Skip navigation

24/7 Emergency Service

610-409-6500

Serving Montgomery County
and Surrounding Areas

Menu

Platinum Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Blog

Key Water Saving Tips to Help Your Home

water-dripping-into-hands

There’s far more to plumbing in Butler County, PA, than just repairs! In fact, we pride ourselves on helping residents learn everything they can about protecting and preserving their pipes. This also includes saving money on water by following handy tips to lower household consumption.

By following these suggestions, you can both reduce your water usage and save more money on utilities throughout the year. 

If you ever run into any troubles, getting a professional plumber to take a look ASAP will help spare any undue waste and unnecessary costs. 

1. Install Low-flow Fixtures

Low-flow water fixtures use up to 50% less water than their counterparts. Currently, federal regulations require shower heads to use no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm). We suggest looking for low-flow shower heads that use as little as 1 gpm.

Look for low-flow fixtures with a WaterSense label. These products meet U.S. Environmental Protection Act standards for water conservation.

In addition to shower heads, look for low-flow sink fixtures as well. Simply switching to more water-efficient models can cut your consumption by up to 40% each year.

2. Check for Leaks Regularly

A small leak can lead to big costs if you don’t correct it. One dripping faucet can waste 330 gallons of water every single year. You can use this drip calculator to determine how much water your leaky faucet is costing you.

Fixing plumbing leaks early can prevent water damage and more expensive repairs due to clogged pipes or broken seals. Be sure to check below sinks, under kitchen cabinets, and shower/bath fixtures for any signs of leaks.

If you suspect a leaky toilet, there’s an easy way to check:

  • Add a few drops of food dye into the tank.
  • Wait 10 to 20 minutes to see if the water in the bowl changes. 
  • If the water changes, you have a leak and should contact a plumber.

3. Update Your Water Heater

Old water tanks will consume more water for poorer performance. Make sure that you update yours every 10 years to get the most energy-efficient model. If you have a tank-based model, then set its temperature cap to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This not only prevents scalding, but also lowers heating costs overall.

You can also consider switching to a water-conscious tankless water heater. These models can be 24 to 34% more energy-efficient in homes that use up to 41 gallons of water daily. 

4. Make Your Yard Energy-Efficient

Many homeowners overlook their irrigation system when trying to cut water costs. Consider installing a smart sprinkler that automatically waters your awn when it needs it. This also prevents overwatering and damaged grass and plants.

Adding a few inches of mulch (1 to 3 inches) around trees and other plants can also preserve their water retention and cut down the need for more frequent water. 

If you are thinking about installing an irrigation system, it’s best to work with a professional to find the most efficient model and layout for your property. 

Contact Platinum Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today to schedule an appointment for your plumbing. 

Comments are closed.