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How Do I Conserve Water During the Winter?

How Do I Conserve Water During the Winter?

Winter is coming, along with many potential plumbing problems. Often people only consider water conservation in the summer, but there are several things you can do to save water in the winter, too. Check out these winter water conservation tips:

  1. Let your faucets drip overnight or when you are not home if the temperature is expected to be well below freezing. This might seem like a waste of water, but it will actually help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. A pipe burst will waste much more water.

  2. Make sure your exposed outdoor pipes and hose bibs are securely covered with pipe insulation. This will ensure that they won’t freeze or develop any leaks. It will also prevent the pipes from bursting. You can hire a professional to inspect your plumbing system and wrap your exposed pipes with insulation.

  3. Collect water in a bucket to flush your toilets or water your plants. You can catch water from the dripping faucets mentioned above.

  4. Check for leaks after any thaws. A change in temperature can cause pipes to expand and contract, which may lead to more leaks.

  5. If a pipe bursts, turn off the water as soon as possible. Make sure you know exactly where your main water shut-off valve is located so that when an emergency strikes you can quickly save hundreds of gallons of water.

  6. Purchase a tankless water heater and consider installing low-flow showerheads.

  7. Maintain your furnace to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting and never allow the temperature in your home to go lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

  8. Always be on the lookout for leaks around your appliances.

  9. Install a water monitoring system. These read the water meter and allow you to assess your water consumption down to the hour. They also give you leak alerts, which can be a great help in preventing pipe bursts.

Water conservation is a year-round job. Prepare your home for cold temperatures so all you have to worry about is your holiday party guest list. If you have any concerns about the state of your plumbing systems, consult a professional by calling 800-768-6911.

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Plumbing