100 Ways to Save Money on Plumbing (Without Cutting Corners)

Because small fixes now are cheaper than big problems later.

Most people don’t think about plumbing until something breaks—and by then, it’s often too late (and too expensive). But the truth is, a few smart habits and simple checks can save you hundreds—if not thousands—over time.

Here are 100 real, easy, and Aussie-approved ways to save money on plumbing at home, at work, or on the job site.

🛠️ DIY Checks & Prevention

1. Learn how to shut off your main water valve

2. Regularly check under sinks for drips or water stains

3. Look for soft spots in walls or flooring

4. Don’t ignore small leaks—they become big ones

5. Tighten tap handles if they feel loose

6. Use Teflon tape on threaded fittings

7. Don’t overtighten fittings—it causes cracks

8. Clean shower and basin drains weekly

9. Use drain covers to catch hair and gunk

10. Pour boiling water down drains monthly

11. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners—they damage pipes

12. Use baking soda and vinegar for minor blockages

13. Check your meter for hidden leaks

14. Reseal bathrooms and laundry edges before mould appears

15. Replace washers and O-rings at the first drip

16. Fix a running toilet immediately

17. Replace faulty flappers in cisterns

18. Flush your hot water system once a year

19. Learn to use a plunger properly

20. Know how to isolate individual fixtures (e.g. toilets)

🧼 Smart Habits That Save Money

21. Wipe plates before rinsing in the sink

22. Never pour oil or grease down drains

23. Use the bin for food scraps—not the disposal

24. Don’t flush wipes—even “flushable” ones

25. Use less toilet paper to avoid clogs

26. Teach kids what not to flush

27. Rinse muddy shoes and clothes outside

28. Use laundry detergent as directed—excess builds up in pipes

29. Turn off taps gently—don’t crank

30. Turn off outdoor taps when not in use

🚿 Bathroom & Kitchen Money Savers

31. Fit water-saving showerheads

32. Install aerators on taps

33. Use timers to cut down shower times

34. Upgrade to dual-flush toilets

35. Check cisterns for silent leaks

36. Install a flow restrictor on your kitchen tap

37. Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full

38. Avoid stacking items under sinks that could bump pipes

39. Don’t let kids play with tap fittings

40. Use non-slip mats to reduce pipe vibrations from appliances

🏡 Around the House

41. Insulate pipes in cold areas

42. Lag outdoor taps and pipes in winter

43. Clean gutters to avoid overflow back into the home

44. Rake leaves away from external drains

45. Don’t plant trees near sewer lines

46. Use paving/gravel near stormwater grates

47. Test garden irrigation for leaks

48. Use a broom—not a hose—to clean driveways

49. Store chemicals away from pipework

50. Don’t hang things off exposed pipes

💡 When to Call a Plumber (Before It Gets Expensive)

51. Any water running you can’t see

52. Water pressure suddenly drops

53. Water stains on ceilings or walls

54. You smell mould or damp

55. Hot water cuts out regularly

56. Water bills spike for no reason

57. Strange gurgling or bubbling from drains

58. Taps rattle or vibrate

59. Patches of green grass in dry areas (could be a leak)

60. Sewer smells in bathroom or laundry

🔧 Install the Right Fixtures

61. Use quality tapware—it lasts longer

62. Choose ceramic disc taps—they don’t need washers

63. Buy brass fittings, not plastic, for high-use areas

64. Install flexible hoses with burst protection

65. Replace old rubber hoses with braided stainless

66. Install a pressure-limiting valve if needed

67. Fit water hammer arrestors in older homes

68. Choose toilets and showers with WELS star ratings

69. Install backflow preventers if needed

70. Use shut-off valves under sinks and toilets

📅 Regular Maintenance = Long-Term Savings

71. Get an annual plumbing inspection

72. Flush out your hot water system yearly

73. Check flexi hoses every 2–3 years

74. Replace sacrificial anode rods in HWS every 5 years

75. Service your hot water system regularly

76. Test stormwater and sewer lines during dry season

77. Check isolation valves still work

78. Make sure downpipes aren’t blocked

79. Test garden taps for leaks

80. Get your gutters professionally cleaned

🧠 Smart Upgrades That Pay Off

81. Switch to a tankless (instant) hot water system

82. Install a greywater system

83. Use water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines

84. Get a rainwater tank for toilets and garden use

85. Fit leak detection alarms in wet areas

86. Upgrade old pipework before it fails

87. Use Wi-Fi smart valves for remote shut-off

88. Install a whole-house water filter (reduces build-up)

89. Upgrade cracked or blocked drainage early

90. Install water pressure regulators

💲 Budget-Smart Decisions

91. Get three quotes for plumbing jobs

92. Ask your plumber for a maintenance schedule

93. Use a plumber who offers pensioner discounts

94. Ask about off-peak times or grouped bookings

95. Avoid emergency callouts by planning ahead

96. Buy your own fixtures (with plumber approval)

97. Bundle small jobs into one visit

98. Keep records of past plumbing work

99. Avoid DIY jobs that can void warranties

100. Invest in quality work—it’s cheaper than fixing mistakes

Good plumbing isn’t about luck—it’s about looking after what you’ve got and acting before things go wrong. With these tips, you can save money now and avoid bigger costs down the track.

Need help with a leak, a tap upgrade, or just a solid maintenance check? Give us a shout—we’ll keep it simple and fair.