As a Toronto native homeowner, you know the value of an efficient plumbing system. But what you might not know is that your water usage could be affecting your bank and the lifespan of your plumbing system. Water conservation will not only help you reduce utility bills but also significantly help you stop plumbing emergencies. At Santos Water Service & Drain, we’ve compiled some easy and effective ways to reduce water usage and prevent common plumbing problems in your home.
Fix Leaky Faucets and Pipes Immediately
Neglected leaks are one of the major causes of skyrocketing water bills and plumbing issues. A constant, slow drip from a leaky faucet can waste gallons of water daily, and undetected pipe leaks can cause severe damage to the foundation and walls of your home. Always fix leaks promptly or call a professional plumber. Fixing leaks early on prevents water waste and saves you from expensive plumbing repairs later.
Install Water-Efficient Fixtures
Switching to modern water-saving fixtures, including low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, can help decrease water use. Not only do these fixtures conserve water, but they can also save you money on your water bill without sacrificing your comfort. Indeed, low-flow toilets use significantly less water per flush than older models, and water-efficient showerheads offer a good shower experience with less water. Consider replacing fixtures to make water-efficient improvements in your home.
Monitor Your Water Meter
Monitor Your Water Meter One good way to spot hidden plumbing issues is to keep an eye on your water meter. If you notice that your water usage has increased and you have not changed your water usage habits, this may indicate that you have a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system. By keeping an eye on your meter and watching for any unusual activity, you can snare small leaks before they become full-blown plumbing emergencies.
Bear In Mind What Not To Flush
Most plumbing emergencies occur due to the wrong disposal of waste. Flush only human waste and toilet paper. Other materials can easily jam your pipes and cause a blockage, at which point you have a plumbing emergency. Make sure that you and your family members know what can and cannot go down a toilet to keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.
Use Drain Screens to Prevent Clogs
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems, causing water backups and costly repairs. You can simply install drain screens in your kitchen and bathroom sinks to avoid this. These screens will catch food scraps, hair , and other debris before they reach your drains, reducing the chances of clogs and water damage. Please clean the screens often to keep them effective.
Ensure Your Water Heater Is Properly Maintained
Now, your water heater is an integral part of your home’s plumbing system, and like every other component, it also needs regular maintenance. Water heaters also can fill with sediment over time, decreasing their efficiency and leading to possible plumbing woes in the future. To help counteract this, try flushing your water heater once a year to eliminate any sediment or mineral deposits that may have built up over time. Also, check for leaks where the water heater connects to the plumbing system throughout the house, and confirm that the temperature is set at an ideal level to prevent overheating or wasted energy.
Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing
However, frozen pipes are one of the most significant plumbing issues that can occur during cold months in Toronto. When water crystallizes inside pipes, they can burst, resulting in severe flooding and property damage. To prevent this, insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics , and garages. Insulating your pipes makes it possible to protect them against freezing, reducing the chances of dealing with an emergency plumbing situation atonement.
Be Cautious About Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can be a valuable tool to eliminate food waste, but they are not meant to handle everything. Do not put large volumes of food scraps, oils, or fibrous materials like corn husks and potato peels down the disposal. This can lead to clogs, smells, and even damage to the disposal unit. Keep it operating smoothly by running a stream of cold water while the disposal runs and periodically cleaning it with a few handfuls of ice cubes and salt to eat through that buildup.
Know When to Call a Professional Plumber
Not all plumbing issues should be solved with a DIY project. If you spot recurring problems like slow drains, low water pressure, or unexplained surges in your water bill, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber. Schedule time-sequence expert examinations to identify potential issues before they become crises, saving you time, cash, and worry later on.
Conclusion
Reducing water waste and keeping your plumbing from convulsing worries you don’t have to be a challenging job. These are just straightforward steps to save on water use, avoid plumbing emergencies, and keep your home’s plumbing system running well for years. If you want professional help, you can always consult Santos Water Service & Drain. They offer reliable and skilled plumbing Toronto services. Contact us anytime for water-saving solutions and any plumbing emergencies you face.