Spring and early summer were extra wet in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County this year. But from May to December of 2016, moisture was so minimal that the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared Allegheny as one of 14 counties eligible for disaster assistance due to drought.
Even when water is plentiful, it helps if everyone does their best to use it wisely. Here are ways to conserve water at home. Some may require professional plumbing services.
Indoor Tips
Repair Leaky Faucets. Faucets leak for a variety of reasons, including worn-out washers and seals. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the average home wastes 10,000 gallons of water annually due to leaks.
Turn Tap Off When Brushing. Don't waste water while brushing teeth.
Install Low-Flush Toilets. The EPA notes that current low-flush toilets use only 1.28 gallons of water per flush compared to the 3.5 gallons or more used by old toilets.
Adjust Washing Machine Water Levels. By using variable water settings on your washing machine for loads of different sizes, you save lots of water.
Refrigerate Drinking Water. Don't run tap water until it gets cold. Instead, fill a water bottle and cool it in the refrigerator.
Speed Up Hot Water Delivery. When opening the hot tap in your kitchen or bathroom, it takes time for flow from your hot water heater to reach its destination. An on-demand circulator system speeds delivery. It requires installation of a small pump under a sink.
Outdoor Tips
Grow Native & Low Water Plants. Plants that are native to your area generally do a better job of surviving times of drought and plenitude. Also choose non-native plants with low water requirements.
Mulch Gardens & Landscaping. Adding bark, wood chip or gravel mulch to plantings conserves moisture and keeps soil comfortable for root growth. Also, grow ground cover plants, sometimes called "green mulch," around shrubs and other plantings.
Water at Cool Times of Day. Lots of water is lost to evaporation when you turn on sprinkler systems or manually water when it is hot.
Sweep Walk & Driveway. Using a broom to sweep decks, driveways, porches and sidewalks saves water you might otherwise use to hose these surfaces. Remember, waste not, want not.
Plumbing Help
Professional plumbing services will listen closely to your thoughts about how you want to conserve water. They can suggest ways you may not have considered for improving your home's plumbing to save water and money on your utility bill.
Wherever you live in Allegheny County, Stahl Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is ready to help. Contact Stahl today.