Water Conservation | Plumber Arlington
In a number of regions around the world – including parts of the U.S., drought has brought the need for water conservation. While the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has seen some relief of its own drought, it is not yet out of the severe drought. Today’s blog will discuss ways to conserve water. It begins with leaks, which should be repaired by a plumber in Arlington.
It seems a contradiction, that 70% of Earth’s surface is water, yet drought is becoming the new normal in many areas, including parts of the U.S.
Water is the basis of life, and in the absence of adequate rain, it is up to us to practice the changes that can make a difference. Water conservation at home can stretch our water further, and result in a lower water bill. The following tips will help to conserve the precious resource of water. One person at a time we can make a difference, and a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can assist you in saving water.
1. Fix those Leaks
An average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year. Nationwide household leaks add up to 1 trillion gallons wasted annually. Repair of leaks can save the average homeowner 10 percent on the monthly water bill.
Common household leaks include worn toilet flappers, leaky faucets, dripping showerheads, leaky outdoor faucets and other leaking valves. Leaky garden hoses are often simple to repair, just replace the rubber washer!
To check for toilet leaks, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the water appears in the bowl within 15 minutes, the flapper is allowing water to leak into the bowl.
If no leaks are found in the home, check for out of sight leaks or underground water leaks by ensuring no water is used in the home, including the icemaker. Check the water meter, if it is running you have a leak. If not, write the reading down. Recheck in 1 hour. If the dial has moved you have a leak. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for leak repair.
2. Take Shorter Showers
A long, hot shower is relaxing and makes us feel great. However, we all need to be conscious of our water use. Depending upon the flow rate of the showerhead, the average shower uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute with an average of 15 to minutes per shower. Set the goal of a 5 minute shower and reduce a 50 gallon shower to 12.5 gallons. If the showerhead is leaking, try tightening it before contacting a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington. Opt for showers rather than a bath which can use 65 gallons of water.
3. Use a Watering Can Instead Of a Hose
Water plants with a watering can rather than a garden hose. If you have plantings in flower beds use a drip system, rather than a garden hose or a sprinkler system. Not only will it save water, but the plant will gain better benefit from a slow drip. Consider planting drought tolerate native species in your area. Monitor outdoor faucets for leaks, and repair or contact a plumber in Arlington for repair.
4. Use Water-Efficient Toilets
Have your plumber in Arlington install a water-efficient toilet. It will help you to use the minimal amount of water needed for each flush.
5. Use a Low Flow Showerhead
Replace the showerhead with a low flow model that meets EPA water efficiency and performance criteria. This conserves water and the energy required to produce hot water. However, if you are uncomfortable providing this service, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington will provide it for you.
6. Choose Energy Star
A full-sized ENERGY STAR certified washing machine costs $85 per year to operate, and uses 15 gallons of water per load, in comparison to the 23 gallons used by a standard machine. Over the course of the washing machine’s lifespan this adds up to 27,000 gallons of water saved.
Energy Star certified dishwashers utilize advanced technology to clean dishes while conserving water and energy. A pre-1994 dishwasher wastes over 10 gallons of water per cycle, while an Energy Star certified dishwasher will save an average of 1,300 gallons during its lifetime.
7. Don’t Let Water Run
When washing dishes by hand don’t let the rinse water run. Fill a basin with rinse water. In addition, don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth.
8. Do Laundry When You Have a Full Load
Wait until you have a full load of laundry before washing.
9. Use the Dishwasher When You Have a Full Load
This is the same principle as laundry.
10. Use Leftover Ice Cubes on Plants and Mulch Them!
Ice cubes around plants will slowly release the water into the soil. Two to four inches of mulch will help to keep the soil moist longer.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers professional plumbing services provided by certified, licensed plumbers who are among the best in the industry. When you need a plumber in Arlington to provide service, or assist you with installations in water conservation, give us a call. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.