Being water-wise

As we all know, California has  been experiencing serious drought for many years now.  Although last season's rains were plentiful, scientists tell us that we would need several more years of record rainfall in order for our underground aquifers to return to previous levels.

At Community Plumbing, we want to find ways to help our customers prevent water waste and conserve as much as possible.  Some common plumbing issues that contribute to water waste are: leaky pipes, running toilets, outdated plumbing systems and faucets that don't quite shut off.  Even a slow drip can make a HUGE difference in your water bill and in the amount of water wasted.

A recent customer called us because she saw a huge spray coming from under her house.  What she didn't know was that she had had a slow leak for many months before the break occurred that caused the spray.  The whole underside of her home and the entire front slope of her property were soaked with water and very close to sliding away.

Tiny leaks can add up quickly.  A slow drip can add up, one tiny drop at a time, to nearly a gallon a day or 350 gallons per year.  Multiply that times the number of leaks city wide and we're talking some serious numbers.

The best way to prevent leaks like this is to hire a professional plumber to come to your home and inspect the plumbing system once per year.  We can detect tiny flaws and bring them to your attention before they become major problems.  Regular maintenance of your plumbing can prevent emergencies and save you money (and water) in the long run.

In addition to regular inspections, there are additional steps you can take.  Switching to low flow shower heads and a low flow toilet can save about 250 gallons of water per week.  Only running the dishwasher when it is full can save 1-3 gallons per load.  Turning off the water when you are brushing your teeth or shaving can save 3-5 gallons per day. 

In addition to these suggestions, the city of San Diego has a great website with more tips:
https://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/kids/tips.

Whether you need a plumbing inspection, would like help changing fixtures over to low flow or have a plumbing emergency, give us a call, we are happy to help.