It can be easy to think that we have access to an unlimited supply of water. After all, over 70% of the surface of our planet is covered in water, so it’s not like we’re in need of it, right?
Well, that water is salt water, which makes it hard to filter. And even so, freshwater must be pumped or piped to your home either with the use of an electrical device or the help of your local municipality. This means that it’s not free, and the water that gets used by your home has a cost.
Water is relatively cheap where we live, but things like plumbing leaks in Cedar Rapids and broken appliances can cause our bills to go up. And, wasting water can also be bad for the environment, as we’re seeing more record-breaking droughts and periods without rain. The more you can do with a smaller amount of water, the better off you’ll be!
1. Address Your Interior Leaks
According to the EPA, the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year. This is a lot of wasted water, and it’s all water that you’d be on the hook paying for. These can come from anything, like a small pinhole leak in your basement, or a burst pipe that’s still leaking even while you wait for it to get replaced.
The secret to dealing with leaks is to call a professional plumber. It might sound silly or expensive, but a plumber has the tools and experience to seal a pipe and ensure that it stops wasting water, or at least tell you where the source of the problem might be.
Use the Water Meter
One neat trick you can do to measure the amount of leaking water, is utilizing your water meter. Have the whole family shut off their water-using appliances, ensuring that nobody is purposely using water. Then, check your water meter outside. If it still is showing water being used, then you’ve got a leak somewhere that’s unaddressed. At that point, we’d recommend leaving it in the hands of a plumber.
2. Check Your Outdoor Appliances
We know that it’s the season for gardening and outdoor fun, but those activities usually require a lot of water. And, just one mistake can lead to a leaking hose throughout the night or a spigot that wasn’t quite turned off all the way. This can waste a tremendous amount of water each year, and because they’re outdoors, it can be harder to notice them.
Hoses, Sprinklers, and Spigots
Have a checklist around your home with all of the outdoor water-using appliances on it like your hoses, sprinklers, and spigots. Ensure by nightfall during the spring and summer that each appliance is turned off all the way so you don’t risk them leaking.
3. Use High-Efficiency Appliances
Some appliances, especially newer ones, use less water with the same effect. For instance, an old washing machine can use double or even triple the amount of water that a newer high-efficiency washer would use. This is a big deal if you do a lot of laundry each week.
Toilets, Showerheads, and Faucets
This can be attributed to toilets, showerheads, and faucets as well. Try upgrading these appliances to high-efficiency systems that use less water but still work well. Your budget will thank us later!
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.