We love summer here at Knoxville Plumbing but this time of year can put a strain on your plumbing system and your utility bill. Some of our highly trained and licensed plumbers have offered a few helpful tips to conserve water and save money this summer.
1. Make sure the temperature on your water heater is set no higher than 120° to prevent scalding and to also reduce energy use. Summer is also a good time to turn the temperature down, especially when away on vacation.
2. Replacing an old shower head can potentially save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without losing any water pressure. To clean mineral deposits from the showerhead, unscrew it, soak it in vinegar overnight and then gently scrub with a toothbrush.
3. Check your washing machine hoses for ruptures or bulges. Turn valves on and off to ensure they are working properly. Leaking washing machine hoses and valves are one of the main causes of water damage.
4. Check outdoor faucets and hoses to make sure water flows freely and they aren’t any leaks.
5. Beware of standing water. Excess water can result from leaky or broken underground pipes or even a damaged sewer line. Inspect the yard for areas that are too wet and with unusual plant or grass growth.
6. Water your lawn before sunup or after sundown to reduce usage.
7. Consider installing rain barrels and connecting them with gutter downspouts to collect water and use it for watering gardens and plants.
