Water Conservation Tips

Tips For Our Tennessee Summers
Water Conservation not only will help save water, it will also save you money. The following tips can help you do your part to live a more water-wise lifestyle.

Did you know you can save....
3 gallons by turning the water off each time you brush your teeth

7 gallons a day by fixing a leaky faucet right away

75-200 gallons per week by running only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher

20-25 gallons by taking a shower instead of a bath

200-300 gallons per month by keeping a bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking in order to not have to run the tap until the water gets cold enough to drink

1,000 gallons a month by installing a flow restrictor in a shower (will cut water use by as much as two-thirds

1,500-2,000 gallons a day by fixing a pinhead-sized hole (with
60 lbs. of pressure) right away
Energy Conservation Tips

As you may know, central air conditioning provides great summertime comfort for your entire home, but the cost of the electricity - especially after a prolonged hot spell - sometimes can make you rather uncomfortable once you receive your bills. And if last summer is any indication, this summer will be a real scorcher

That's why we at Best Value Plumbing feel it's important to make air conditioning in your home as efficient as possible to get the most cooling for the lowest cost!

To help you control your energy costs this summer, be sure to follow these easy tips:

  • Clear overgrown shrubs and high grasses from your outside condensing unit so that nothing interferes with proper air circulation.
  • Set your thermostat at the highest comfort level. Each degree you raise the thermostat reduces cooling energy consumption up to 3 %.
  • Regularly inspect and service your air conditioning to keep it running efficiently. Contact us for a licenced HVAC specialist reference when taking care of your plumbing needs.

Links

PHCC National

PHCC Tennessee
Bathroom
  • Check faucets and pipes for leaks
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, rather than running a steady stream
  • Limit showers to five minutes
  • Replace standard shower heads with low-volume heads or flow restrictors
  • Check your toilet periodically for leaks. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. After a few minutes, if you see color in the bowl, you have a leak, perhaps caused by a faulty flapper
  • Listen for gurgling sounds coming from your toilet. These noises indicate the flush valve needs to be adjusted to stop wasting water
  • Fill a plastic, one quart bottle with water and place it in the toilet tank. To anchor the bottle, partially fill it with sand or any heavy substance. This does not affect the efficiency of most toilets and can save 5 or more gallons per day per a family of four. Do not use bricks to displace water in your toilet tank they will break down, over time, and can cause problems
  • Avoid using your toilet for a wastebasket or ashtray. Extra flushes waste water and money
Kitchen & Laundry
  • Automatic dishwashers and washers are more efficient if run only when they are full
  • When washing dishes by hand, don't let the tap run freely to rinse. Fill the second side of the sink with rinse water
  • Fill a pitcher with drinking water and store it in the refrigerator
Outdoor
  • When washing the car, use soap and water from a bucket. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle for the final rinse.
  • Use a broom when cleaning your driveway
  • Adjust sprinklers so only the lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Do not water on Windy days. Check and maintain your sprinkler system regularly.
  • Water your lawn every third day. Always water during the cool time of the day to minimize evaporation. Early morning is best, and the peak water consumption hours (4 p.m. - 9 p.m.) should be avoided.
  • Adjust your irrigation schedule to accommodate changes in seasonal water demand. Install an automatic timer.
  • For landscaping, use native or other low water use plants.
  • Using a layer of mulch around plants reduces evaporation and promotes plant growth. Water retaining basins also allow water to be concentrated around the plants.
     


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