Although many homeowners don’t realize it, leaky pipes and aging plumbing systems can cause them to waste over 10,000 gallons of water every year. The equivalent of doing five extra loads of laundry every week, homeowners often lose thousands of dollars every year to a water bill that an experienced plumber could possibly reduce or eliminate.
While leak repair should be a priority for homeowners, they should also know that they can save up to a third of the cost of their water bill by upgrading and replacing existing washing machines, dishwashers, hot water heaters, and bathroom fixtures. Plumbing problems in older homes or in homes that do not contract with an experienced plumber for yearly maintenance may become severe enough that plumbing repair could turn into an urgent need for plumbing replacement.
A leaking commode can waste over 200 gallons of water every day, experts report; homeowners may not even realize that they have a plumbing problem until they notice a spike in their water consumption. Local water companies should be able to tell homeowners if their water usage is above average, and many will notify homeowners if their bill increases sharply in a short period of time.
Getting plumbing checked can save homeowners money on their water bills, but removing difficult clogs, taking the time to repair hot water heaters, and replacing plumbing fixtures can go a long way toward getting properties ready for colder weather. Even in parts of the country without heavy snowfall and long winters, temperatures at night can dip below freezing. Waking up to find frozen pipes can cause lost time from work and school; experts recommend regular plumbing maintenance.
In the interest of saving water, some homeowners look for energy-efficient shower fixtures, low-volume commodes, and “green” washing machines and dishwashers. Plumbing services may be able to perform a checkup on aging pipes, which have the potential to make even the most modern appliances perform at less than their peak efficiency. Finding an experienced plumber and performing regular maintenance may give homeowners more peace of mind.