Pipe corrosion, more prevalent in areas with hard water, is a ticking time bomb. It can lead to pipe bursts which can cause injury and property damage. Also, leakage, yet another plumbing problem, can significantly increase water and energy bills. Scheduling regular maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid pipeline corrosion problems and unexpected repair costs. Thankfully, this article pares down five financial benefits of plumbing maintenance.
1. Reduced Water Bills
Regular plumbing maintenance helps reduce water leakage risks. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, 10% of homes in the state have water leaks that waste around 90 gallons daily. This is around three bathtubs filled with water. The agency reported that most leaks occur due to worn-out toilet flaps, appliances, or dripping faucets. Unfortunately, these leakages happen without the homeowner’s knowledge. Luckily, you can reduce the high water bills due to leakages with scheduled maintenance.
2. Reduces Expenses on Emergency Plumbing Issues
Metallic pipes may be coated with stainless coating materials. However, the pipes degrade with time, exposing the inner parts of the pipes to water elements. If the pipes lie without maintenance for an extended period, they wear out and start leaking, necessitating emergency repair bills. The American Galvanizer’s Association reported that the US economy pays $9 billion yearly because of pipeline corrosion.
Surprisingly, plastic pipes are also prone to bursting. Typically, the salt and other sediments build up on the bent areas, thus blocking the lines. Water pressure builds up, making the pipes burst. Shut-off valve failures also top the list of challenges homeowners face. One main challenge with poor maintenance is that the homeowner resorts to fixing the pipes after bursts or leaks. They don’t understand the real cause of the damage resulting in more accidents. Drain cleaning is one of the most effective solutions for homeowners to avoid emergency plumbing costs.
3. Reduced Energy Bills
It takes a lot of energy to heat the water. A report shows that an average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water daily. 70% of the water is used indoors, meaning it’s heated, especially during winter. Once the water is heated by gas or electricity, it’s stored in storage tanks. If the tanks and the piping are leaking, a homeowner will spend a lot on energy bills. The average US energy bill is $122 monthly, so the cost can add up quickly.
4. Extension of Your Water Equipment’s Lifespan
Water heaters are vital for home components that need much care. However, water sediments build up after heating. Unfortunately, these sediments can take a toll on the heating elements, causing frequent failures. Most water heaters can last up to 30 years. But with less maintenance, they can fail to serve a home even half the lifespan. Moreover, you will incur unbudgeted repair costs. Similarly, you need to care for septic tanks. According to the SCDHEC, most home septic tanks require cleaning every three to five years.
5. Saves you Money and Time
Regular maintenance ensures your piping is in good shape all through. While you incur some initial costs, it’s significantly less than the damage caused by pipe blockage and corrosion. As such, Google consumer surveys revealed that 20% of homeowners frequently face challenges with clogged toilets, while 9% face the problem of clogged sinks. You also spend less time fixing piping damage. According to a National study, 15% of homeowners spend time repairing a backed-up drain.
Plumbing needs regular maintenance to ensure your home systems operate efficiently. Otherwise, you risk costly damage and injury. Contact plumbing experts today to get the value of plumbing maintenance.