When the temperature rises, your water usage does as well. Any plumber will tell you that much of this consumption comes from sources you wouldn’t ordinarily think about, like the washing machine. Luckily, there are some easy ways to lessen water usage, keep appliances in top shape, and maintain a budget-friendly water bill. Check out the tips below to learn more. 

5 Summer Plumbing Tips to Beat the Heat

1. Save Energy on Vacation

Whenever you take a vacation this summer, turn the water heater down and refrigerator up. With no one home, hot water and chilled fridge items won’t be in high demand and you can save money while being more energy-efficient. Remove perishable foods before turning up the fridge temperature and double check that the water heater is up-to-date before adjusting it.

2. Give the Washing Machine a Break

With kids home for the summer and an upswing in outdoor activities, an increase in dirty clothes is inevitable. Most washing machines use anywhere from 15 to 30 gallons of water per load. To save some water, only run the machine when you have a full load of clothes or try hand washing some items.

3. Monitor the Sprinkler System

Have a plumber check the sprinkler system to look for any busted parts or system errors. This will ensure you aren’t wasting water on the sidewalk or driveway, and it will prevent unnecessary lawn watering costs. You can also set the sprinklers to go off in the early morning or late evening when there is little to no sunlight to reduce the risk of water loss from evaporation.

4. Keep Track of the Garbage Disposal

Summer cookouts with friends and family are a blast, but watch what they put down the garbage disposal. Various cooking oils and summer produce, like watermelon and corn, can damage the blades of the disposal or clog the drain, so it’s best to toss them in the trash instead. Also, remember to always run water when using the disposal to ensure proper drainage.

5. Replace Older Appliances

Household appliances wear down with time, and many older designs are less energy conscious than newer models. Consider having a plumber assess your systems, and think about replacing some of your older water-using appliances, like faucets, toilets, and shower heads.

 

Concerned about your water usage? Check out Wrightsman Plumbing Heating & Cooling for top-notch plumbing services in Beatrice, NE. Serving the Gage County community since 1971, this family-owned plumbing and HVAC business offers a range of services, from drain cleaning and plumbing to air conditioning installation and furnace maintenance. With a dedication to customer service, the expert team is always available to help or provide knowledgeable advice. Get in touch with one of their experienced plumbers today by calling (402) 228-3100 or visiting their website.