31 Plumbing Tips You Wish You Knew Sooner

When it comes to plumbing, we often find ourselves in a quandary, desperately searching for solutions to common problems. While plumbers are the go-to experts for fixing issues, there are many tips and tricks of the trade that they might not readily share. In this article, we unveil 31 invaluable plumbing tips that your plumber won’t tell you. These secrets can help you save money, prevent disasters, and maintain a smoothly running plumbing system. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of plumbing wisdom.

1. Not Combining Electrical Gadgets With Whirlpool

It’s funny to think how many people are still doing this. It doesn’t matter how relaxing your whirlpool is, do not combine it with a hair-drying session.

2. Hire a Plumber That Came Highly Recommended By Someone You Know

If you go to the Yellow Pages to find a plumber, expect to be disappointed. Making a flashy and clever ad is easy for anyone to do. But, getting the job done efficiently can only be done by a good plumber. Make sure you ask your friends for the plumber they used that left them impressed.

3. Plumbing Supply Stores Recommend Great Plumbers

Sometimes, finding the right person to do the job is hard. There are many plumbers, but which one do you choose? Plumbing supply stores have high standards for plumbers and will only connect you with the most skilled professionals.

4. Plumbing Tips for Hidden Leaks

A high water bill might be the cause of a hidden leak. So, this plumbing tip might save you the call-out fee a plumber will charge to simply turn off every faucet and go read your meter. If the dial still turns, or the numbers keep going – there’s a leak.

5. Compare and Be Aware

Some plumbers might impress you with their low quotation for a job that others have said is very expensive. These plumbers might be cutting corners and you’ll find it won’t be done as efficiently.

6. Plumbing Tip: Do Not Flush it, Even If The Label Says You Can

This plumbing tip will save you a lot of money. Many products have labels that read “flushable.” This is a lie in many cases. Your plumber may not tell you because they want to work but do not flush anything down the toilet unless it comes from your body.

7. Do Not Use Exposed Pipes As a Clothes Line

Sometimes the load of washing is so big that the clothes horse is not big enough to fit everything for drying. This does not mean one can use the exposed plumbing pipes as a clothesline. They could break and flood the house.

8. Being a Plumber is Hazardous

Service calls from plumbers come at a cost for good reasons. Plumbing work is physically demanding, often involving uncomfortable positions that strain backs and knees. Additionally, plumbers face potential exposure to biohazards found in sewage, which can harbor dangerous diseases like hepatitis A, B, and C, as well as leptospirosis. They also encounter the risk of toxic methane gas exposure during their work.

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9. Replace the Rubber Hose On the Washing Machine With a Metal One

Did you know that one of the top insurance claims from homeowners is a burst washing machine pipe? Well, your plumber’s tip of the day is to replace the pipe with a stainless steel pipe.

10. Let the Experts Handle It

A plumber is busiest on Mondays and Tuesdays. Typically, it’s to fix the errors made by the so-called DIY warriors who thought they could handle the task. Only, they made matters worse for themselves. Your plumbing tip of the day is to let the experts do the plumbing. It will save you time and money for a job done better.

11. Don’t Be Surprised at the Expense For Water Repairs

Another top claim for home insurance claims is the damage caused by water. Excess rain can cause leaks and dampness issues. Plumbers will charge a pretty penny to repair these issues.

12. Dispose of Grease Appropriately

Your plumber may not have told you, but grease is a sure way to cause major blockages in your drain system. Make sure to dispose of the grease the right way instead of washing it down the drain in your kitchen sink.

13. In the Winter Months, Turn Off the Outside Faucet

Leaving your outside hose connected and the water on can result in a costly repair. The plumber will tell you it simply froze up. So, next Winter, make sure to switch off the water and disconnect the hose.

14. Don’t Confuse a Plumber for an Electrician

People might be surprised to hear how many times a plumber is called out for an electrician’s job. Not all plumbers are certified in all repair expertise. Your plumbing tip of the day is to make sure you are calling the right person to do the job.

15. Plumbing Tips: Do Not Put a Brick in Your Toilet Cistern

Older toilets tend to use a lot of water when flushing. So, as a means to save water people think putting a brick in the cistern is the answer. However, this will prevent the right amount of force to flush properly.

16. Hire Plumbers That Offer Warranties

Finding a plumber that offers a warranty for big jobs will save you lots of money. They might charge a little more than the average Joe, but it will ensure the job is done right or fixed for no extra cost if something goes wrong six months later.

17. Do Routine Checks On Water Heater

Your plumber may not have told you, but the water heating warranties are only valid if they are routinely checked and maintained. Make sure you do this once a year at least.

18. Inspect the Plumbing Before You Buy the House

New homeowners must take heed here. Make sure you hire a plumber to inspect the plumbing of the house you wish to purchase before you buy it. You never know what expensive issues are lurking in the pipes.

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19. Plumbing Tips: Pay Attention to Drips

For sure, some people find the sound of water dripping soothing. However, ignoring dripping faucets can be extremely damaging to your budget. You will understand when your water bill arrives.

20. Use a Plunger

Plungers are great tools to unblock drains. It might even help you avoid using those harsh chemical drain cleaners. There are different types of plungers that are better suited for various tasks. A cup plunger is great for the kitchen sink, and a flange plunger is best for a toilet.

21. Best Plumbing Tip: Find Your Main Water Source

The worst thing is waking up to a burst water main in the middle of the night. What’s even worse is not knowing where the main switch is to stop the water from flooding your house.

22. Plumbing Tip: Install a Water Filter

This one is not necessarily a plumbing tip. It is a health tip related to plumbing. These filters are great if you like drinking straight from the faucet. It will take all impurities out.

23. Plumbing Tips: Drain Strainers Are Your Friend

Your plumber will agree that one of the most common issues they deal with is blocked drains because of long hair. Buying a strainer for your drain means the hair gets caught before it blocks the pipes.

24. Plumbing Tip: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Not Your Friend

Most people are blissfully unaware of how they have been damaging their plumbing pipes for all these years. Harsh chemical drain cleaners are not only breaking down the blockage, but they are also eroding the metal of the pipes.

25. Sometimes Plumbers Check Things For Free

When you call a plumber for a particular job, you might as well ask if they can check the valves, or even the water pressure once the job is done. Plumbers might not tell you this, but they’re generally pretty generous.

26. Materials Might Cost More Than Expected

If you are someone who hired an unlicensed plumber in the past, you might be surprised at how much a licensed plumber charges for materials and labor. However, they are licensed and, therefore, approved by your insurance.

27. Plumbing Tip: Try Fixing the Toilet Handle Yourself

One of the easiest jobs a plumber faces is fixing the toilet handle. It can cost a mere $4 to buy the valve flap that needs replacing, whereas a plumber can charge $100 or more as a call-out fee.

28. Not Every Plumber is Licensed

For the sake of your insurance, make sure that the plumber you hire is a licensed professional. Not all of them will tell you they are not licensed, so make sure to ask.

29. Plumbing Tips Include Being Aware Of Removing Toilet Seats

Toilet seats might seem like the job for a DIY warrior, however, your plumber might warn you that they are deceivingly difficult to remove. Your best plumbing tip would be to call in a professional.

30. Garbage Disposals Come With Allen Keys and Instructions

Sometimes your garbage disposal system gets jammed. However, your plumbing tip for this one is to get out the manual and read the instructions! Most of the time, it’s an easy fix and you do not need a plumber.

31. Pay Your Plumbers By the Job – Not the Hour

Although not every plumber is out to take advantage of their clients, it is naive to think some won’t. Make sure to pay your plumber per job, and not their hourly rate. Some might take their sweet time to complete the job and rack up a fine payment by the end Or, maybe the job is just taking longer than expected due to circumstance.

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