subject: Tips From Northern Virginia Plumbers: Water Saving [print this page] Whether for environmental or other reasons, if youre looking to save water you might find the following Northern Virginia plumbers tips useful
Reduce the duration of your shower
For a long time it has been accepted wisdom that showers use less water than a bath; but did you know that this might depend upon just how long you were under the shower?
Of course, a lot will depend upon the flow rate of your shower or your normal depth of bath water, but a recent study has indicated that by the time you get to about five minutes under a shower you are approaching the same water consumption level as a moderate bath. So, be quick!
Look at the flush mechanism of your WC
Many modern systems have dual flush capabilities or reduced water consumption options. Unfortunately, many older systems dont; they still use a complete flush for each cycle, irrespective of whether or not that volume of water is required. If you have such a classic system, you might want to consider putting something like an ordinary house brick inside your tank, which will reduce your water consumption considerably while still giving you sufficient water to do what is necessary.
Avoid leaving your faucet running while cleaning your teeth
Its sometimes possible to see gallons of water being wasted as it pours out of the faucet for minutes on end whilst the person concerned is simply brushing their teeth. Dont do it!
Use water sensibly when washing hands
Equally, there is no point having the water gushing out of the faucet while you are standing there massaging soap with great diligence between your fingers. Dampen your hands then turn the water off whilst you put soap on to them and rub. You can put the water back on when you need it to rinse.
Install economy domestic appliances
Northern Virginia plumbers agree some of the biggest consumers of water in the household are things such as dishwashers and washing machines. Over recent years, manufacturers around the world have made huge progress in making these work based upon lower and lower water and energy consumption. So, when you are replacing an appliance, look for one that offers low water consumption.
Fix external leaks
Few people would tolerate leaks in their home but are sometimes far less conscientious when it comes to external water systems. If your hose or sprinkler system is leaking, dont just ignore it because it runs away into the garden. Its wasting huge amounts of water, so get it fixed.
Fix running valves
Sometimes, Northern Virginia plumbers spot leaking valves in cisterns and tanks, which are being ignored due to the fact that the overflow is dealing with the surplus water. This is again a huge waste, so if you can hear even the slightest sound of constantly running water, get it sorted out.
Think about your personal hygiene
Over the last 60 or 70 years, people in the USA have become increasingly accustomed to taking every more frequent baths and showers. If you are one of those people who shower several times a day, you might need to question whether this is absolutely necessary, given that the amount of water you are consuming in doing so. Of course, Northern Virginia plumbers are unlikely to try and offer you advice on your personal hygiene! Its just something that, if you are serious about doing something for the planet, you may wish to think about. There are other techniques available for keeping yourself fresh at odd times of the day.
