Plumber Tips To Improve Water And Energy Efficiency In Your Home | Atlanta, GA
Photo By Mccallk69 at Shutterstock
Most homeowners would love to save money on plumbing and water bills. There are many ways to reduce water waste throughout your home in Atlanta, GA. Your local plumber can help you improve water use efficiency and safeguard plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances. A plumbing professional can also help you out with repairs and new installations, but it’s better to avoid problems in the first place.
Hidden Leaks
Hidden leaks can result in unexpectedly high water bills and damage to structures within your home. Fortunately, there are plenty of signs to watch out for that may let you find the problem before irreversible damage occurs. Watch out for damp spots on your walls and ceilings, cracked pavement, new mold or mildew growth, and unexplained drops in water pressure. Don’t overlook small increases in your water bill. Although a small increase may not cause panic or break the bank, the incremental changes may be a sign of a worsening problem.
Leak Detection Methods
A water meter can help you find out if a leak exists. Turn off all faucets and appliances then check the water meter. Record the number and make sure no one is using water anywhere in the house. Take another reading after 30 minutes. If the readings are different, then your system is losing water somewhere. A plumber can help find the leak. You can even contact a plumber to begin with if you don’t have a water meter. You can also use food coloring to find problems with the toilet. Add several drops of food coloring to the toilet bowl then wait 15 to 30 minutes. The water in the bowl should be the same color. If it isn’t, then there’s a leak somewhere and you may need a plumber to fix it.
Risks of Freezing
Freezing temperatures are an additional concern during the winter months. Atlanta, GA, doesn’t experience freezing temperatures very often, but even short cold snaps can be problematic. Make sure any outdoor pipes and exposed plumbing fixtures are insulated. Call a plumber immediately if pipes or fixtures freeze. Water expands as it freezes, so the ice can exert a lot of pressure against the interior pipe walls. Uneven thawing can actually trigger a crack or break, so it’s best to leave the thawing process in the hands of professionals.
Outdoor Water Use
Rain barrels are a simple, but very effective, way to save water. Use a barrel to catch rainwater from your roof. This water isn’t fit to drink or use for cooking, but it’s perfectly safe to use for watering your lawn or garden. If you already have sprinklers installed, make sure they’re set with a timer. Hundreds of gallons of water may be wasted if you forget to turn off sprinklers. Set the timer to water the lawn early in the morning to reduce evaporation. You can also install sensors to monitor rainfall and skip unneeded irrigation cycles. A drip irrigation system is another option to conserve water. Drip systems uniformly disperse small amounts of water to prevent dry, dead patches. Your plumber can help you install, set up, or alter sprinklers and other irrigation systems to conserve water.
If your home has a swimming pool, it should always be covered with plastic or vinyl when it isn’t being used. Covers reduce heating and maintenance costs, minimize water evaporation, and keep dirt and leaves out of the water. You can use up to 30% less water and reduce chemical maintenance by nearly 35% simply by covering your pool.
Homes with basements may benefit from a sump pump. Ask your plumber if you’re concerned about potential flooding in basements and crawl spaces. Sump pumps operate when its necessary to remove water that enters your home. Make sure the pump is tested regularly and keep backup batteries or a generator on-hand in case of power outages.
Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient washing machines and dishwashers use less water and energy than older models. Although energy-efficient and WaterSense-certified appliances can be more expensive than traditional models, the savings in water and energy add up over time. You should always have a licensed plumber for new installations though. Poor installation can lead to reduced efficiency and unnecessary repairs that may undermine potential savings. Regular maintenance also helps maximize the functional lifetime of your appliances.
Water Conservation Fixtures
Reduced shower time can help you save water, but that isn’t always a preferred method. You can also consider low-flow showerheads to conserve water without drastically cutting your time in the shower. Water aerators reduce water flow in kitchen and bathroom faucets. Aerators are inexpensive and fairly easy to install. They work by mixing water and airflow to provide the same pressure with less water. Dual flush toilets have different buttons for solid and liquid waste. They can use up to 60% less water than traditional fixtures.
Leak Detection Devices
You may want to learn more about leak detection devices. Water damage accounts for more than a quarter of all claims submitted to homeowners’ insurance providers. Smart water leak detector systems use algorithms and sensors to detect temperature fluctuations, changes in humidity, and other factors to estimate the risk of leaks. Some devices connected to your phone through WiFi can even shut off water supply lines automatically to protect your home from water damage if a leak is detected. You can choose between professionally installed models with shutoff valves spliced into water lines, while DIY models have valves attached to water lines with motors that open and close automatically. Although professional installations may cost more initially, they also save you a lot of time and offer greater peace of mind.
Consult Peach Plumbing & Drain for all of your plumbing questions or issues in Atlanta, GA. The licensed professional plumbers at Peach Plumbing can help you with a wide range of home maintenance tasks. They install new appliances and fixtures, provide regular maintenance, and handle plumbing repairs. Peach Plumbing also offers 24/7 emergency services.