Budget-Friendly Plumbing Tips

They say that money isn’t everything and while that is true, it does make a difference if you have money or not and we can all agree no one wants to just throw it away! Many different plumbing situations can seem like money going right down the sink but the good news is that there are tips out there that are within any budget to help save money!

Garbage disposals may have a movie reputation for tearing things up with ease no matter how big or tough. This simply isn’t the case. Sure garbage disposal is great for things like eggshells, coffee grounds, and a small number of soft foods but you can’t just go throwing whole bowls of pasta and avocado pits in there and expect it not to wreak havoc on your plumbing! Natural foods like peels and such can actually be saved and put aside for compost and everything else needs to find its way into the trash.

Just because waste isn’t solid doesn’t give the green light to throw it in the drain either. Grease is the main source of plumbing damage and clogs because so many homeowners choose to pour it down the drain. Grease may seem like it would go down quick and easy but it’s actually a short-lived journey. Believe it or not, scalding grease can cool within minutes and may seem to go down easily at first but can harden part of the way through the pipes and become a trap for other foods and create huge clogs. When it comes to grease there are many other ways to dispose of it properly like cooling it and throwing it away in the garbage or even collecting it in a jar to save for gravies or just throw out as a whole after it cools.

Sure, calling a professional should always be the best route especially for more serious clogs but there are some remedies you can try first to save a bit of money. When it comes to bathroom clogs, specifically shower drains, you can use the old wire hanger trick. You can bend the hanger in a way to make a hook with a handle and you’ll be amazed by the hair that comes out! Other drains in your home like the kitchen drain can be unclogged by a few different remedies, Sometimes some dish soap and hot water can be enough to loosen things up enough to fix the issue which is incredibly budget-friendly. In other cases, you can try baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on your drain and pour about a cup of vinegar into the drain directly. You can follow up with hot water and not only will this generally dislodge a clog but it does wonders for making your drains smell a lot better and cleaning them!

Whether you are spending money on plumbing services or plumbing supplies just be sure that you spend it wisely and make informed choices. You may end up spending a bit more but put forth the extra investment on a longer-lasting water heater. Be careful of the products that you choose because some products can actually do more damage than they let on. Even some cleaners can be detrimental to your plumbing like something as simple as a toilet cleaning tab can eat away at the rubber plunger that lifts when you flush causing the toilet to constantly run, increasing your water bill! Anywhere from cleaners to appliances be sure to make informed choices and choose wisely so you can take good care of your plumbing while also having plumbing that will last for the long run!