American households use a significant amount of water every day. On average, this amounts to 300 gallons. Unfortunately, however, about ten percent of households have plumbing leaks that waste a considerable amount of water. Recent figures show that this amounts to as much as 90 gallons a day.
A Few Facts About Household Leaks
A large percentage of water is wasted due to household leaks. Plumbing Manufacturers International, for example, reported that this amounts to 13.7% of a household’s water usage. Leaky faucets that drip once per second can potentially waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, which is enough for over 180 showers. When shower heads leak ten drips a minute, then this can waste over 500 gallons of water a year. The same amount of water could clean 60 dishwasher loads.
A Few Tips on Water Heater Maintenance
Since households require hot water for showering, washing dishes, cleaning clothes, and other purposes, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance inspections. According to experts, water heaters need to be drained and have their sediment removed a minimum of once a year. When water heaters don’t provide sufficient hot water or are making odd sounds, then it may be time to have this device repaired and/or replaced.
Traditional water heaters store water at a specific temperature. Given this, many households may opt for having a tankless water heater installed. Energy.gov reports that tankless water heaters can assist homeowners with saving energy and water. This is because these heaters provide hot water “as needed.”
Contact Your Local Plumbing Services
When you have household plumbing leaks, then it’s a good idea to contact a plumbing service near you. In case you haven’t had your water heater drained within the past year, your local plumbing service can take of this for you as well. If your water heater is an older model, you may want to consider learning more about tankless water heaters. Your plumbing contractor will be able to provide you with more information so that you find the right size and model for your home’s needs. Just imagine what a difference this will make in your home water and energy bills. Furthermore, your home will also be more energy-efficient.