Tag: don't

You Don't Have to Suffer High Water Bills This Summer With These Easy Tips

Enjoy the Summer Without Worrying About the Water Bills

Summer fun is usually equated with lots of water and for a good reason. The heat may be a welcome arrival for some, but it can also quickly raise water bills. Swimming pools, splash pads, and refreshing summer drinks require copious amounts of water, but does that automatically mean homeowners should resign themselves to a fate of high water bills? There are several ways homeowners can save money on their water costs this summer, and this post will share water-saving tips!

Water Saving Devices Help Keep Water Bills Low

showerIn this age of technological advancements, it’s easy to find ways to make life more efficient and less wasteful. Many products on the market allow homeowners to make their homes more water efficient, including upgrades in plumbing fixtures. Swapping out regular shower heads for low-flow, WaterSense-labeled versions, for example, can save families about 2,700 gallons of water a year.

Water-saving toilets are another way to conserve water and save money. Installing water-saving WaterSense-labeled toilets to replace old, inefficient ones can save families 20 to 60 percent of the water used by their toilets. These kinds of toilets use less water per flush than a normal toilet, with some models offering the option to use a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquid waste.

Find the Right Time to Water the Lawn

lawnWhile not all water-related activities at home can be made efficient with water-saving devices, it’s still possible to save money by timing these activities right. Take watering the lawn, for example. Maintaining the health of the yard, garden, and landscaping is important in the summer, so homeowners would expect that, given the extreme temperatures, they would have to pay a premium to take care of their yards. 

But most homeowners need to know that if they simply schedule this activity in the morning, they can save money on watering the lawn. This is because mornings are cooler than the rest of the day, and if plants are watered at this early hour, the water doesn’t evaporate as quickly, leaving more for the plants to absorb. This allows homeowners to cut down on their water usage to keep their yards healthy.

Some More Ways to Save Water

Apart from the tips mentioned above, there are also several simple habit changes that, when done consistently, can help homeowners not just conserve water but also keep them from running up an excessively high water bill.

  • Keep showers short: While it may be tempting to stay in the shower longer than necessary, shorter showers have the incentive of keeping water bills low - something that should motivate most people to hop out as soon as they’re done.
  • Don’t leave the water running: One of the easiest ways to save water is to turn off the tap when not in use. According to the EPA, 8 gallons of water a day can be saved by turning off the tap when brushing teeth, and 10 gallons of water can be saved per shave. 
  • Maximize the use of water-efficient appliances: Most modern household appliances like clothes washers and dishwashing machines are built to be water efficient, so homeowners would do well to maximize their water efficiency by opting, for example, to use water-efficient dishwashers instead of washing dishes by hand. Washing machines should also be run on a full load to save water.

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC has nearly a decade of experience serving Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate pricing, always on-time service, and emergency plumbing services. Call them today for kitchen and bathroom plumbing services in Chandler, AZ. 

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Don't Let Preventable Plumbing Problems Ruin Thanksgiving!

Prepare the Plumbing For Extra People Before the Holidays

When the Thanksgiving feast is prepared, and the family sits around the table, it can be a wonderfully pleasant time of togetherness. The aftermath, however, may not be so pleasant. Having extra people in the house who need to use the toilet can strain a household’s plumbing system. 

If the toilet and the kitchen sink are properly cared for, there is less likelihood of an embarrassing plumbing debacle. This article will cover some preventative measures that can be done by the homeowner, but also when it may be time to get professional assistance.

The Horror of a Preventable Clogged Toilet

toiletClogged toilets may be one of the most common and disgusting plumbing issues. It can be embarrassing for guests to admit something is wrong and embarrassing for homeowners whose toilets aren’t working. Though nothing is foolproof, here are several ways to help prevent a clogged toilet.

  • Consider installing a water flow limiting device on the toilet, such as a flapper valve or dual flush mechanism, to help reduce the amount of excess water flowing into the bowl and eventually down the drain.
  • Try to use less toilet paper or flush more than once to break up the amount of toilet paper that goes down the toilet at once. 
  • Avoid flushing items not intended for disposal in a toilet, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes.

Blockage in the Sewer Lines

sewer lineClogs can form further in the sewer line due to various causes, including tree roots intruding on pipes, broken or collapsed pipes, and debris buildup caused by improper disposal of items such as cooking grease. These clogs can cause massive wastewater backups in homes and businesses that have overwhelmed their local wastewater systems. The negative effects are many – from sewage overflows damaging property and posing health risks to increased costs related to repairs or replacement of damaged lines. 

Prevention is the best way to avoid these extreme clogs. Here are some tips: avoid flushing items that don't belong down the toilet (such as diapers or dental floss); make sure kitchen grease is disposed of properly (not down drains); schedule regular cleaning of the sewer line by a plumber, and avoid tree roots or other obstructions near the plumbing. These steps can help keep sewer line clogs from happening and prevent costly repairs.

Thankfully There’s Plumbing Maintenance To Help Prepare

Regular drain cleaning and maintenance help keep plumbing systems in optimal condition, preventing various issues, such as clogged pipes, unpleasant odors, and even water damage. Professional drain cleaning is an essential part of preventative maintenance that can help maintain the longevity and efficiency of a plumbing system. By having a professional clean and unclog drains regularly, homeowners can protect against major plumbing problems that could cost them time and money down the road. 

Professional plumbers have access to specialized tools like hydro jetting machines that are designed to effectively remove debris from inside pipes without damaging them. Plumbers can also detect any underlying issues in the drainage system during maintenance before they cause more severe problems. Additionally, if there is an issue with the sewer line, a professional can locate the problem and diagnose it correctly so that repairs can be made quickly. This means homeowners avoid costly damage from backed-up water or flooding in their homes due to an undetected issue.

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC is a reliable and friendly neighborhood plumbing company serving Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas since 2014. They provide flat-rate pricing, financing, and emergency plumbing services. Call them today for plumbing and drain cleaning services in Chandler, AZ.

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