Water Conservation Tips for Your Home

As you know, water shortages are a serious problem in California. The recent drought has caused concern all over the state, and locally here in San Diego. To add to that, in the City of San Diego water and sewer rates are on the rise. If you haven’t had your plumbing inspected in a while, or if you suspect you have a slow leak in or around your home, now is the time to address your home’s water usage.

 

Call Ideal today to check for plumbing leaks or water waste in your home 619-583-7963

How can I check for leaks in my home?

There can be many sources of leaks in your home. Most often, we see leaks coming from running toilets, drips at outdoor house bibs, and leaky shower and sink faucets. A more discreet source of water loss can be your home’s Reverse Osmosis water filtration system that may not be shutting off. Below are a few steps you can take to check for water leaks at your home.

Check Your Meter:

Most water meters have a leak indicator built into the dial. Look for a triangle that moves when you turn on a faucet. For leak detection, turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures inside and outside your home. If the triangle is moving, you may have a leak. If you know there is a leak in your home, but are unable to locate the leak(s), you may need to hire a professional to perform leak detection.

Dye-Test Your Toilet:

1. Carefully remove the tank lid and lay it flat to prevent it from falling and breaking.
2. Drop several drops of food coloring (or our dye of choice: Bluing) into the tank. Do not flush.
3. Wait 15 minutes.
4. Check the bowl for colored water. If the water bowl has color, there is a leak. Sometimes replacing the toilet’s flapper valve will do the trick and help prevent further leaks and water waste.

How can I use water efficiently in my home?

Using high efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances can ensure you use water economically. Some examples are:

• Low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators
• High efficient washing machines
• Water-saving pressure reducing valve
• Low-flush toilets:
• Starting January 1, 2014, stricter water conservation standards went into effect. It is now illegal for stores to sell toilets that require more than 1.28 gpf. The 1.28 gpf toilet models are classified as a High Efficiency Toilet.
• Use a Hot Water Recirculating Pump

Avoid waiting for hot water to come out of the tap with the use of a hot water recirculating pump. They are designed to deliver hot water from your water heater to your most remote fixtures within seconds. The pump is usually installed under the sink that is furthest from your water heater. This is an excellent solution for getting hot water quickly, and saving you water.