Do Showers or Baths Use More Water?

January 25th, 2019 Posted in Water Conservation
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If you are trying to conserve on water, you may wonder how much water your daily showers or baths use. It was once thought that showers were more water efficient, but is that really the case? You may have your own preference of showers or baths, but when it comes to water efficiency, it depends on how you use these methods.

Water Use for Baths and Showers

For baths, the amount of water you use is directly linked to the size of tub you have and how full you fill it. A deep tub versus a shallow tub can be a difference of tens of gallons of water. The average tub holds about 35 gallons of water, but it is unlikely most people will fill it that full. Depending on how much water you displace, you may only use 20-25 gallons, but that is a set amount no matter how long you linger in the bath.

For showers, you have control over your water use. An average showerhead uses about 3-4 gallons of water a minute. If you use a water-efficient showerhead, the amount could be less, about 2 gallons per minute. A 5-minute shower using an efficient showerhead will only use about 10 gallons of water, half of that of a bath. But a longer shower will use more, as will a conventional showerhead, making showers less efficient.

If you are looking for ways to conserve water, talk to your local plumber. They can help you install efficient fixtures and appliances that will make a significant difference in your water use, from showerheads and faucets to tankless water heaters and washers.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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3 Tips to Improve Your Plumbing and Shower

December 13th, 2018 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Showers can do a number on your plumbing and creating other problems. They are notorious for causing clogs in drains and pipes, and long showers can quickly empty your water heater, leaving the rest of your home with cold water and increasing your energy bill. By making a few changes, you can improve how your shower impacts the rest of your home. Here are three tips to make your shower hot water and plumbing-friendly.

  1. Drain Cover. Every time you take a shower, it is likely you are losing hair that is flushing down the drain. Whether you have short or long hair, those strands can add to existing clogs occurring in your pipes. Add a drain cover to catch hair and other debris from going down the drain and reduce the chance of clogs.
  2. Liquid soap. Did you know that most bar soap is made from fats that congeals and can cause clogs in your plumbing? Even when it is lathered up, the residue causes soap scum on your tub and shower walls. Small pieces can go down the drain and contribute to clogs. Switch to liquid body soap for a cleaner tub and less chance of clogs.
  3. Tankless water heater. Do you run out of hot water in your home at shower time? Switch to a tankless water heater to have on-demand hot water and reduce energy bills with more efficient water heating. Talk to your plumber about the option of installing a tankless water heater.

A few changes can help reduce the chance of clogs in your plumbing and hot water issues from your shower. Follow these tips and enjoy your shower, for as long as you want, without worrying about running out of hot water or having clogs.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 884-4678

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How to Prevent Common Plumbing Emergencies

November 6th, 2018 Posted in Emergency Plumbing
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No one wants to call a plumber for an emergency repair. Clogged drains, busted pipes and water heater leaks can cause extensive problems and damage in your home. Yet, many of these issues can be prevented with proper plumbing maintenance. Here are a few tips to prevent these common plumbing emergencies.

  • Clogged drains. Clogs are caused by items that go down the drain that adhere to the inside of your pipes. Not allowing these items to go down your drains is the best way to prevent clogs. In the kitchen, avoid putting grease, fibrous peels, egg shells and coffee grounds down the drain. In the bathroom, use drain strainers and avoid flushing non-biodegradable items.
  • Busted pipes. You may not be able to prevent all busted pipes, but those that burst due to freezing temperatures can be prevented. Insulating pipes in garages, crawl spaces and outdoor faucets can help prevent freezing in unexpected cold weather that can lead to a plumbing emergency.
  • Water heaters. Tank water heaters have been the source of many plumbing emergencies. Leaking tanks can cause extensive water damage in homes. Keeping your water heater maintained to prevent tank corrosion and leaks can help prevent these issues. Another option is investing in a tankless water heater that doesn’t hold hundreds of gallons of water that can flood your home.

Using preventive measures can help reduce the chance of a plumbing emergency. But when a leak or clogged pipe occurs, make sure to get the help you need as quickly as possible to avoid more damage to your home by calling a professional plumber for your emergency.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 884-4678

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Demand Water Heaters

March 30th, 2012 Posted in Tankless Hot Water
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If you are looking for ways to cut your energy costs, consider having demand water heaters (also called tankless water heaters) installed in your home.  A standard tank type water heater wastes energy by keeping water hot 24 hours a day whether it will be needed soon or not.  The energy wasted keeping water hot during period of no demand is called the standby energy loss.

Demand or tankless water heaters eliminate the standby energy loss by only heating water as it is used.  When a faucet is opened or a shower is turned on, the water runs through the heater where it is heated  and then delivered to the tap.  The heating process only takes a few seconds so the supply of hot water is almost instantaneous.  However, just like with a standard tank type water heater, if the tankless water heater is located some distance from the tap it will take a little time for the hot water to make its way there.

The main advantages of tankless water heaters are the elimination of standby energy loss and an endless supply of hot water.  The primary disadvantages are a higher initial cost and a limited flow rate.  The limited flow rate can be a problem if multiple demands for hot water are made at the same time such as running the dishwasher and the shower.  If the demand exceeds the unit’s flow rate, it will not be able to keep up.  One way to deal with this problem is to install multiple demand water heaters that are dedicated to the heavy users of hot water like the washing machine, shower, and dishwasher.

The cost issue becomes less of a concern when you consider that the demand water heater is far more efficient than a storage type water heater.  In the long run, the energy savings will offset the increased initial cost.

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Endless Hot Water

October 8th, 2010 Posted in Endless Hot Water, Tankless Hot Water, Water Heaters
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With fall here, and winter around the corner, you want plenty of hot water for those early morning showers or late night baths.  The colder it is, the harder it is to handle cold water and there is nothing worse than having a shower turn cold on you on a cold day outside.

The best solution to this problem is having endless hot water, but how can you do this without spending a fortune?  The answer really is quite simple:  the best bet is an endless (also called an ‘on demand’ or ‘tankless’) hot water system.  Endless hot water systems actually save energy and water by providing on demand hot water when needed.

Endless hot water systems generally provide hot water around 5 gallons per minute.  Gas fired tankless heaters tend to produce slightly higher amounts, and electric tankless heaters slightly lower amounts.  When you are shopping for your tankless system, consider the number of outlets (sinks, showers, tubs, washers and dishwashers) that may require hot water.  Then, seriously consider what the usage is.  How often are more than one item used at the same time?  Make sure to purchase the tankless system that is sized realistically for your home.

As the temperatures cooler, investing in a tankless water heater may be a great choice for you and your family.  Having plenty of hot water for everyone at home will always bring a smile to faces.  The energy savings from a tankless heater will bring a smile to your face, too.  On the average, tankless water heaters are 20% more energy efficient than traditional water heaters.  This helps lower your energy costs and allows you to be more energy friendly while still enjoying your hot showers!

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