Your home's plumbing system is one of the most essential parts of your property's functionality. From doing dishes to watering your lawn, you use water every day to run your household, and the energy costs and water expenses add up.
Here are plumbing tools and tips you can use to help reduce both energy and water consumption costs. Additionally, you can have your plumber repair and upgrade plumbing fixtures to reduce water usage costs.
Reduce Water Waste
Reduce water waste in the home by performing the following plumbing upgrades.
Install an Energy-Efficient Toilet
Have your plumber install a water-saving toilet in your home. Older toilets use up to seven gallons of water per flush, while the government mandates newer toilets to use less than two gallons.
Install Faucet Aerators
A faucet aerator is a plumbing contraption that's placed over existing faucets. These reduce the flow of water without affecting water pressure, allowing you to use less water for everyday tasks. Faucet aerators are ideal for kitchen and bathroom faucets.
Install an Energy-Efficient Showerhead
The average older showerhead sprays over five gallons per minute . Invest in an energy-efficient, low-flow showerhead instead and cut your water usage by up to half or more. You can also save money on water usage by taking showers over baths in general and shortening shower times.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater saves money on both water consumption and energy use by having an on-demand hot water supply. Water heats instantly for personal use without having to use excess energy on storing water. According to the Department of Energy, this type of water heater can save your family up to 34% on energy costs.
Tankless water heaters also outlast traditional water heating systems, lasting up to two decades, according to the Department of Energy. Your plumber will help you choose the right size and model of tankless water heater for your home's needs.
Install Insulation for Pipes
Your plumber can wrap all exposed plumbing pipes in insulation to keep the pipes warm and to reduce water heating times. Insulating pipes also protects pipes against freezing and bursting in winter.
Repair Plumbing Problems
Even small plumbing problems in the home can be costly.
Repair Small Leaks
Small leaks waste potentially thousands of gallons of water per year but are inexpensive to fix. Have your plumber repair small leaks in the home, including under sinks, in faucets, and in your toilet. According to HomeAdvisor, leak repair costs around $160 or more and helps preserve your plumbing and home's foundation longer.
Repair Toilet Issues
According to the Regional Water Providers Consortium, the bathroom uses almost 50% of your home's water. Your toilet may cause water waste by having a faulty flapper, leaking inside the bowl, or constantly running. Have your plumber check and replace the individual components of a newer toilet as needed.
Repair Hidden Leaks
Leaks inside your home's walls or in the basement can go unseen. Water pressure reduction or dripping water can indicate a leak somewhere in your home. Your plumber has the equipment to detects sound movements of water to find hidden leaks in your home so they can be repaired, thus saving you money on water waste costs and home preservation.
Repair Outdated Plumbing
Plumbing that has been partially replaced with modern plumbing, such as older galvanized fixtures connecting to modern PVC, can be more prone to leakage or breaking. Repair outdated plumbing before leaks occur to preserve your home's plumbing system and keep energy costs down.
You have many ways you can save money on water usage in the home. Your plumber will give you a customized plan to update your home for modern water efficiency. Trust our experts at Complete Plumbing to be thorough in troubleshooting and solving all your residential plumbing needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment.