Water usage has significantly increased within the United States. From 1950 to 2000, for example, this amounted to a 200% increase. In 1992, toilet tanks were upgraded to contain 3.5 gallons of water. If this hadn’t been done, it is estimated that the average annual water usage for this essential piece of plumbing would be over 437 billion gallons. There are other measures that can be taken in order to reduce the country’s and individual household’s water consumption.
Household Water Waste
Currently, an average household with four people will use approximately 400 gallons of water a day. When a home even has basic leaks, 90 gallons of water can be wasted on a daily basis. It is estimated that ten percent of United States households have leaks that are adding up to this level of waste. On an annual basis, these and other types of home plumbing issues waste about one trillion gallons of water.
How to Save on Water Usage
The average household’s annual water and sewage bill is roughly $500.00. Households could save as much as $170.00 a year if they made a few changes. This includes making adjustments with their habits and upgrading their plumbing fixtures. When households replace their old fixtures with water-efficient products, approximately three trillion gallons of water could be saved throughout the country.
When to Hire a Plumber
If your home doesn’t have leaks or other obvious issues, you may be curious about when to hire a plumber. As previously mentioned, upgrading to water-efficient products can make a difference in your overall water consumption. It’s also a good idea to contact your local plumbing services to inspect your water heater. If you have had your water heater for a long time, then replacing a water heater before it breaks down is a good idea so that you don’t experience a lack of hot water.
Another time it’s a good idea to hire a plumber is to determine whether you need sewer repair. If your drains back up or become clogged on a regular basis, this may be pointing to a sewer line issue. At this time, you want to have a professional sewer repair to address this issue.
If you’re still wondering when to hire a plumber, scheduling regular home inspections can make a positive impact on your home’s water efficiency. Your plumber will be able to make recommendations on how you can save water by making upgrades throughout your home. If you even have a small leak or other minor issue, they can take care of this before it becomes a serious issue.