Spring is here, and many homeowners in Santa Cruz, California are busy clearing their homes from the build-up of clutter and dirt accumulated throughout the winter months. It is important at the same time to not overlook the importance of conducting routine maintenance on your plumbing system. Here are a few tasks homeowners should incorporate into their cleaning and upkeep routine this year in order to protect their plumbing systems throughout the season.
Fix Leaky Faucets
If you have bathroom and kitchen taps that continue to drip well after you have turned them off, be sure to get them fixed this spring. One leaking faucet can cause your home to waste over 15 gallons of water each day. This not only wastes water, but it also wastes money.
Switch Out Your Shower Heads
A modern showerhead can reduce water usage by 20 percent or more, which is why every homeowner should consider investing in a more efficient showerhead this spring, particularly if you haven’t upgraded your shower since the 1990s.
Cover Your Pipes
Pipes are responsible for transferring hot water to your plumbing appliances, but oftentimes heat can disintegrate in the middle of the process. Having your pipes insulated helps to decrease heat loss that occurs during transfer and makes the water dispensed warmer. This can also allow you to decrease your water usage because you won’t have to run the water for an extended period of time while waiting for it to become warm enough for use.
Purchase Low-Flow Faucets
Low-flow aerators and faucets can effectively decrease the current of your faucets without diminishing your water pressure. Installing two inside your home can allow you to preserve over 2,000 gallons of water annually.
Schedule A Plumbing Inspection for Unseen Issues
Unfortunately, not all plumbing issues are easy to notice. Hidden leaks are one of the main reasons why utility bills rise because they are difficult for homeowners to detect. Hiring a plumber to conduct a comprehensive inspection of your home's plumbing system can help determine if there is a hidden leak you may not be able to notice. If they do find a leak, consider having it repaired as soon as possible in order to decrease your utility bill.