When you replace a toilet, install a low-consumption model or a water saver. Standard toilets use 5 to 7 gallons per flush; “water-savers” use 3 to 4 gallons per flush; and new low-consumption models use 1.6 gallons, or less per flush. Until you replace your toilet, put a plastic bottle filled with water in the tank to cut down on water needed for a flush.
Add low-flow aerators to threaded faucets in sinks. These inexpensive devices reduce flow rates while maintaining enough force for washing and other uses.
When working near a sink or bathtub always put the plug in. This will prevent any dropped screws from entering the hole.
Most people are surprised to learn that the second largest energy consumer in the home, after space conditioning, is water heating. Water heating uses more than 15% of the average home’s total energy use. Because it is an out-of-sight energy consuming system, most forget about this major contributor to the home’s energy bill. For quick savings, this is a great place to start because some minor changes that are fairly easy to make can make a noticeable difference in your energy bills.
If you’re updating a bathroom, you’ll need to know how to replace the toilet. Apply a wax seal over the floor toilet flange to prevent sewer gases from entering the room. For extra protection, put a second bead of plumber’s putty to seal any imperfections between the floor and the bowl. Place the new bowl firmly and evenly over the seal and bolt it to the floor. Attach the tank. Cut your toilet tube supply to connect the tank to your water supply. Fill and tank and flush away!
On demand electric water heaters are installed under a kitchen or bathroom sink to provide instant hot water only when needed. Because plumbing runs are short and hot water isn’t heated unless it’s being used, these units reduce water-heating costs. On demand water heaters also reduce plumbing costs in new construction because only cold water lines must be run to the kitchen and bathrooms.
When installing counter tops, scribe the the new splash guard to the wall with a compass. This will transfer an exact copy of the wall to the splash plate.
Did you know that a hot water faucet leaking one drip per second wastes 200 gallons a year? Repairing leaky faucets will lower energy bills substantially.
If you suspect your toilet is leaking, but aren’t sure where, add some food coloring to the water in the tank. If you see colored water inside the toilet bowl, suspect a defective flapper that needs to be adjusted or replaced. If it shows outside the toilet near the back, suspect a faulty tank-bowl gasket. If you see any water on the floor near the base, check for a faulty wax ring.
Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period.
