New water restrictions have been implemented throughout California. While facing these new changes, you’re probably looking for ways to make your plumbing more efficient. After all, this can help ensure you have enough water for household tasks and convenience.
For starters, make sure to check out our Water Conservation Checklist with tips for saving water, exclusive offers and more. Read on are some inexpensive energy-efficient plumbing tips to get you through the summer:
1.) Replace Faucets and Showerheads
Over time, your faucets and shower heads will inevitably wear out and the water connections, seals and washers can become loose or corroded. This can potentially lead to leaks and drips, water damage and less efficiency—all of which can increase your water bill and waste precious water. If your faucets continue to drip, replace the tap or washers to help you save water.
Lime, rust and soap scum can build up on shower heads and inside faucets, which can restrict water flow, making it difficult to receive good water pressure. Soap scum can be cleaned, but lime and rust are more resistant, and it is often easier to replace them.
2.) Go Low-flow
As with all appliances, toilets become less efficient as they get older. Newer models feature low-flow and dual-flush technologies that save water with every flush. If your toilet sounds like it is constantly running, you may have a leak on your hands. Regardless of whether or not it is in fact a leak, your toilet is working too hard and is most likely wasting water. Replacing your toilet is an investment but worth it in the long run.
3.) Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater
This water saving tip is easy and free! Most water heater manufacturers set heater thermostats at 140ºF, but most households can get away with lowering the thermostat to 120ºF. Doing so will reduce the risks of scalding, slow mineral building and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Additionally, this will reduce heat and demand loss. With your temperature set at 140ºF, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses and more than $400 in demand losses.
4.) Install Pressure Reducing Valves
If you don’t already have one, we urge you to consider installing pressure-reducing valves throughout your home. These compact and inexpensive devices perform two main functions. First, they automatically reduce high incoming water pressure from the city main lines to provide a lower, more functional pressure for distribution in your home. Additionally, they “regulate” by maintaining a set pressure, typically 50 psi. This helps to safeguard your pipes and appliances from high pressures that could cause your pipes to burst or damage your appliances.
5.) Regular maintenance
In our line of work, many plumbing emergencies and cases we encounter could have been prevented. Regular maintenance will help your plumbing and appliances run more efficiently. Keep your drains free of hair, watch for signs of clogs and leaks, and don’t hesitate to call in a professional plumber if you suspect something is wrong.
At Mike Diamond Services, our professional plumbing technicians are experts in repairing and replacing all plumbing issues. For leaks, toilets, faucets, water heaters, drain and sewer pipes, garbage disposals, fresh water pipes, re-circulating pumps, gas lines and earthquake valves, trust Mike Diamond Services. We understand the needs of Los Angeles and Orange County homeowners and can help you make your plumbing more efficient—no job is too big or small. If you need help installing new faucets, shower heads or pressure-reducing valves, give us a call.
