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Plumbers Union Local 75

Plumbers Union Local 75

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Plumbing Tips

Did you know?

Americans use approximately 90 gallons of water per day (gpd) on average.  Are you average? Can we do better? Follow these water conservation tips and help lower that number.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips

  1. By turning off the water while you brush your teeth or shave you can save over 8 gallons per day.
  2. If you shorten your showers by one or two minutes, you can save 5 gallons per day, per shower.
  3. Fix leaks and leaky faucets and save 20 gallons per day.
  4. Washing only full loads of laundry can save 15 to 50 gallons per load.
  5. Replace old toilets with High Efficiency Toilets (HET)
  6. Replace your clothes washer with an Energy Star approved clothes washer.
  7. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks.
  8. Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
  9. Insulate your hot water pipes.
  10. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
  11. Only wash full dishwasher loads.
  12. When washing dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing.
  13. Check for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank and waiting to see if coloring appears in bowl. Then flush to make sure tank is not stained.
  14. Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t run the tap until it gets cold.
  15. Use the garbage disposal sparingly.
  16. When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
  17. Don’t use running water to thaw food.
  18. If the toilet flush handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

  1. Watering your yard only before 8 a.m. to reduce evaporation and interference from wind can save 25 gallons per day.
  2. Installing a smart sprinkler controller can save 40 gallons per day.
  3. If you use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks, you can save 150 gallons each time.
  4. Checking your sprinkler system for leaks, over-spray and broken sprinkler heads can save 500 gallons a month.
  5. Mulch! Save hundreds of gallons a year by using organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.
  6. Plant flowers/trees/bushes that require less watering. Select plants that are appropriate for your local climate conditions.
  7. Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose.
  8. Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.
  9. Collect water from your roof to water your garden.