When you own a home, you are going to be faced with many maintenance tasks. In fact, it’s estimated that homeowners can spend anywhere from 1%-2% of their home’s value annually on maintenance. One of the areas where you are likely to have constant maintenance issues is with your plumbing. When you consider that homes average daily water usage of 70 gallons per occupant, it’s easy to see that your plumbing gets a lot of use. Making sure it is in good shape and is not costing you hidden money is important. Here are some of the things to look for when it comes to the system that provides the water to your home.

It’s estimated that at least 10% of homes have water leaks that are costing them 90 gallons of water a day. Though water is fairly cheap compared to other utility costs, losing that much every day can add a few dollars a month to your bill, which adds up over time. Water leaks also are bad for the environment because water gets used that isn’t needed. If you notice something that isn’t right, such as the sound of running or dripping water or an unexplained increase on your water bill, you should investigate right away and call a plumber if needed.

Other plumbing-related problems might be more apparent. For example, there probably isn’t a homeowner out there who hasn’t experienced a clogged drain or a leaky toilet at some point in their lives. Clogged drains in bathrooms are common due to a buildup of hair and other residue. You usually can deal with these with a commercial drain cleaner, but you may need the services of plumbers if clogs continue to occur. Toilet leaks can come from a variety of causes, some of which you may be able to take care of yourself. Fixing toilet leaks quickly is important, as they often account for a quarter or more of your home’s water use.

There also are things you can do to be proactive about water use in your home. For example, installing low flow toilets can save you about $90 per year if you have average household water usage. Another way to save money is to take care of a sprinkler system if you have one. Have it inspected for leaks and serviced regularly. You also want to make sure to shut off timers when rain is forecast so you don’t water during a rainstorm.

Taking care of your plumbing will make your life a lot easier. Not only can you cut down on problems such as leaks and clogs, you also will tend to save water, which saves you money and is good for the environment.