Water is a finite resource. According to UNESCO, two to three billion people go at least a month without water in their homes every year. Further, half the world is projected to live in areas with serious water shortages as early as 2025. (1) (2)
That’s reason enough to take utmost care of the water supply you’re lucky to have today. One way to get this right is to engage the services of experts like plumbers Kelowna or one in your area. Here are some ways these experts can help improve your home’s water efficiency:
Leak Detection and Pipe Repair
Studies show that families can lose up to 180 gallons every week, or 9,400 gallons every year, to water leaks. Keep in mind that these leaks aren’t just annoying. They’re also costing you money. (3)
A small drip might not seem like much, but over time, it adds up. For perspective, a leaky faucet dripping once per second can waste up to 3,000 gallons a year. Plus, think about it. If water’s escaping through a leak, that’s less pressure for your shower or kitchen sink. (4)
But here’s the good news: finding and fixing these leaks can lead to some serious savings. So, what can you do? Keep an eye out for unusually high water bills, damp spots on walls or ceilings, or unusually lush patches in your yard. These could all be signs of hidden leaks.
When you see them, don’t hesitate to call plumbers Kelowna or others near you for a thorough checkup. These skilled professionals will use advanced leak detection tools like thermal imaging. Using highly sensitive instruments, they can detect temperature differences to pinpoint the exact location of leaks.
They’ll then swiftly repair any issues to leave your pipes as good as new. The result could be an even more efficient water flow, peace of mind, and, of course, a reduced water bill.
Toilet Repair
Old toilets sure get the job done, sure, but at what cost? Some older models use a whopping 6 gallons per flush. Now, compare that to newer, more efficient models. These water-saving toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush. That’s a huge difference. (5)
Thinking about making the switch? It’s a smart move, and plumbers Kelowna or other local experts can help you install the perfect water-efficient toilet for your bathroom. But what if you’re not ready to replace your toilet just yet? No worries. Even simple repairs such as replacing the flapper or adjusting the chain can significantly improve efficiency.
So next time you hear your toilet running or notice it’s not flushing quite right, don’t ignore it. A quick repair or upgrade could save you buckets of water – and cash – in the long run.
Water Heater Repair/Installation
You’ve got two main players in the water heater game: tankless and traditional. Tankless heaters heat water on demand, saving energy when you’re not using hot water.
Traditional tank heaters, on the other hand, keep a large amount of water hot and ready to go. Both have their pros and cons, but proper installation and maintenance by the right experts can make either type a champion of efficiency.
An efficient water heater heats water faster and more consistently. This means you’re not wasting water waiting for it to heat up. And when your water heater is working at its best, you’re less likely to run out of hot water mid-shower.
Faucet, Fixture, and Sink Installation
Sometimes, the difference between efficiency and peak service lies in the technology you use in your house. Ever heard of a low-flow faucet? These devices reduce water flow without sacrificing performance. Sounds good, right? But here’s the catch – installation matters.
A poorly installed faucet defeats the purpose of being water-efficient. That’s why you should make sure you’re getting expert plumbers on your case. Getting it right can ensure you receive the full benefit of this water-saving technology.
There are also aerators to consider. These gizmos mix air with water; they reduce flow while maintaining pressure in your faucets. You get to save water without noticing a difference in performance!
Pro tip: when installing new fixtures, think about your water usage habits. Do you love long showers? A water-efficient showerhead could be a game-changer. Always leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth? A faucet with a sensor could be your new best friend.
In Closing
Improving your household’s water efficiency can go a long way both for the planet and for your pocket. You’ve seen some services plumbers Kelowna offer to help you stay put in the efficiency journey.
In case you need them or other experts to render these services or simply take a look at your system, give them a ring. This decision can make a whole lot of difference.
Sources
- “Imminent risk of a global water crisis, warns the UN World Water Development Report 2023”, Source: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/imminent-risk-global-water-crisis-warns-un-world-water-development-report-2023
- “Water scarcity”, Source: https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity
- “Statistics and Facts”, Source: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts
- “Fix a Leak Week”, Source: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week
- “Residential Toilets”, Source: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/residential-toilets