Conserving water is not only good for your water bill but is also better for the environment. We all want to help conserve water and lower our bills, but it’s hard to do if you don’t know where to look when it comes to minimizing waste. These five tips will help you eliminate water-wasters in your home and office, and they could help alert you to any potential plumbing problems that may be lurking.
Tip 1: Schedule Maintenance for Your Water Heater
If you don’t regularly schedule plumbing maintenance, now is a good time to start. Plumbing maintenance can uncover minor plumbing problems before they morph into full-blown plumbing emergencies that are expensive, time consuming, and extremely inconvenient. Such maintenance should naturally include your water heater. If your heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider a new unit, and an experienced Boca Raton plumber will discuss your options with you, including more energy-efficient and water-efficient models. Further, maintenance will check for any leaks in your water heater that could be costing you now and that could turn into something much more serious in the future.
Tip 2: Heat Water in the Microwave
When you need a bit of hot or warm water around the kitchen, remember that you don’t have to run water through the faucet until it reaches the necessary temperature. Instead, you can pop a container of water into the microwave. You’ll have the warm water you need in less time and without having to run gallons of water down the drain in the process.
Tip 3: Turn off the Tap When You Don’t Need It
When you’re standing at your sink brushing your teeth, turn off the tap. There’s absolutely no reason to let it run while you tend to your oral hygiene. Many people find that this is simply a habit, but breaking this one habit can eliminate a good deal of wasted water. Keep this in mind when you’re showering as well – if you’re shampooing or shaving, you may find that it’s actually more convenient to do so with the water off. Some modern showers can even sense your bathing activity and adjust the water flow accordingly.
Tip 4: Talk to Your Plumber about Low-Flow Toilets
If your toilet is working properly, you probably don’t give it an inordinate amount of thought. If your toilet is getting on in years, however, it may not be as efficient as it could be. Newer models can save you money on your water bill and greatly reduce the risk that you’ll experience a leak. Again, maintenance is key. A toilet that’s not functioning properly can waste a good deal of water, and if there’s a hidden leak, you could experience considerable structural damage before you detect the problem.
Tip 5: Start Seeing Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks often go quietly undetected until they’ve done some serious damage. A plumbing leak is not only a massive waste of water but is also a serious problem that only becomes more costly, inconvenient, and time consuming to repair over time. Knowing the signs of a plumbing leak can help alert you to the issue early on:
- If your plumbing bill is higher than usual or expected, it’s likely a sign that you have water running (or leaking) somewhere that it shouldn’t be. Don’t ignore an elevated water bill that can’t be explained by increased water usage.
- If you notice the telltale odor of mold or mildew anywhere in your home, it means that you have excess dampness, which was likely caused by a plumbing leak. Mold causes structural damage, is difficult to eradicate, and can lead to health issues.
- If your toilet seems to be running more than necessary – or all the time – and it’s not simply an issue with the flange in your tank – you could have a plumbing leak.
- A leaky faucet isn’t just an annoyance – it’s a leak that’s costing you money, that’s wasting water, and that could be indicative of a more serious problem in your plumbing system.
If you experience any of these signs of leakage, it’s time to call in the professional services of an experienced Boca Raton plumber today.
Conserve on Water by Consulting with an Experienced Boca Raton Plumber
The dedicated plumbing professionals at Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration in Boca Raton are here to help you minimize your water costs, conserve water, and avoid expensive plumbing leaks. For more information contact or call us at (561) 782-2779 today.
