Before you run to the hardware store for some pipe fittings and a plumber’s wrench, know that hiring a licensed plumbing contractor from the start can save you valuable time and money. In fact, it doesn’t break the bank to have a pro do your plumbing update—and it’ll make a big difference in the look and life of your home’s entire plumbing system.
The experts at Seider Heating, Plumbing & Electrical weigh in on plumbing updates and upgrades by sharing their top five ways to protect your home and budget:
- Faucet facelifts and showerhead swaps. An out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new approach to your fixtures adds style and helps you use water more wisely. For instance, a touchless faucet is easily more hygienic and convenient for your family. You can also replace traditional faucets and showerheads with a low-flow option to conserve water. And lower the temperature of your water heater for safety and energy savings.
- Cleaning before clogs. Simple DIY drain cleanings or chemical applications aren’t always enough to prevent pipe problems, especially if you have hard water. Know that your water will keep flowing freely with professional drain cleaning—it’s affordable and money well spent in the long run.
- More space for hot water. A standard tank water heater actually stresses your pipes because the thermal expansion that happens during the heating process adds pressure in the system. That’s why an expansion tank is a wise option: it acts as an overflow area for excess pressure to help prevent leaky pipes. Most homes have a 40- to 50-gallon hot water tank, which can be protected inexpensively with a two-gallon expansion system.
- Smarter flushes. What saves your household nearly 13,000 gallons of water per year? What reduces septic or sewer capacity by 20 to 60 percent? High-efficiency toilets. Added advantages over regular toilets include water conservation, lower water bills, and fewer invoices for septic tank pumping service.
- Powered-up sump pumps. All too many homeowners have experienced a sump pump backup. The most common cause is a power outage—often due to a storm that also brings heavy rain. A simple fail-safe is to install a secondary sump pump with battery backup. It can function during a power outage; take over if there’s a clog in your primary pump system; or activate if your primary sump pump switch jams.
Get to Know Our Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Pros
Investing in one of these upgrades will help you stretch your dollars. It will also help prevent costly plumbing catastrophes that could damage your property and lead to even higher repair bills. From drain cleaning to sump pumps, the master plumbers at Seider are here to help. We’re also a one-stop resource for electrical updates and repairs, and a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer for all your home heating and cooling needs. Contact us for more information and a free estimate.