Being a new homeowner can be a little stressful. Arming yourself with some useful plumbing tips and hints can make life easier and save you some money. It can also make you more prepared if and when an issue does arise.
Water Heater Management
Most of the time doing simple things can save you from big problems and hassles down the road when talking about water heaters. One of the most basic things to be aware of about your water heater is what temperature the thermostat is set at.
Sometimes, they come factory set at a higher temperature than necessary which wastes energy and can also decrease the life of the unit. Setting your heater at a temperature of 115 degrees is usually sufficient for all your normal needs. Most units will last around 10 to 15 years so it is a good idea to start looking for a new one around 7-8 years to be safe. Another excellent tip that will help your water heater last longer and work more efficiently is to drain a quart of water every three months to reduce sediment build up in the tank. Lastly, if you heat using electricity and live in a warm sunny climate you may consider switching to a solar powered water heater to help cut down on energy costs.
Ways To Save Energy In Bathrooms
There are several very effective methods for cutting back on cost and energy used in everyday bathroom rituals. First off, taking a normal length shower in place of a bath uses far less water on average. Second, replacing your old shower head with a new modern low-flow shower head will save a large amount of water on a daily basis. Another excellent tip to remember when creating or remodeling a bathroom is to run wires for lights separately so you can use just the light you need at that time. Lastly, installing/replacing an energy efficient low flow toilet will save water on every single flush which adds up to a huge amount saved per year.
Get Familiar With The Plumbing In Your Home
The best way to fix costly and annoying problems is to stop them from happening in the first place. Just by knowing things like where your main shut off valve is and whether you have any visible leaks can save you from massive problems developing. Also, having a general knowledge of the plumbing order, location, and condition in your home will allow you to start making positive changes to save yourself money and energy expenditure. Being aware of where your pipes are located throughout your home is crucial when doing any type of remodeling or large structural changes like moving a wall for example. It would be very undesirable to knock down a wall and accidentally break a pipe open spilling water out everywhere. It also pays to have occasional inspections done on things if you are unsure or would like to make a change for the better. Fortunately, professional plumbing service is there to help get you back on track in case of an emergency or just a general problem that needs to be fixed. If you are unsure of whether you have a leaking pipe or not, considering hiring a team of professionals that provides DC leak detection.