Plumbing Efficiency

Heather Kane • July 16, 2018

Plumbing isn’t all wrenches and burst pipes.  Just like any other industry, efficiency is king, and there are some up-and-coming ways to improve on your existing plumbing or make some advanced choices for new plumbing or improve on existing plumbing .  According to the EPA, the average American family uses 400 gallons of water a day. That’s a bit staggering, but there are some things homeowners can do to conserve water and energy.

Showerheads

Showerheads have taken on a reputation of their own as tools of efficiency.  With standard showerheads using 2.5 gallons per minute, it’s a good idea to install an efficient one that not only uses less water, it’s much more aesthetically pleasing, and often includes advanced options like heat retention and updated spray patterns that create a luxurious shower sensation.

Tankless Water Heaters

Hot water sitting in the tank loses heat, and that can easily make up 20 to 60 percent of your annual water-heating costs, and hot water energy use amounts to about 15 percent of a home’s total energy use – but a tankless water heater can cut way down on those losses.  They cost about the same as a high efficiency tank style water heater, and can be a great investment to help lower your costs over the years.

Toilets

Did you know that older toilets can use up to seven gallons of water per flush?!  That seemed ridiculous to the EPA too, and now regulations are in place that allow only 1.6 GPF on new toilets, and some manufacturers are going even lower, with models that use only 1.28 GPF.  This is good news for homeowners, as a simple, lower-cost way to invest in water conservation.

Whatever method you choose, saving water and energy is a noble goal.  Start small if you need to, but every step makes a difference, and Arnie’s can help you every step of the way.

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By Heather Kane • August 25, 2021
We’re in business for one reason – to help you with any and all plumbing needs. But we know your money and time are hard-earned, and if we can help you avoid an unnecessary visit, we want to do that. There are a few preventative measures you can take so that you can save your call for the big problems. As a general rule, seeing water anywhere water isn’t supposed to be is never a good thing. Don’t shrug it off – take a second look. Around the base of a toilet, under a sink, spots in a first-floor ceiling under the bathroom…all could be indicators of a leak easily fixed if it’s caught early enough. If you never heard it from your parents, you likely heard it from a landlord – please don’t pour grease down the drain! It may take a little more time and effort to get that bacon fat into the garbage, but it’s more than worth it to keep your pipes clean and clear. It doesn’t take much to build up and cause some big problems. Ever wonder why those pipes under the sink are curved? They keep sewer gas from leaking into your home, while still allowing water to pass and drain. Most people store cleaning supplies and other household items under sinks, but that can turn into a headache. Over time, those pipes can get knocked loose, allowing gases and water to leak slowly into your home. It’s a good idea to find some closet or pantry space to store those supplies. Finally, never attempt a big and/or complicated plumbing job yourself. There are projects that are better left to the professionals, and we would love to help you. Not sure if you need us? Give us a call! We’d love to discuss your plumbing questions!

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