8 Plumbing Services Tips to Lower Your Energy and Water Bills
Have you noticed your water bill seems to be increasing month over month? Maybe your bill doubled or tripled, and you have no idea how you used that much water. If you want to get your water bill back under control, you need to reduce the amount of water your household uses. While this might seem difficult, there are specific types of plumbing services you can invest in that help reduce water usage without sacrificing your comfort.
1. Schedule water heater service.
If your water heater is a few years old, it is a good idea to have a water heater service performed by a qualified plumber at least twice a year. For tank-type models, the tank needs to be flushed and cleaned to remove sediment and other deposits. This maintenance service not only helps keep your tank operating at peak efficiency but also helps reduce electricity and water usage since it is easier for the tank to maintain desired temperature levels.
2. Upgrade to a tankless water heater.
If you are looking to save even more on your energy bills, upgrade from a tank-type water heater to a tankless model. Tankless models make hot water on demand. There is no storage tank, so the heater does not have to run periodically to maintain the preset temperature level.
3. Have your plumber insulate your hot water lines.
Adding insulation to hot water lines helps prevent heat loss. This means you will not have to run the water as long whenever you turn on hot water to get it to the desired temperature level. This is a relatively easy task that will save money on energy and water bills.
4. Upgrade to low-flow water fixtures and showerheads.
Low-flow water fixtures and showerheads are designed to use less water without a reduction in water pressure. Most people do not even notice any difference between their old, non-water saving fixtures and their new low-flow ones.
5. Upgrade toilets to low-flush models.
There are two ways you can reduce the amount of water you use when you flush. Option one is to replace the entire toilet with a brand new model with water-conserving features already built into them. The second option is to have your plumber replace the internal flushing mechanisms inside the water tank with new low-flush components.
6. Upgrade your dishwasher and washing machine to water-conserving models.
If your dishwasher or washing machine is more than five years old, you are missing out on the latest advances in water-saving technologies. These new appliances offer a wide range of options to wash dishes and clothes that use a fraction of the water you are using now.
7. Have the aerators on your faucets cleaned or
If you already have low-flow water fixtures, you do need to clean the aerators to remove sediment and other particles. If the aerator is too clogged up with deposits, get it replaced. Not only do aerators reduce the amount of water you use but, at the same time, they help boost your water pressure too.
8. Use your dishwasher as much as you can to wash dishes.
Dishwashers use less water than hand-washing dishes. The only dishes you should be washing by hand are those things that are not dishwasher safe. Additionally, only run the dishwasher when it is full.
By using these plumbing services tips, you will reduce your energy and water bills and save money. To schedule water heater installation, fixture and toilet upgrades, or other plumbing repair and maintenance services, please feel free to call MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-603-9949 to schedule an appointment today!