Due to social distancing requirements, everyone is spending more time at home, which means your plumbing is probably being used more than usual. And because of the summer heat, chances are that certain plumbing fixtures like faucets, spigots and showers are being used more frequently as well. This can lead to a spike in water bills as well as fixture components wearing out. To help you keep your plumbing well-maintained and your water bills stable during this season, the pros at Freedom Air and Heat have a few summer plumbing tips up their sleeves.

1. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Consider upgrading to WaterSense labeled products. These products are more energy efficient and will help you conserve water. Standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute, while WaterSense showerheads don’t use more than 2.0 gallons per minute. WaterSense labeled faucets can also save you a great deal of water by reducing water flow by up to 30 percent. These products are great for homeowners who want to save water and reduce their water bills.

2. Find Ways to Save Water

Try to find ways to save water in your daily practices. It will help you become more conscious of your daily water use and conserve in the long run, no matter how small these acts of saving might seem. If you have kids, make this a fun project for them. Here are some ways you can save water in your daily life:

• When in the shower: Make sure you have the water off while lathering shampoo or soap
• When using the bathroom faucet: Don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth or when you are lathering your hands
• When in the kitchen: Don’t let the water run when hand-washing dishes
• Take shorter showers
• Use the dishwasher for dishes instead of hand-washing—water loss is more likely when hand-washing dishes.
• Make sure you fully load the dishwasher, otherwise you will be wasting a lot of water on very few utensils.

3. Inspect for Leaks

Household leaks can lead to 10,000 gallons of water lost per year. To prevent contributing to this statistic, make sure you inspect your home for leaks on a monthly basis. Check these areas specifically:

• Showerhead

A showerhead leak is usually caused by a loose showerhead. Simply tighten it to the stem and use Teflon tape if necessary.

• Toilet Leak

This leak is often caused by a worn-out flapper. You can replace the flapper easily by following this guide and finding a replacement at your nearest home improvement store.

• Faucets

Worn-out gaskets are a common culprit for faucet leaks. Make sure you find a replacement and follow instructions on your manufacturers manual to replace it.

Want more Summer Plumbing Tips? Get in Touch with The Pros at Freedom Air and Heat!

If you want to find ways to maintain your plumbing fixtures, save water or have any other plumbing-related concerns, contact Freedom Air and Heat! Our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you. Call us today at 321-631-6886 or schedule a service online.