Water Conservation Tips
Be kind to the environment and save money with these simple water conservation practices:
- Upgrade your shower head: Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons per minute while maintaining strong spray performance at a range of pressures.
- Keep water pressure in check: Ensure your home's water pressure is not above 60 PSI. Higher pressure wastes water and can damage plumbing. If you're unsure, your local water authority can confirm the street pressure. If it's high, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to protect your system.
- Check for hidden leaks: Monitor your water meter during a time when no water is being used. Note the reading, then recheck it 8–10 hours later. Movement may indicate an undetected leak. Leaky toilets can account for 40%+ of household water use—often fixed by replacing the toilet flapper and fill valve.
- Use fewer harsh chemicals: Avoid excessive chemical drain cleaners—they may disrupt natural bacteria in septic systems. Choose biodegradable soaps and detergents when possible.
- Set your water heater wisely: Reduce energy use by keeping your water heater at 120°F (medium) or lower.
Seasonal Plumbing Tips
Protect your plumbing year-round and reduce costly repairs with seasonal maintenance:
- Disconnect outdoor hoses before winter to prevent freezing and pipe damage. Shut off and drain exterior water lines if applicable.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as garages and crawl spaces.
- Flush your water heater once per year to remove sediment buildup.
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts so water drains properly through freezing and thawing cycles.
- Never pour fats or oils down the kitchen sink, and avoid putting fibrous foods into the garbage disposal.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine during off-peak times (night or when you're out) to conserve hot water and maintain water pressure during busy household periods.
- During extreme cold, allowing a faucet to drip can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- In spring, check plumbing vent pipes for bird nests or blockages.
- In summer, standing water from heavy rain can contain waste and bacteria. If you notice unusually saturated areas in your yard, consider inspecting your sewer line for leaks or drainage issues.
Cleaning an Aerator
Unscrew the faucet aerator by hand (or carefully with pliers). Disassemble it and use a small brush dipped in vinegar to remove sediment. Rinse, then reassemble and reinstall.
Basement Plumbing Tips
- Inspect washing machine hoses for bulges, cracking, or leaks and replace any that look worn.
- Reduce pipe "hammer" noises by installing shock absorbers (water hammer arrestors).
- Prevent sewer gases from coming up through a basement floor drain by pouring a bucket of water into the drain periodically to keep the trap seal full.
Bathroom Tips
- Run hot water down each drain weekly to help keep pipes clear.
- Clean drain strainers regularly to remove hair and soap buildup.
- Remove mineral deposits from a shower head by securing a plastic bag of vinegar over it (with a hair tie) and leaving it overnight.
- Use a thin wire to clear shower head holes from the outside; remove the shower head for deeper cleaning as needed.
Outside Tips
- Every 6 months, apply a root-control product to help reduce root intrusion into drain lines (follow product instructions carefully).
- Remove leaves and debris from window wells, yard drains, gutters, and downspouts as needed to prevent pooling and drainage problems.