Leaky waste piping can lead to water damage and mold growth. Any leak from a waste or supply pipe should be promptly repaired to avoid costly repairs.
Category: Interior of a Home
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Saving Hot Water Can Save You Money
According to SRP, up to 20% of their average customer’s annual energy usage goes towards producing hot water for every day tasks such as laundry, bathing, cooking and dishwashing. Employing a few simple tips can help you save money while also saving water and energy.
- Identify and repair all leaky water faucets. A slow drip can leak hundreds of gallons of water per year. If it’s a hot water leak, both the water and heating it will cost you money. Be sure to turn off faucets completely and teach your kids to properly turn off faucets.
- Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees. Lowering the temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can save you up to $7 per month. Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can also reduce the risk of scalding accidents, which are especially a concern with young children and the elderly.
- If you participate in a peak-hour type program with your electric company, you should consider installing a timer on your water heater. Set the timer in a manner that will prevent the water heater from cycling on during the expensive, on-peak hours.
- Instead of taking baths, take short showers. A bath can use 15-25 gallons of water, while an average 5-minute shower uses less than 10 gallons.
- Consider installing low-flow faucets or aerators in your kitchen and/or bathroom. This can reduce consumption of hot water by up to 35%.
The above figures are based on a typical SRP customer with an electric water heater. However, saving hot water can also save you money if you have a gas water heater!
Source: SRP’s Contact, February 2006
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Plumbing System Maintenance
It is important for every one in the family to become familiar with the different controls that operate your home’s plumbing system. In the event of a major plumbing leak, knowing the location and proper operation of these controls may save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in damage to your home and personal property. The following are a few suggestions on how to prevent damage to these systems and reduce the costs involved should a leak occur.
1. Know the location of the main water valve.
This valve controls the supply of water to the entire house. It is usually located near the front of the house under the hose bib. This valve should be operated at least once a year to prevent the valve from getting clogged or stuck from mineral deposits. Mineral build up can make the valve difficult to turn and in severe cases, the handle can break off and/or leak. If this happens, the valve would need to be replaced. This situation can occur even in homes with water conditioning systems because this valve is located between the city/well and the water-conditioning unit.
2. Know the location of the isolation valves.
Isolation valves are located between the main valve and various plumbing fixtures. For example, under the kitchen sink there are two isolation valves; one for the hot and one for the cold water supply line to the faucet. These valves also need to be operated once a year to insure proper operation. Isolation valves are often low quality and can break easily, so care should be taken when opening or closing a valve that has not been operated in a several years.
3. Properly maintain drain pipes.
There are many ways to keep your drains open and working properly. The best way is to be conscious of what you put into your drain. Never pour hot grease or other things that tend to solidify at room temperature down your drain. Harsh chemical cleaners should be avoided because they are rarely effective in cleaning your pipes and pose a hazard if and when repairs are made. They can also damage the surface of many pipes and plumbing fixtures. A few pots of boiling water down the drain every month will help protect the environment and work just as well.4. Replace washing machine hoses.
It is wise to replace the hoses to the washing machine every 3 to 5 years. This is an often neglected and weak link in the plumbing system. The constant pressure on these rubber hoses will eventually cause them to burst. If this should happen while at work or even worse when your out of town, the expense could be enormous. It only takes a few minutes and for under $15, is worth every penny.If you have any questions or concerns, contact a professional.