You probably don’t think about your plumbing system very often. After all, it’s not a very exciting subject and as long as it is working, there is really nothing to think about, right? Wrong! Understanding a few basic facts about how your plumbing system works and what to do in case of a pipe break or system backup can prevent plumbing headaches and even property loss in the future. First, the location of the main water shut-off is important to know. If a pipe breaks and is flooding your house, the main water supply may be the fastest way to shut off the flow of water. As your plumbing system enters your home either through a municipal water supply or private well you will find a main shut-off at the municipal water supply meter or the pressure tank of a private well.

You should also find shut-off valves inside your home. Newer homes will have emergency shut-off valves for every fixture and appliance. However, in some cases older homes do not have these shut-offs and owners should plan to have them installed.

Quick Tips

One of the most common causes of water damage to a home is a broken washing machine hose. Most rubber supply hoses are not meant to withstand constant water pressure and can burst, so the emergency shut off valves to your washing machine should be shut off when the washing machine is not in use—and especially when you will not be home for an extended period.

Also, it is our suggestion that you throw out those rubber supply hoses and replace them with braided stainless steel “no-burst” washing machine fill hoses. You can find these at your local hardware store, or simply call Mr. Rooter and we’ll do it for you.

Indoors

• Fix leaky toilets and fixtures as soon as they are detected
• Take quick showers rather than full-tub baths
• Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face
• Stopper the sink when rinsing fruits and vegetables
• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads
• Use proper water level settings for laundry
• Install on demand hot water dispenser
• Install low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators
• Consider a re-circulating hot water system
• When replacing washer, consider a front load unit (uses 30% less water and 50% less energy than a top load unit)
• Flush toilets and use garbage disposals only when necessary
• Check your water meter monthly for possible leaks
• Use water remaining in drinking glasses to water plants
• Perform maintenance on water heater annually

Outdoors

• When washing cars, use a nozzle that turns off automatically
• Use drought-tolerant plants in the garden
• Know where your master water shut off valve is located and show everyone in the household
• Test the water shut off valve frequently to ensure it works
• Position sprinklers so they are not spraying the house, sidewalks, street or driveway
• Don’t water when it is windy
• Maintain your sprinkler system as it suffers from normal wear and tear, which reduces the efficiency
• Sweep rather than hose off sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways
• Cover swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporation
• Mulch flower beds to keep soil cooler and reduce water loss
• Turn off sprinkler systems during cool or rainy weather
• Contact your water service district for a personalized irrigation schedule
• Check pressure-regulating valve

Every Drop Counts

Drip. Drip. Drip. Many people consider a leaky faucet a mere annoyance. But if every household in America and Canada had a faucet that dripped once each second, 928 million gallons of water a day would leak away, according to the American Water Works Association.

That’s a lot, considering the AWWA predicts the average household uses approximately 146,000 gallons of water each year. But water is wasted in more ways than through a leaky faucet. Mr. Rooter® has some helpful household hints to keep you from wasting water.

For those who insist on rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, wash them in a basin of cold water rather than under a running faucet of hot water. Be vigilant about turning off the water when shaving or brushing your teeth. Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.

Water can also be wasted because of a lack of maintenance. Check all the faucets, hoses and appliances that use water in your house for leaks and drips.

Finally, examine your toilets — they account for almost 30 percent of all indoor water use, and most of the time they are the biggest culprits of wasting water. Just by listening you can tell if your toilet is running, but to check the water level, you’ll have to open the toilet tank.

If you are willing to spend the money on a new toilet it will actually save you money each month on water and wastewater bills. An ultra low-flow toilet requires only 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to toilets made before 1994 that use 3.5 to 7 gallons for each flush. By replacing your toilet, you could save 7,900 to 21,700 gallons of water a year.

Use this handy guide to choosing the right size water heater. Enter the answers in the boxes, then total them up.

*Other things to consider:

• If children are entering their teen years, you may want to add 1 to miscellaneous additions.
• If you want a more efficient water heater, consider an upgrade to a high-efficiency heater.
• If you find yourself running out of hot water, add 1 to miscellaneous additions or upgrade to a quick-recovery and/or high-efficiency water heater.
• If there is a whirlpool tub, use a 50-gal. or higher gas or electric heater as a minimum.

After totaling the boxes, use the following chart to determine the size of water heater necessary.

If Total Is…

Shown in this drawing are common elements of a laundry center. The wash basin (or laundry tub) uses the same drain as the washing machine. The drain clean out allows for access to the pipe in case something becomes lodged in the line. The plumber can remove this cap and auger the line to attempt to remove the blockage. Click the picture to see a larger version.