How to Save Money on Plumbing Bills

July 8, 2023

*Updated March 6th, 2025

Plumbing issues always seem to pop up at the worst times—whether it’s a burst pipe in the middle of the night or a clogged drain right before guests arrive. And let’s be honest, calling a plumber isn’t cheap, especially for emergency services that can cost significantly more than their regular rates.

But here’s the good news: many plumbing problems can be prevented, and when issues do arise, there are ways to keep costs down. From simple DIY maintenance to knowing when to call in a pro (without paying extra for after-hours service), a few smart strategies can help you avoid hefty plumbing bills.

Ready to keep more money in your pocket? Here’s how.

1. Take Care of Leaky Pipes

You might not notice leaky pipes until it’s too late. Most homeowners discover them when there are water stains on the wall or a pile of water underneath the sink. At that point, the damage is done, and the bills will be high because not only do you have water damage, but you might also have mold growing.

Here are a few ways to check for leaky pipes.

    1. Check your water bill – If your water bill seems higher than normal, check for leaky pipes. For example, if the water must run continuously, such as in a toilet, you might have a leaky pipe.
    2. Put food dye in your toilet tank – To check if a toilet is leaking, put food dye in the tank. If the water in the bowl becomes colored, you have a leak.
    3. Turn off all taps – Turn all water sources off in the house and check the water meter. If it’s running, you have a leak.

2. Clean your Drains

Most people wait until the drains completely clog to clean them, but this is terrible for your plumbing. Instead, clean your drains monthly with a cup of baking soda and vinegar. This will bubble up in the drains, clearing the drain and pipes without doing any damage.

Avoid commercial drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes and increase your plumbing bills. Instead, keep it natural and safe. Also, in the bathrooms, place strainers over the drains to prevent hair and other items from clogging them.

Keep your drain clean in the kitchen by scraping everything you can into the garbage, avoiding pouring grease down the drain. Grease buildup can quickly clog a drain, increasing the need for emergency plumbing appointments.

3. Know Where your Water Shut-off Valve is Located

Knowing where your water shut-off valve is located can make the difference between severe and managed damage.

When you aren’t involved in a water emergency, determine where your water shut-off valve is located, and learn how to use it. Try a couple of times so that when you’re under the stress of an emergency, you can quickly handle it and limit the damage caused.

4. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances, such as low-flow toilets, may cost more upfront, but they can save you money on plumbing costs in the future.

Low-flow toilets use less water, saving you monthly money on your water bill and reducing the need for a plumber. In addition, with less water usage, there’s less wear and tear on your pipes, making the toilet last longer and the need for a plumber to come out less frequently.

5. Check your Plumbing Often

Once a month, do a quick plumbing check on the house. Look for things like a slow drain, dripping faucet, or potential leaking pipe.

When you notice the issues immediately, they may cause less damage and be less expensive to repair. Many issues, such as replacing a faucet or unclogging a drain, can be solved yourself. However, if you wait too long to deal with the issues, they could become much larger problems that turn into emergencies.

6. Keep your Plumbing Layout Simple

If you’re remodeling or building a house, try keeping your plumbing needs in a single room close together. If you make the plumbing too complicated, it could cause issues down the road. Not only will the labor costs be higher, but it also increases the cost of materials.

If you’re building a house, consider the layout carefully. For example, putting upstairs and downstairs bathrooms above one another allows them to share the same pipes. The same is true of the laundry room and kitchen.

Keep it simple, so when you need a plumber, it’s a simple and less expensive job.

7. Replace Leaking Faucets

A leaking faucet may not seem like a big deal, but the issues are two-fold.

First, you use unnecessary amounts of water, causing your water bill to increase. Second, you put more wear and tear on the faucet and pipes, which may cause premature plumbing issues. A leaking faucet after you turn it off is more detrimental to your plumbing than you realize, but fixing it immediately can sidestep those issues.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on plumbing bills isn’t as complicated as it seems—it just takes a little maintenance, quick action, and knowing when to DIY and when to call in the pros. By keeping an eye on your plumbing, tackling small issues before they turn into big (expensive) problems, and doing basic maintenance like cleaning drains and checking for leaks, you can avoid many costly repairs altogether.

That said, some jobs are best left to the professionals. If you’re dealing with major leaks, sewer line issues, or anything involving gas lines, don’t risk making things worse—call a licensed plumber. The trick to saving money is being smart about when and how you hire a plumber. Instead of waiting until an emergency strikes, schedule repairs during normal business hours to avoid after-hours fees. If possible, find a plumber who’s already working in your area—this can help cut down on travel costs.

Additional Plumbing Resources