Essential Plumbing Tips to Save Money

All of us look for ways to save money. Especially in today's economy where the huge expenses are overshadowing the little income, it is imperative to have a hold on the expenses. Plumbing systems are the basic necessity of every home. Despite of being the basic necessity, people often overlook their condition and end up paying huge amounts on their repair and replacement. Following are some tips that can cut down your plumbing expenses and help you save some money.

Prevention is better than cure

Preventing the plumbing problems at the earliest stage, before they get worse, is the best way to cut down plumbing expenses. Some of the most common plumbing issues a plumber encounter include:

1.Dripping taps
2.Clogged drains
3.Issues using the hot water system

A little awareness about various plumbing fixtures and their working can help you prevent the problems before they become big difficulties. For instance, a dripping tap must be checked timely to eliminate further damages. Make sure you immediately address the leaking tap either by replacing the cartridge yourself or calling a professional.

Make sure the plug holes and the waste outlets don't have hair or any solid object to limit the free flow of water. Pour some hot water down the sinks to keep the pipes free from debris and prevent clogging. Also, have a visual inspection of the gutters, gullies and waste shops for leaves and any debris.

Buy plumbing parts yourself

It is advised to buy the plumbing parts and fixtures yourself to save money and also to ensure that the parts are of good quality. You may find plumbers who can guide you about the materials they would require for the plumbing job.

Hire qualified plumbers

No doubt, a new or amateur plumbing company will offer you plumbing services at a relatively low price. But, hiring a certified and qualified plumber will save you money in the long run. You can compare a few quotes and look for hourly rate charges. Ask your friends about any genuine company to get the job done.

Save the valuable time of your plumber

Make sure you clear the area where the plumbers will perform their job to save their time. It is vital if you are paying an hourly rate. Empty the cupboards and clear the space so that the plumber can finish
up his job without any hassle and in less time.
Take required permissions

If you have a major plumbing work to be undertaken, make sure you have taken required permissions from the planning department. Failure to do so can lead to heavy fines that can surely affect your plumbing budget.

All the above mentioned tips will surely reduce your plumbing expenses and ensure the pristine condition of the plumbing and drain systems as well.

Santos Water provides drain cleaning and repair services across Toronto. Our experienced plumbers can adroitly handle any kind of residential and commercial plumbing issue. Contact our plumbers to know more about our plumbing and drain repair services in Toronto.

Top 5 Frozen Pipes Repair Tips for Pipe Bursting Prevention

Frozen water pipes in Toronto is something from which most households suffer. Plumbers in Toronto receive at least 20 service calls a day for frozen pipe repair. Having a frozen pipe in the building or your home is a horrific situation. It won’t just lead to the bursting of pipe but will also create destruction of your home, building and personal belongings. The end result of such a catastrophe is structural damage in the form of cracks, crevices and molds.

 
Why Do Pipes Burst on Freezing?

Water has a property of expanding while freezing. This property leads to an increase in the pressure exerted by water on the pipes. However, an important point that must be understood is that it’s not always the outward pressure of water that leads to pipe burst. In case of complete blockage of pipe by ice, water gets trapped with ice at one end and a closed faucet at the other end. With increase in expansion and pressure, pipe ultimately gets blocked and bursts at the pipe’s weakest point.  

Following are some common plumbing tips which can be used to prevent pipes from getting frozen:

1. Adjust the Thermostat – While saving cash on the utility bills is on everybody’s mind, however, one should not do it at the cost and comfort of the pipes. Homes that were built years ago and are old should be insulated to their best so as to keep the temperature of the home reasonable. This is a great way to keep the pipes healthy.

2. If Away, Turn-Off Main Valve – If you're planning to escape to a place that has warm weather, make sure you turn-off your main water valve. This will ultimately prevent the water from trickling down the faucets and will save it from getting frozen while you're away at another place. This can also help you to save on your water bill.

3. Leave a Drip – It's an old advice and it definitely works. By leaving a tiny drip on the faucet, one can keep the water to move just enough so that freezing of pipe can be prevented. But a major point with this tactic is that all the faucets of the home must be left to drip including those that are present in the basement or garden.

4. Keep Cabinets Open – For pipes present inside the cabinets, open the cabinets and let the pipes get heated by your home’s heat. It won’t add much to your energy bill but can definitely save your pipes from getting frozen and bursting. Moreover, the dent in your utility bill is nothing as compared to the cost of frozen pipe repair.

5. Use a Space Heater – Space heaters have a wide array of uses. Apart from the people, they can be used to protect pipes that don’t bear any protective covering against cold temperature. A space heater is a temporary approach to fix frozen pipes till the time professional protection for frozen water pipes in Toronto is reached.

Having a frozen water pipe in the building is a nuisance and the burst of such a pipe is a bigger nuisance. We, at Santos Water, have been ranked as one of the best frozen pipe repair company in Toronto. Call us anytime at (416) 824 – 3352 to get a ‘Quote’ on our services.