5 Ways to Get the Best Bang For Your Buck on Plumbing Services
We get it – spending your hard-earned money on plumbing services isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. Although we’re biased to the importance of having a professional get the job done right, we understand that sometimes a DIY approach is the most budget-conscious decision.
But when a problem arises that requires a plumber, there are ways to cut costs without cutting corners on quality service. Before you put a red line through your monthly budget, here are five ways to save money on your plumbing.
- Be proactive. It’s easy to let small plumbing problems go, in hopes that they might somehow magically fix themselves in time. Spoiler alert: This rarely ever happens. Putting problems off for a future fix ultimately results in the need for emergency plumbing services, which almost always come at a premium. As soon as you make an emergency call, you’re likely spending additional dollars that wouldn’t have been necessary if the problem would have been looked at and solved at the beginning. Create a proactive plumbing maintenance schedule and keep an eye on small issues that have the potential to become catastrophic, like small drips from your faucets or a slow draining sink or tub. Scheduling fixes in advance will save you money in the long run.
- Prep the area for the plumber. If you need to call in professional help, do your best to prepare the area for the plumber or service technician. For instance, if the issue is in your bathroom sink, clear off anything on and in the bathroom vanity so the plumber has easy, clean access to the pipes they need to get to. If the problem lies within your walls, try removing the drywall yourself so the plumber has easy access. Most plumbing teams are knowledgeable and experienced in doing what it takes to access pipes, but having this done beforehand will save the plumber time, ultimately saving you money.
- Remove distractions. Once you set a date and time for plumbing services, you should plan ahead for ways to make the job as easy as possible. This might include sending your barking dog to the backyard while the plumber is working, or sitting down with your kids to go over ground rules so they stay out of the plumber’s way as much as possible. When your plumber is able to work without distraction, they are able to get the job done faster. And time is money.
- Choose cost-saving fixtures. There are certain pipes and fittings that are more cost-effective than others. There are also some that are more of an investment but end up saving you money down the line. Depending on your financial situation, your plumber can help you make an informed decision on which items to install.
- Combine DIY and professional. We don’t typically recommend the DIY approach unless you’re experienced and somewhat knowledgeable in plumbing systems, and be warned: DIY plumbing projects often result in those plumbing emergency calls homeowners should try to avoid. But if you’re feeling confident in doing smaller, easier-to-fix jobs, your plumber can focus on the bigger, more technical issues. This approach can save money on labor costs. Be sure to reference users manuals, YouTube, and blog post instructions before you start turning any wrenches or disconnecting pipes to avoid major damage.
Professional plumbers in Oahu and Maui
Here at Emergency Plumbing & Solar, we’re dedicated to providing the highest-quality plumbing services at the most affordable prices possible for our customers in Hawaii. If you have a plumbing project you’ve been putting off because of budgeting issues, give us a call at (808) 691-9309.
