Summer is upon us here in Northern Nevada! Increasing temperatures and extra daylight require adjustments around your home to ensure it is ready for the seasonal shift. Here are some Homeowner’s Tips to keep your home or business’s plumbing running efficiently this Summer!
Reduce Water Use:
With increased water usage for sprinklers and irrigation, you will want to make sure you are mindful of your water consumption. Try to limit your shower time to a maximum of 10 minutes to help save water and turn the tap off while washing dishes, brushing your teeth, cooking, and cleaning. By simply turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, you can save 8 gallons of water per day or 200 gallons per month!
Pro Tip:
Switching to a low-flow model will help you save water and money! According to the EPA, “The average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads. Since these water savings will reduce demands on water heaters, they will also save energy.” Email our Showroom to discuss what Watersense showerheads and faucets will best fit your home and your budget at showroom@savageandson.com.
Check your Water Heater and Turn Down the Temperature:
Both your water heater and appliances will likely be working overtime this Summer with the heat and extra people at home.
According to Energy.gov, “the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. The lower setting will also conserve energy and save money. Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them to be set at 120ºF, which also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding.
Savings resulting from turning down your water heater temperature are based on two components: reduced standby losses (heat lost from water heater into surrounding basement area); and consumption (from water demand or use in your home). Set too high, or at 140ºF, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses and more than $400 in demand losses.
Pro Tip:
Switching to an Energy Star rated Water Heater will save you energy and money on your utility bill! You can also install a hot water circulation pump to help your water heat more quickly, which can help you save water, money, energy, and time waiting for the water to heat up! Email service@savageandson.com to explore a new water heater or hot water circulation pump for your home.
Setting your Sprinkler Schedule:
Make sure that your beautiful yard doesn’t come at an extra cost to you! Run your sprinklers in the morning when the air temperature is lower, there is less wind, and there is dew on the ground. Watering your grass when it is already damp in the morning will help reduce the amount of water it needs and help prevent the spread of disease and will also reduce the amount of wasted water due to evaporation from the wind. Windy conditions can increase the rate of evaporation of the irrigation water.
Check for Leaks around the home and property:
It’s essential to check on your home for leaks every season. A leaky toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons per day or over 6,000 gallons per month! Not only is water a precious resource that shouldn’t be wasted, but leaks can also cause mold and expensive damage to your home! Inspect the fixtures around your home for any visible leaks, and also look at your water bill and compare the usage over the past few months. The EPA says a drip rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. While checking around the property, make sure to check your sewer piping because any tree growth can cause roots to make their way to your sewer lines in search of a water source.
Pro Tip:
You can also start saving with the MOEN FLO, a device that is installed on your main water line and detects and stops leaks! The MOEN FLO smart water security systems monitor all of your home’s piping from your showers to the toilet to the foundational pipes. You can feel protected even when you are not home and all from the convenience of your smartphone!
The Moen Flo is continuously monitoring your water levels, with nightly checks, and can detect a drop per minute! This smart device helps you see what’s happening behind the wall and gives you the control and comfort knowing you have a solution to helping you save your home, time, and money on your water bill!
Email service@savageandson.com to learn more and set up your appointment for installation or if you are experiencing leaks at your home and require professional inspection and repair!
Be aware of what goes in your Garbage Disposal and Practice Proper Flushing:
Always make sure that you are keeping your pipes clear from anything that can cause clogs or damage. Follow these best practices for “Disposal Dos and Don’ts” and “What Not to Flush.”
Pro Tip:
Be aware of any dishes made at home that say “Just Add Water” and don’t put them in down the disposal. When you add water to these items, they expand, and they will continue to expand inside your pipes, which can cause serious piping clogs and plumbing issues.
