Drain and sewer systems have been a staple of modern life since their primitive counter-parts were first used by the ancient Romans. There are over 386,900 plumbers in the United States, proving that sanitation is an issue that is tackled seriously. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average family of four uses over 400 gallons of water per day; each year however, the typical home actually wastes 2,000 to 20,000 gallons per year from leaks. Leaks and drips add up to costly expenditures that can be avoided with proper drain repair and maintenance like installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances that if used by all U.S. households could ultimately save over 3 trillion gallons of water annually; that accounts for over $18 billion dollars in savings per year. Here’s what plumbers have to say about saving water and money on your water bill.
Replacing a Leaky Showerhead
A reliable, drip-free showerhead can save you more money than you think. A showerhead that drips 10 times per minute actually wastes as much as 500 gallons of water annually–the equivalent of 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher. An ultra-low-flow showerhead can actually cut back on water use by as much as 70%. You wouldn’t let money flow down the drain would you? Why pay more than you have to on your water bill because of leaks?
Getting Rid of Drain Odors
Drain odors are often an indication of a blockage or stagnate water. Instead of buying a pricy drain-cleaner or calling a plumbing service, try pouring a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let the vinegar stand for a half-hour before rinsing with hot water. If that doesn’t solve the odor problem, you might have a more serious issue with your line that may require an expert’s opinion.
Replacing Sewer Line
If you’re noting a leak or clog in your drain, you might need to look into replacing sewer line. Sewer line replacement cost is not cheap, although trenchless pipe replacement methods could be an option for those who don’t want to pay for landscaping repairs to their yard. Cured in place pipe is just one option for dealing with leaks, as this would allow a professional to fix a small section of pipe rather than the entire line. Replacing sewer line can help reduce your family’s water bills by eliminating leaks and helping to conserve water use.