You can reduce your water and energy bills by improving water efficiency in your home. Toilets can account for almost one-third of an average home’s indoor water consumption, and water heating can represent a quarter of energy consumption. Luckily, there are simple efficient plumbing steps you can take to conserve water, such as installing low-flow showerheads, fixing leaking toilets, and collecting rainwater for irrigation.
Below are plumping tips that could help improve energy and water efficiency in your home.
Inspect Your Home for Plumbing Issues
Being proactive is crucial. You can save money by detecting problems early instead of waiting until a broken seal or clogged pipe requires an expensive repair.
There are some things you should inspect for leaks around your home, such as:
- Exposed pipes below sinks
- Toilets
- Bath, sink, and shower hardware
- Pipes in the basement and utility room
- Outdoor hoses and faucets
Get the damaged pipe or fixture repaired or replaced immediately after detecting a leak. You can save up to 20 gallons of water daily for each leak if you fix leaking plumbing joints and faucets.
If you’re uncomfortable in the role of “leak detective,” call Indigo Home & Facility Services to perform leak detection on your property.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
A low-flow fixture conserves water effectively. Replacing existing features is simple since you don’t have to reroute or replace your plumbing installation.
You use five gallons of water for every flush if you have an older toilet. Upgrade your current toilet with a high-efficiency one. High-efficiency models use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF). Another option is a dual-flush toilet with two flushing methods: a powerful flush uses 1.6 GPF, while a standard conservative flush uses less.
You will use up to 40 percent less water by installing a low-flow faucet. An aerator is an inexpensive device to control the maximum flow rate of a faucet, conserving the amount of water you use.
A low-flow showerhead will reduce the amount of water you consume by over 30 percent compared to a conventional showerhead.
Low-flow fixtures also decrease energy consumption by reducing the demand on the pumping system on properties with a water booster pump.
Pay Attention to Your Water Heater
Conserving water lowers the volume in water heating systems. You can save significant money on energy by:
- Switching to a tankless water heater, so you only use water when you need it
- Insulating pipes to prevent heat from escaping between plumbing fixtures and the water heater
- Setting your water heater to no more than 120 degrees to keep your water warm while using less energy
- Replacing your old water heater with a more efficient model
- Cleaning a tank-based water heater regularly to maintain its efficiency and performance
Look for Signs of a Leaking Washing Machine
A leaking washing machine can significantly affect your water bills since it uses a lot of water. Look for signs of drips and leaks by moving the machine away from the wall and checking the floor for puddles or wet spots.
You should also inspect the water supply hoses carefully. Rubber hoses deteriorate over time. If you find damage or cracks, replace the hose immediately. Otherwise, replace them every five years.
Maintain Your Garden and Lawn
Outdoor water consumption can affect a significant portion of the water bill. By implementing efficient practices, you can keep your lawn and garden looking beautiful and reduce your water bill. For example:
- Avoid water loss from evaporation by watering your lawn at dawn
- Use barrels or other containers to harvest rainwater for landscape maintenance
- Consider xeriscaping to reduce the need for water by adding desert plants, creating an optimal garden layout, or using a specialized soil that holds water
- Practice efficient irrigation by not overwatering
- Apply a one to three-inch layer of mulch around plants and trees to reduce evaporation, so you water them less
- Save up to forty gallons of water daily by using a smart sprinkler controller
Keep Your Drains Clear
Drains are essential to a plumbing system’s overall performance. Energy efficiency and water conservation can benefit plumbing systems. However, most people don’t address a drainage problem until clogs form in the pipes, which is not a good choice when it comes to effi
You can prevent clogs, damage, and other issues by taking the necessary steps to care for your drains, such as:
- Following garbage disposal guidelines
- Using environmentally-friendly cleaners to unclog a drain instead of harsh chemicals that can cause damage and erosion
- Using mesh strainers and other devices to keep hair out of shower and tub drains
- Placing grease in a heat-resistant container and dumping it in the garbage once it cools
- Throwing dental floss in the garbage instead of down the drain
- Keeping oils and fats away from all drain pipes
You can also rely on Indigo Home & Facility Services to come out to clean your drains for you.
Learn More About Reducing Water and Energy Consumption
Conserving energy and water might seem like a daunting task. However, the project is relatively simple and saves you money on your bills.
Indigo Home & Facility Services is a family-owned and operated plumbing business in Austin, TX. We can help you improve energy and water efficiency with various efficient plumbing services, including drain cleaning, leak detection, and garbage disposal installation.
Call us at (512) 608-4999 right now for an appointment.
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