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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Green Home Improvements – Plumbing

June 22nd, 2016 Posted in Water Conservation
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There are many ways you can improve the efficiency of your home to conserve water and energy, making it greener. One way is to use green plumbing options that will reduce waste every day in your home. Not only are green plumbing methods good for the environment, they can save you and your family money off your monthly utilities. Here are a few ways to go green when it comes to your home’s plumbing.

  • Plumbing fixtures. Upgrade your faucets and showerheads to water-efficient options. Look for fixtures that have the WaterSense label, a EPA sponsored program for water-efficient products. Just changing your showerhead can save half a gallon of water for every shower taken in your home.
  • Upgrade your toilet. Toilets are one of the biggest uses of water in most homes. Upgrade older models to water-efficient toilets that can use approximately 20% less per flush, saving an estimated 4,000 gallons a year in a home with a family of four.
  • Go tankless with your water heater. Tankless water heaters save energy by only heating water as needed, saving up to 50% off your water heating costs. Plus, tankless water heaters never run out of hot water like tank models and require less room in your home.
  • Irrigation. WaterSense also labels irrigation controllers that can help reduce your water waste when irrigating your lawn.

If you are ready to change your plumbing to green options, call your local green plumber for help. They can offer advice on the best water and energy efficient plumbing options for your home, plus install your new toilets, tankless water heater and other fixtures when you are ready to upgrade.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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5 Ways to Reduce Water Waste

October 27th, 2015 Posted in Water Conservation
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Does your family practice reducing water waste in your home? Americans waste much more water than we use. There are places in the world where the average person only used less than three gallons a day of water, yet Americans use that much to flush the toilet – once! Water conversation not only reduces your water bill, it saves a resource that is becoming more and more precious. Here are five ways to reduce water waste in your home.

  1. Never let the water run down the drain. Did you know you can waste 3 or more gallons of water just letting the faucet run while you brush your teeth? Never let water run down the drain – turn it off between uses.
  2. Reduce your shower time. Many people spend way more time than they need in the shower, wasting water. Time your showers to keep them less than 10 minutes. Need more time? Then turn off the water while you are lathering up.
  3. Use water efficient fixtures. Switch to brands like WaterSense for your plumbing fixtures and appliances to reduce water waste.
  4. Fix plumbing leaks. Did you know a dripping faucet or pipe can waste 2,700 gallons of water a year? Don’t wait to get a plumbing leak fixed!
  5. Forego the green lawn. There is no reason to waste water by putting it on your lawn. Find other landscaping options that give you a nice outdoor area without wasting water to keep a big patch of grass green.

Just by making a few small changes in your home, you and your family can save thousands of gallons every month, making a big difference for both your water bill and the planet.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

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Green Plumbing

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Water Conservation
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Over the past few years there has been an increasing interest in the environment and especially “green building” practices, which result in homes with less impact on the environment.   One area of particular interest is the conservation of clean water, which is in limited supplies in certain areas.  As a result of building science and technology, new plumbing fixtures have been developed that greatly reduce the amount of water used, while still retaining their functionality.  These fixtures are suitable for use on new homes and can be easily retrofitted to existing homes as well.

Studies have shown that the two major users of water in the home are the toilet and the shower.  A WaterSense toilet is capable of saving up to 4,000 gallons of water per year, as it uses less than 2 gallons of water per flush.  In addition to saving water, the homeowner also is saving approximately $90.00 per year in their water bill.  Showers are another big user of water and WaterSense shower heads use less than 2 gallons of water per minute, which is significantly less than the 2.5 gallons per minute for traditional shower heads.  Best yet, the performance of the WaterSense toilet and showerhead is the same!

While not saving water, tank-less water heaters save a tremendous amount of energy, as the heater provides instant hot water, eliminating the need for a storage tank.  As a result there is no cycling on and off the heater to maintain the water being stored in the tank, thus saving energy and money.  In many ways “green plumbing” means both saving the environment, while saving money at the same time!

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

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Ways to Conserve Water and Energy with Your Bathroom and Kitchen Appliances

November 20th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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Water is the most abundant resource on the planet, but that doesn’t mean it should be wasted. Finding ways to conserve your use of water can save you money on your water bill and on your energy bill. There are several ways you can do this in your home.

  • Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
  • Replace an old showerhead or faucet with efficient low flow faucets and showerheads.
  • Look for appliances that have different load sizes for less water use.
  • Take short showers.
  • Replace old toilets with modern low flow toilets.
  • Reduce the amount of rinsing you do if you have a new dishwasher.
  • Periodically check your plumbing system for leaks.

You can reduce the amount of water you use with low-flow toilets, showers, and faucets.  Also don’t leave the water running while you are using it such as when you brush your teeth or clean the dishes.

You can also lower your electric bill by being more conservative with your use of appliances.  Here are some suggestions.

  • Lower the setting on your water heater.
  • Run appliances for the shortest amount of time possible, such as with washing machines or dishwashers.
  • Wash clothes in cold water.
  • Look for energy efficient appliances even if you have to pay a little more.
  • Follow the directions on use for all appliances, including the type of product you use in them to allow them to work more efficiently.

Contact your local plumber to install the water and energy efficient appliances that you need.  Your local plumber can also suggest the right faucets to buy and which products will benefit you the most.  If you have a trusted plumber, listen to their advice on which appliances and items to choose.

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Water Saving Tips

November 6th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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Most of us take water for granted, as it is easily accessible and pumped conveniently into our homes. However, clean, healthy water is something we need to preserve and reducing waste can help save the clean water resources we have. Water conservation helps reduce the amount of pollution that can be added to our lakes, streams and watersheds, as well as reduce the amount of your water and energy bills each month.

Tips For Conserving Water 

If you have leaking fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, or toilets, call your plumber and have those toilets, showerhead, and faucets repaired.  Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water per year.  In addition, every family can greatly reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain by just making a few changes in their daily routines. On top of using water efficient appliances and plumbing fixtures, there are small things everyone can do to save on water waste.

  • Rinsing. Whatever it is you need to rinse, whether it is a razor, dishes or fruits and vegetables, do not just rinse them over an open drain. Put a small amount of clean water in a clean sink or tub to rinse items.
  • Flushing. Replacing existing toilets with more economical, water-saver toilets is the easiest way to lower the amount of water used for each flush.
  • Run full loads. Both the dishwasher and the clothes washer should only be run when they have a full load. Clothes washers should always be set to the correct load size as well.

By just making a conscience effort, you can save on the amount of water you waste each day, helping the environment and your water bill.

 

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Water Conservation Tips

February 20th, 2011 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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These days, everyone is looking for ways to save a few dollars on their monthly bills.  Taking a few steps to conserve water will not only save you money, but it’s good for the environment too.  Here are a few suggestions for reducing your water bills at home.

A dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day which can add up to thousands of gallons of water each year.  If it’s a hot water faucet, your water heater is working overtime to keep all that water warm. Replace or repair any leaking faucets or showerheads.  If you are not comfortable doing the work yourself, call your local plumber about a faucet repair or replacement.

If you replace your faucets or shower head, consider installing low flow fixtures.  Prior to 1992, some shower heads had flow rates of over 5 gallons per minute, more than twice the rate of modern low flow shower heads.  If your old faucet is working fine, you can conserve water and save money by simply installing a low flow aerator.  These are very inexpensive, easy to install, and made to fit most types of faucets.

If your toilet is constantly “running”, check the float and flapper valves and replace them as needed.  Once again, you can save substantially on your water usage by installing a new low flush toilet to replace that older model.

Make sure your dishwasher is full before running it.  A half empty dishwasher wastes a lot of hot water.  The same goes for clothes washing.  Wait until you have a full load before running the washer and remember, most clothes can be washed in cold water.

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