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6 Surprising Tips On How To Save Water And Money Through Plumbing Fixtures: Insights From A Plumbing Company | Houston, TX
American households are wasting a lot of water. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family can waste up to 180 gallons of water per week, which means almost 9,400 gallons are wasted yearly.
Of course, the cause is household leaks! The agency also posits that about 900 billion gallons were wasted due to residential leaks. This is equivalent to the annual water use by approximately 11 million homes.
But here is the good news; you can avoid water wastage and save money on utility costs through plumbing installations. This article enlightens you on how to save water and money through the following plumbing fixture ideas discussed below.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Toilets
Research conducted in 2017 by the Alliance for Water Efficiency and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) reveals that replacing old toilets can save nearly 360 billion gallons of water annually.
Older in-efficient toilets are a leading cause of water wastage because these models feature a flow rate of about 3.5 gallons per flush (GPF). On the other hand, the newest, energy-efficient brands can reduce that flush up to 1.30 GPF.
If you’ve got a toilet manufactured before the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 was enforced, chances are your commode is using water inefficiently.
A plumbing company can help you decrease flushes by making design changes to include those that utilize air pressure and gravity. Such changes can help drain waste from your toilet without using much water.
You’re sure to save money through a more energy-efficient toilet. The US Environmental Protection Agency notes that a homeowner could save as much as $100 monthly in water bills if they switch to water-saving toilets. Some variations include dual flush toilets and waterless urinals for commercial use.
Get a High-Efficiency Shower Head
Old shower heads are a significant contributor to water wastage in American homes. Here is why; a standard shower head uses up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Thus, upgrading to a quality and high-performance showerhead can lower water use by almost 1.8 gallons per minute. The design allows less water to flow through the showerhead while maintaining the required water pressure.
When you hire a plumbing company for a showerhead upgrade, you will enjoy cost savings on your water and electricity bills because of reduced water usage in the bathroom. Your plumbing company can advise you on the various energy-efficient showerhead models available in the market so you can find suitable options.
Replace Old Faucets
EPA states that faucets account for approximately 15 percent of indoor water consumption. In another study, EPA suggests that using water-saving taps in the home can reduce water usage by at least 15 percent. Therefore, if you’re seeking to save water, your faucets are one of those plumbing fixtures you want to consider upgrading.
Plumbing experts recommend buying aerators and gaskets for your faucet. Doing that can lower the water flow while still ensuring an appropriate pressure. That way, you could cut down your water use from 2.2 gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons per minute through this fix.
If you’re updating your old faucets, ensure you contact a licensed plumbing company for proper new faucet installation.
Install Pressure-Reducing Valves
A professional plumbing company should include a water pressure check in its routine maintenance checks at your home. Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Suppose the plumbing technicians note a higher-than-normal PSI.
In that case, they may advise you to invest in a pressure-reducing valve – applicable in residential settings where a standard home’s plumbing can operate at 35 PSI.
Many homes are using considerably higher pressure than usual because of a lack of awareness on the part of the homeowners. Hence, getting a certified plumbing company to fit these valves on your main water supply line can significantly reduce the water pressure. This won’t just cut costs but also extend your pipe’s life.
Consider Recirculating Your Hot Water Systems
Did you know the distance water travels from the heat source to its final destination can cause water wastage? Whether it’s your heat pump, boiler, or water heater, the farther it is from the outlet, the longer it will take hot water to arrive. As you wait for the right temperature, water is wasted. Thus, consider recirculating your pump that moves the hot water to your outlet.
Partnering with a qualified plumbing company ensures that your system effectively sends hot water from the heat source to your faucets or showers, preventing waste from the cold water that goes into the drain as you wait.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your plumbing system can save you a ton of water and money. The minor fixes by your plumbing company can help avoid more severe potential problems. Even if you upgrade your plumbing fixtures, system inspection is vital.
During the regular service call, you can expect your hired plumbing company to inspect your toilets, drains, and taps for possible leaks. The checks may help avoid water waste. Annual water heater maintenance will also save you water and money due to increased efficiency. Also, you can ask your plumber to check your water lines.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston for Plumbing Upgrading and More!
If you want to cut your plumbing expenses, the above take-home tips will help you save much money yearly. At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston, we want to ensure you do that by upgrading your faucets, toilets, and showers.
Besides plumbing fixture installation, we also conduct gas and water leak detection, camera inspections, sewer and water line repair, and emergency plumbing. To find out more about us, buzz us at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston today!
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