6 Plumbing Tips for Saving Money

1. Upgrade to Water-Saving Toilets That Won’t Flush Away Your Money

Did you know that toilet flushing accounts for about 24% of a household’s water use? Modern innovations—including low-flow, dual-flush, pressure-assisted, and vacuum-assisted toilets—have transformed this major water consumer into an opportunity for savings. Since the EPA mandated water-saving standards in 1994, average water consumption in single-family homes has dropped by nearly 22%. Today’s high-efficiency models use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, with ultra-high efficiency options consuming only 0.8 to 1.1 gallons.

Modern toilets now boast technologies that ensure a powerful, clean flush without wasting water. When shopping for a new toilet, look for its Maximum Performance (MaP) score—a higher score indicates better efficiency. You can choose from a range of models:

• Gravity-Assist Toilets: A simple, cost-effective option with easy repairs and plenty of style choices.
• Dual-Flush Toilets: Offering two flush options—a full flush for solids and a reduced flush for liquids—to save even more water.
• Pressure- and Vacuum-Assisted Toilets: These models provide a forceful flush with advanced technology, ideal for those who want top performance while reducing water usage.

For homeowners not quite ready to invest in a complete toilet replacement, even inexpensive tank inserts can reduce water usage by 0.5 to 1 gallon per flush. Plus, some municipalities offer rebates for installing high-efficiency toilets.

At Reliant Plumbing, our team is ready to help you upgrade your outdated, pre-1994 toilet with the latest water-saving innovations. And don’t forget to take advantage of our seasonal specials for discounted installations and repairs!

2. Use Drain and Bathtub Strainers to Prevent Costly Clogs

Preventative maintenance is key when it comes to avoiding expensive repairs. Installing drain strainers in your sinks, showers, and especially bathtubs can make a significant difference in keeping clogs at bay. Bathtub strainers are designed to catch hair, debris, and other particles before they enter the drain pipe—helping to maintain smooth water flow and preventing blockages that could lead to costly plumbing repairs.

Benefits of Using a Bathtub Strainer:

• Improved Drainage: Bathtub strainers catch hair and debris, ensuring that water drains efficiently and reducing the risk of backups.
• Healthier Bathroom Environment: By preventing clogs, strainers reduce the buildup of bacteria and mold, helping to avoid unpleasant odors and maintain hygiene.
• Cost Savings: Regular use and easy maintenance of strainers prolong the lifespan of your drain and minimize the need for expensive repairs.
• Easy Installation and Maintenance: Most bathtub strainers are simple to install—just place the strainer over the drain before filling your tub, and remove it after use to clean out the collected debris. Choosing a high-quality strainer made of durable materials like stainless steel or silicone ensures optimal performance and longevity.

At Reliant Plumbing, we encourage regular inspection and cleaning of your strainers. If you experience persistent clogs despite using strainers, our seasonal specials make professional cleaning services an affordable option.

3. Optimize Your Hot Water Heater Settings and Boost Efficiency

Your hot water heater is one of the largest energy consumers in your home—contributing up to 18% of your total utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With a few smart adjustments and upgrades, you can significantly lower your energy costs while ensuring a reliable supply of hot water.

Lower Your Thermostat

Factory settings typically run at 130–140°F, which is much higher than necessary for daily use and can even pose a scalding risk. Lowering your water heater’s thermostat to the DOE-recommended 120°F can save you 3–5% on water heating costs. Use a thermometer to verify your temperature setting for optimal savings and safety.

Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater

For even greater efficiency, consider switching to a tankless water heater. Unlike traditional tanks that constantly heat and reheat stored water, tankless models heat water on demand—reducing energy consumption by up to 40%! This means no wasted energy keeping a full tank hot all day, plus you’ll enjoy endless hot water when you need it.

Right-Sizing and Regular Maintenance

An undersized water heater can be overworked, leading to inefficiencies and higher utility bills. Make sure your unit is appropriately sized for your household’s needs. If you live in an area with hard water, regularly draining your tank to remove sediment will help maintain its efficiency and extend its lifespan.

Insulate Your Tank and Pipes

Installing insulation blankets on your water heater’s tank and exposed pipes can help retain heat, providing further energy savings on your utility bill.

Additional Energy-Saving Tips

• Install a Volt Timer: For standard tank water heaters, a volt timer can automatically shut off the heater during off-peak hours, reducing unnecessary energy usage.
• Use Less Hot Water: Simple habits like taking shorter showers, opting for cold wash cycles, or using the energy-saving setting on your dishwasher can contribute to lower hot water consumption.

At Reliant Plumbing, we’re dedicated to helping you maximize your energy efficiency. Ask about our seasonal specials on water heater maintenance and tankless water heater installations—ensuring you enjoy the best performance and energy savings while keeping your utility bills in check.

4. Schedule Regular Sewer Line Inspections

A clogged or damaged sewer line can lead to unexpected repairs and high costs. Regular sewer camera inspections allow for early detection of potential issues, saving you money in the long run. When problems are caught early, they may be ideal candidates for advanced, minimally invasive solutions like trenchless sewer pipe lining technology. This modern method can significantly reduce repair costs and disruption by avoiding the need for extensive excavation.

At Reliant Plumbing, we’ve helped customers save thousands of dollars by offering the most advanced plumbing technologies along with our affordable sewer inspection services and seasonal specials.

Members of Reliant Plumbing receive an annual complimentary sewer inspection.

5. Fix Leaky Faucets Immediately

Even a minor drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Promptly fixing leaky faucets not only reduces your water bill but also prevents further damage. Expert leak detection can save you time and money in the long run when compared to DIY approaches. Our experienced team provides fast, affordable repairs—don’t forget to ask about our seasonal specials to maximize your savings.

6. Keep Your Drains Clean for Optimal Performance

Routine cleaning of your drains prevents buildup that can lead to blockages and costly repairs. Whether you choose a DIY drain cleaning approach with safe, non-corrosive cleaners or prefer professional drain cleaning maintenance, Reliant Plumbing offers cost-effective solutions. Check out our seasonal specials for discounted drain cleaning services.

At Reliant Plumbing, we’re dedicated to providing expert, affordable plumbing services tailored to your needs. With our seasonal specials and budget-friendly rates, keeping your plumbing system in peak condition has never been easier or more affordable.

Looking for a trusted, cost-effective plumber? Contact us today to learn more about our seasonal offers and how we can help you save money while ensuring your home’s plumbing is in perfect working order!