Hiring a plumber can be expensive. Between paying for the plumber’s first call, new parts, and follow up visits, you can find yourself slapped with a big bill for a problem that you could have fixed by yourself.
As the number of plumbers in the UK declines, it can also be hard to find a plumber when you need one. As a result, you may have to wait days or weeks for an appointment.
A bit of prevention and a new approach to plumbing can go a long way. Read on for tips to help you save time and money on plumbing jobs.
1. Keep your toilet hardware up-to-date
Make sure you regularly replace the hardware in your toilet to keep it running smoothly and to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Flappers and fill valves can warp and wear out after 4-5 years. However, you can replace these yourself from most hardware stores at a fraction of the cost of a plumber.
2. Unclog your drains yourself
Calling a plumber for a clogged drain can be expensive–and unnecessary. Instead, you can eliminate many clogs yourself.
Snake your drain weekly or monthly to clear out any built-up hair or to dislodge a clog. Drain snakes are relatively cheap and simple to use. However, avoid pouring drain cleaners down your sinks, as the chemicals often don’t work and can damage your pipes in the process.
Don’t let a clog build up until you need professional help. Clean your drains regularly and save money in the long run.
3. Be careful what you flush
Your pipes are more delicate than you might think. Even if an item says it is “flushable,” it may not be. Items such as wipes, sanitary products, and even some tissues can clog up your pipes and may be difficult to dislodge. Stick to loo roll to keep your pipes working as they should.
4. Protect your pipes
If you live somewhere where it gets very cold, your pipes may freeze in the winter. This can cause them to crack and burst, requiring an expensive visit from a plumber.
There are a few things you can do to prevent this. Open cabinet doors below sinks to keep warm air circulating around the pipes and insulate any pipes exposed to cold air, if possible.
5. Try a virtual plumber
No matter how many preventative measures you take, things can still go wrong with your plumbing. So what should you do if you don’t have the time to wait for a plumber to arrive?
Try Clipfix. Clipfix is a video calling app that connects you to a licensed, vetted plumber in minutes, wherever you are. For just £20, you can speak with a plumber for 15 minutes and get advice on how to fix the problem yourself.
Suppose you are unable to fix the issue via our initial video call. In that case, you can then arrange for a plumbing expert to attend your property, knowing what issue they need to fix, which can help avoid any unnecessary costs.
Save Time and Money With Clipfix
These days, we all want to save time and money where we can. Plumbing should be no different. Of course, you can prevent major problems by taking care of your plumbing, but you shouldn’t have to be blindsided by a huge bill when a problem comes up.
If you’re tired of the stress and expense of hiring traditional plumbers, get started with Clipfix today.
