by Emily Buckley
As we celebrated Earth Day yesterday, you may have though about how much water goes down your drains and pipes every day. If you did, you were probably flooded with worry or washed in guilt. Here are some suggestions for quick and easy things you can do at home to conserve water and energy with your plumbing, especially on Earth Day.
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just the temperature on your hot water heater. According to Energy Star by setting your hot water heater at 120 degrees or lower you can save energy and - money. Set at 140º or higher can waste up to $400 a year in standby and demand heat losses. You can also turn off your water heater if you are away on vacation to conserve energy.
- Check for leaks. Do a quick inventory of your sinks, showers, toilets and the hoses outside your home. Make sure your washers and gaskets are tight.
The most common cause of a leaking toilet is often the inexpensive, rubber flapper. Check for wear and replace if needed. Remember plumbers have professional grade products that often last longer than store bought parts. - Consider water saving and energy efficient upgrades. Many new faucets, shower heads and toilets are low flow or have water conservation features. These can be easy for you to upgrade on your own or with the help of a professional plumber. There are also new energy efficient options for water heaters.
If you have a plumbing question or want more information on ways to save water and energy with your plumbing, consider calling a trusted local professional plumber.
