Three Ways To Use Less Water
There are many good reasons to use less water. First and foremost, using less water can save you money. Second, in many areas, water is a finite resource, so it is environmentally and socially responsible to simply use less. The following are a few ways you can use less water without any personal inconvenience.
1. Fix Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet is much more than an annoyance; it's also a major cause of water waste. Those little drips add up to gallons over the course of a year -- gallons that you are paying for. Fortunately, most faucet drips are simple to repair. When the drip is coming from the faucet itself, the cause is likely a clogged aerator screen or a worn washer. Both can be quickly and inexpensively replaced by your plumber.
Drips from the base of the faucet are often the result of a failed o-ring or poor seating of the faucet base, both of which are also repairable. In some cases, there may be issues with the faucet itself. If this is why your faucet is leaking, a new faucet can remedy the problem.
2. Install Low-Flow Devices
Modern fixtures allow you to use less water without even realizing it. Start by updating the inexpensive fixtures first, like your shower head and faucets. A plumber can install these fixtures quickly, and the cost will be negligible compared to the water savings you'll enjoy.
You can also upgrade to low-flow appliances, such as dishwashers, toilets, and even washing machines. Of course, these appliances do require a larger investment compared to upgrading faucets. For this reason, you may want to delay upgrading until each appliance reaches the end of its service life and needs to be replaced anyway.
3. Flush Your Water Heater
Believe it or not, the inside of your water heater gets dirty. Mineral scale builds up on the interior, which can lead to a host of problems like reduced capacity and leaks. A leaking water heater can lead to large amounts of wasted water as well as damage to your home.
Fortunately, annual maintenance solves the issue. Your plumber will flush out the tank to remove the mineralization. Afterward, the plumber will check all the valves and seals on the heater to ensure none are leaking water. If a faulty seal is found, you can have it replaced before major water waste occurs.
Contact a plumbing service like Travers Plumbing & Heating Inc in your area for more help in reducing the water usage in your home.
