| Tips to Conserve Water |
Check your indoor and outdoor plumbing for leaks
If a faucet drips at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700
gallons per year which will also add to the cost of your water and sewer utilities.
Many silent leaks allow water and your money to go down the drain. Studies have
shown homes can waste more than 10% due to leaks. Check for leaks at the following
fixtures: kitchen sink faucet, lavatory faucets, shower heads, tub spouts, outside hose
bibs, and shut off valves located on your: toilets, faucets, water heaters, washing
machine boxes and water meters.
Replace your old toilet
If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, it is very
likely that it is a 3.5 gallons per flush which is not a water efficient 1.6 gallons per
flush toilet. You can check the date stamp inside the toilet by lifting the lid and looking
at the back of the toilet at the manufacturer's imprint of the make, model and date of
manufacture. Replacing these less than efficient toilets will help you conserve water
and costly repairs in the future.
Become familiar with your shut off valves
Inspect all shut off valves to ensure they are in optimal working condition. There
are shut off valves for most all plumbing fixtures. Knowing where they are and
how to use them may save you from damage to your home !
Stop running toilets
A toilet handle that sticks when you flush, will allow water to constantly run and fill
the bowl of the toilet.
To test if your toilet is loosing water due to it running, simply add dark food
coloring to the tank water. DON'T FLUSH! Check the water in toilet bowl 15-20
minutes later. If there is color in the toilet bowl that means you have a leak and a
repair is needed.
Caution: Keep a close eye on the toilet while testing to ensure the food color does
not seep out of the base of the toilet. This procedure is not recommended for
white tile/white grout, wood floors, and carpeting/heirloom rugs as the dye may
stain.
Establish a maintenance program for your water heater
Water heaters are one of the largest sources of water in your home. The average
life expectancy for water heaters is between 10-12 years.
It is suggested that a routine preventive maintenance program be established and
followed. Visually inspect your heater at least once a month. There are several
indications your water heater may be starting to fail.
Here are a few details to look for:
-Corrosion on the copper pipes that supply water to the heater.
-Discoloration on the exterior of the heater.
-Moisture or water at the base of the heater.
To extend the life of your heater, it is recommended to have it drained and
flushed once a year. This procedure will remove the sediment that accumulates
at the bottom of the heater.
If a faucet drips at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700
gallons per year which will also add to the cost of your water and sewer utilities.
Many silent leaks allow water and your money to go down the drain. Studies have
shown homes can waste more than 10% due to leaks. Check for leaks at the following
fixtures: kitchen sink faucet, lavatory faucets, shower heads, tub spouts, outside hose
bibs, and shut off valves located on your: toilets, faucets, water heaters, washing
machine boxes and water meters.
Replace your old toilet
If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, it is very
likely that it is a 3.5 gallons per flush which is not a water efficient 1.6 gallons per
flush toilet. You can check the date stamp inside the toilet by lifting the lid and looking
at the back of the toilet at the manufacturer's imprint of the make, model and date of
manufacture. Replacing these less than efficient toilets will help you conserve water
and costly repairs in the future.
Become familiar with your shut off valves
Inspect all shut off valves to ensure they are in optimal working condition. There
are shut off valves for most all plumbing fixtures. Knowing where they are and
how to use them may save you from damage to your home !
Stop running toilets
A toilet handle that sticks when you flush, will allow water to constantly run and fill
the bowl of the toilet.
To test if your toilet is loosing water due to it running, simply add dark food
coloring to the tank water. DON'T FLUSH! Check the water in toilet bowl 15-20
minutes later. If there is color in the toilet bowl that means you have a leak and a
repair is needed.
Caution: Keep a close eye on the toilet while testing to ensure the food color does
not seep out of the base of the toilet. This procedure is not recommended for
white tile/white grout, wood floors, and carpeting/heirloom rugs as the dye may
stain.
Establish a maintenance program for your water heater
Water heaters are one of the largest sources of water in your home. The average
life expectancy for water heaters is between 10-12 years.
It is suggested that a routine preventive maintenance program be established and
followed. Visually inspect your heater at least once a month. There are several
indications your water heater may be starting to fail.
Here are a few details to look for:
-Corrosion on the copper pipes that supply water to the heater.
-Discoloration on the exterior of the heater.
-Moisture or water at the base of the heater.
To extend the life of your heater, it is recommended to have it drained and
flushed once a year. This procedure will remove the sediment that accumulates
at the bottom of the heater.
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| Email: Bobbys_Plumbing@yahoo.com |
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