help prevent major disasters that can cost thousands of dollars. Whether it’s a hidden leak that’s about to burst a pipe, a water heater that’s in need of a replacement, or a sewer line issue that’s leading to your house and possibly exposing you and your family to health hazards, it’s crucial to have these problems fixed as soon as possible.

A lot of people tend to think of their pipes as “out of sight, out of mind,” because they’re located behind walls and under floors, making them difficult to access. Unfortunately, that also means they’re easy to ignore when they begin to have issues. A leaky faucet or a running toilet might seem like no big deal, but those minor nuisances can quickly add up to high utility bills and waste thousands of gallons of water every year.

Another problem is drain blockage, which can happen for a variety of reasons. Many times it comes down to the poor installation of pipes or even neglect by a home builder. In other cases, it’s because homeowners don’t properly care for their plumbing. For example, pouring grease down the drain or flushing solid waste down the toilet can lead to a clogged pipe that needs to be addressed.

Frozen pipes are another common and expensive issue. This is a result of not keeping your home warm enough during cold weather, leaving water running while you’re away from the house for long periods of time, or forgetting to turn off the heat before going on vacation. This type of problem can cause serious water damage and require costly repairs, including the cost of a plumber to unfreeze your pipes. You can avoid this by insulating your pipes and keeping the temperature in your home at 55 degrees during winter, turning off the water while you’re away, and avoiding putting any foods that will create a lot of grease into the drains.