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Call Econo West Heating Air & Plumbing for help improving your plumbing’s integrity and efficiency.
With our state still under severe drought conditions, authorities are struggling to find ways to conserve water and ensure everyone has enough for their daily needs. So far, the tactics used have included restrictions on water use as well as initiatives to repair aging government infrastructure.
Considering that experts estimate 23 billion gallons of drinking water leak out of California’s underground water pipes each year, repairing this infrastructure is no doubt very important. But individuals also need to do their part by fixing smaller water leaks in their own homes and changing their water usage habits to be more conservation-friendly.
Here are 4 ways that Econo West Heating Air & Plumbing expert plumbers may be able to help you conserve water in your home this summer.
Fix Drippy Pipes & Fixtures
According to some studies, the average home can lose anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water per year to seemingly minor drips and leaks. It is very important not to let dripping faucets or slow-leaking pipe joints go uncorrected. A professional plumber can easily correct leaks, sometimes with something as simple as a new rubber washer inside a faucet or a quick twist of the wrench to tighten up a pipe joint. If you have noticed a lot of drips in places you can see, it might also be wise to have a plumber check for leaks in places you can’t see, such as behind walls or beneath floors, so that these leaks can also be repaired.
Check for Toilet Leaks
While a running toilet is an obvious problem, some toilets can have other types of leaks that are much more subtle. In this case you could be losing up to 30 gallons of water per day without even realizing it. If you have older fixtures, it might be a good idea to have a plumber check for toilet leaks. Often the problem is just a worn flapper and can be fixed quickly and inexpensively.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
In addition to helping to prevent water waste, your plumber can also help reduce overall water use with low-flow fixtures. For example, new low-flow, dual-flush toilets use much less water than older toilets. You might save at least a gallon per flush with a new toilet and that can really add up. Don’t forget to consider low-flow faucets for all your sinks and low-flow showerheads for all your bathrooms. While the first generation of low-flow showerheads were pretty weak, today’s models deliver good shower power with an eco-friendly 2.5 gallons of flow per minute.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
One final option to consider to reduce your water consumption is to upgrade from your old reservoir-style water heater to a tankless water heater. This will prevent the need to flush and drain the water heater tank every year or so, saving a respectable amount of water. It will also save you a lot of money on your energy bills.