7 Ways To Save On Plumbing & Remodeling Costs

We all want to get the best value for any money we spend, and plumbing costs are no exception! Here are some time-tested strategies for keeping prices low on your next plumbing or remodeling job.

Money-Saving Strategy 1: Schedule a plumbing call before it becomes an emergency.

We always encourage homeowners to be proactive instead of reactive to plumbing repairs. Waiting longer can cause the expense of the repair to increase.

For example, if a stool is leaking and you procrastinate, it can damage the flooring and subfloor, compounding the house repair. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair.

Whenever someone waits to repair a leaking faucet, the corrosion builds, making the removal more complex and sometimes damaging the sink.

Waiting to fix a leaky shower can further complicate the repair. Changing the carriage will usually resolve the matter. When left unattended, it requires the complete valve to be cut out and changed. This can require cutting into a finished wall, which may mean replacing sheetrock and tile.

Consider an annual inspection of your plumbing to avoid emergency repairs and damage to your property. (Our $69 Peace of Mind inspection is a great option!) This also allows you to budget for more costly repairs, such as water heaters.

Money-Saving Strategy 2: Invest in name-brand faucets that have been in the industry for decades.

Some examples are Delta, Moen, Kohler, and American Standard. These are better quality products than the off brand, usually have better warranties, and last longer.

Additionally, these brands allow you to obtain replacement cartriges in the future, instead of replacing the entire faucet.

Money-Saving Strategy 3: Consider the age of your home, and budget accordingly.

Much like a car needing the oil and tires changed, you eventually have to do the required maintenance for your house to go the distance.

One helpful method to budget for long-term repairs is to record your home's plumbing appliances - like water heaters, dishwashers, sump pumps, etc. - and calculate their life expectancy (and when you'll need to replace them).

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors has a chart for estimating the life expectancy of home appliances and components here: https://www.nachi.org/life-expectancy.htm

Money-Saving Strategy 4: Consult a professional before remodel/addition projects.

If you are considering a remodel or addition to your home, make sure to consult a plumber before you begin. The plumber can bring design ideas to help keep the costs down. They can also help you avoid major changes that are more involved and expensive, such as moving major drain lines.

(We offer a free estimate for remodeling projects. Make sure to explain your project when you fill out our contact form!)

In general, the more you can keep items in place (like your dishwashers, faucets, showers, and toilets), the less expensive your remodeling project will be.

Money-Saving Strategy 5: Consider material alternatives.

When consulting with a plumber over remodeling or replacement options, make sure to ask about the choice of materials to be used, and whether there are substantial price differences between them. For example, will they be using PEX pipe or copper (more expensive)?

Additionally, if they're using PEX pipe, will they use crimp-fit couplings or push-fit couplings (more expensive)?

A little planning beforehand, along with a plumber you can trust, can drastically cut the budgeted cost of any remodeling or repair project!

Money-Saving Strategy 6: Avoid DIY projects without proper professional backing.

In the experience of our founder, Doug Luffman, DIY plumbing attempts often go awry without a proper understanding of housing codes and logical assembly of construction projects.

Sometimes he receives calls from people who have unknowingly made a plumbing situation worse by trying to fix it themselves (and end up paying more!).

Money-Saving Strategy 7: Check your plumber's qualifications.

Every plumber you invite into your home should qualify themselves by being established, licensed, and insured.

Bonus fun fact: Becoming a master plumber typically requires 7-10 years of training and education. (We should know, since Doug Luffman is a Block Licensed Master Plumber!)