Summer Plumbing Tips to Save Water and Reduce Bills

Summer often means higher water usage for activities like gardening, washing cars, and staying cool. Unfortunately, this can also mean higher water bills. With a few proactive measures, you can conserve water and keep your plumbing system efficient. If you live in St-Eustache, the team at Plomberie St-Eustache offers expert plumbing services to help you optimize water usage and lower costs.

Here are some practical summer plumbing tips to help you save water and reduce bills.

1. Fix Leaks Immediately

Small leaks in your faucets, toilets, or outdoor hoses can waste gallons of water daily.

How to Identify Leaks:

• Check under sinks for damp spots.
• Listen for running water sounds when no faucets are on.
• Use food coloring in your toilet tank to detect silent leaks.

Why It Matters: Fixing leaks can save up to 10% on your water bill.
Need repairs? Contact Plomberie St-Eustache for fast and reliable leak fixes.

2. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

Switching to water-saving fixtures can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.

Suggestions:

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
• Replace old toilets with water-efficient models using 1.28 gallons per flush or less.

Pro Tip: Look for products with the EPA’s WaterSense label for guaranteed efficiency.

3. Be Smart with Outdoor Watering

Gardens and lawns often use the most water during summer, but strategic watering can reduce waste.

Tips for Efficient Watering:

• Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation.
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems for targeted watering.
• Add mulch to garden beds to retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency.

4. Install Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are an excellent way to collect and store rainwater for outdoor use.

How They Help:

• Reduce your reliance on municipal water for gardening.
• Lower your water bill while conserving a valuable natural resource.

Bonus Tip: Ensure your rain barrel has a spigot for easy access to collected water.

5. Check Your Sprinkler System

A malfunctioning sprinkler system can waste water and drive up your bills.

What to Check:

• Look for broken sprinkler heads or leaks in the system.
• Adjust the settings to avoid watering driveways or sidewalks.
• Install a smart sprinkler controller that adjusts watering schedules based on weather.

Need help with your sprinkler system? Book a maintenance visit with Plomberie St-Eustache.

6. Use Your Dishwasher and Washing Machine Wisely

Household appliances can account for a significant portion of your water usage.

How to Save Water:

• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
• Choose energy-efficient appliances that use less water per cycle.

Pro Tip: Avoid pre-rinsing dishes—modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue.

7. Inspect and Maintain Your Water Heater

Hot water usage tends to increase in the summer, so ensuring your water heater is efficient can save energy and water.

Maintenance Tips:

• Flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup.
• Lower the thermostat to 120°F (49°C) to prevent overheating and reduce energy consumption.

For professional water heater maintenance, contact Plomberie St-Eustache.

8. Avoid Overloading Your Garbage Disposal

Summer cookouts often lead to an increase in kitchen waste, but overusing your garbage disposal can clog drains.

Best Practices:

• Avoid putting grease, fibrous vegetables, or coffee grounds down the disposal.
• Use a compost bin for food scraps instead.

Why It Matters: Preventing clogs saves water used for clearing blockages and extends the life of your plumbing.

9. Test Your Main Shut-Off Valve

Emergencies can happen anytime, so knowing how to turn off your main water supply is crucial.

What to Do:

• Locate the shut-off valve and ensure it’s functional.
• Turn it off and back on occasionally to prevent it from seizing.

Need assistance with your shut-off valve? Let Plomberie St-Eustache inspect and replace it if necessary.

10. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

Preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure your plumbing system is running efficiently all summer long.

What a Pro Can Do:

• Inspect for hidden leaks or damage.
• Clean drains to prevent clogs.
• Offer water-saving recommendations tailored to your home.

Book your summer plumbing inspection with Plomberie St-Eustache today!

Final Thoughts

Implementing these summer plumbing tips can help you save water, reduce bills, and maintain an efficient plumbing system throughout the season. For professional advice and reliable plumbing services in Viau, trust the experts at Plomberie Viau. Let us help you make the most of your summer while keeping your plumbing in top condition!