With California expected to enter another winter of drought, it’s important for business owners and homeowners alike to refresh on water conservation. Though the winter is not a high water usage time of year, you want to be on the lookout for damage to pipes. Leaking pipes would cause damage to your home and severely increase the amount of water wasted.
Finding Leaks
If you see an unexplained hike in your water bill, you may have a leak. This can cost you many gallons of water a day. Check common places for leaks, such as sink faucets, shower heads, and both hot and cold water supply lines.
Often in California, leaks are caused by pressure in pipes. This pressure could come from debris build-up over time, so be sure you are regularly snaking pipes and not flushing things down the toilet or sink that shouldn’t be in the pipes. In addition to creating pressure, blocked pipes will create a very inefficient plumbing system.
Pressure in your pipes could also come from incorrect water pressure and volume. Make sure these are both at the correct levels. High pressure and water volume will likely lead to breaks and leaks.
Other Ways to Conserve Water
If you’ve checked your home for leaks and found it clear, there are still steps you can take to lower the amount of water you’re using. This includes:
Replacing old appliances with newer versions. Though an expensive option, your old dishwasher, washer, and toilet are likely using a lot more water than necessary. If you can, replace them with a newer, energy-efficient version to conserve water.
Getting newer showerheads and sink faucets. If you identified a leak from one of these, you want to replace it with a newer version that more effectively regulates pressure and will prevent dripping.
Only running the dishwasher with a full load. Your dishwasher runs more efficiently when it’s full, meaning it uses less water.
Contact BPI Plumbing Today
It’s important that you limit the amount of water being used, and no one wants to deal with a leaky pipe causing water damage and increasing your water bill. If you’re dealing with a leaky or broken pipe, contact our professionals at BPI Plumbing.