Cold weather usually results in increased thermostat temperatures and long, hot showers. No one wants to sit in the comfort of their own home and not actually be comfortable. However, some of these winter rituals are very counterproductive. Instead of providing a standard of living, these small things are actually hurting our wallets and the quality of our home systems. Keeping your thermostat higher will inevitably result in a higher power bill. And those long, hot showers will cause a similar spike in your water bill. More importantly,
Pressure Damage in Pipes
High water pressure may feel great while you wash up but it actually damages your home’s plumbing if maintained for too long. This is because the pipes are forced to withhold more water at faster rates, weakening their resistance to the movement of water. We’d love to say that plumbing lasts forever, but eventually we will all need to fix something in order to keep things running efficiently.
The issue with high water pressure is that, over elongated periods of time, the constant stream of water forces more stress on your plumbing system. This stress can result in serious water damage from weakened pipe joints, deteriorated pipes, and/or leaks.
Fortunately, there are opportunities to fix these issues. Being able to identify indicators of pressure problems is one of the best ways to save yourself from outlandish costs.
Some of the major indicators are:
- Pipes Rattling or Banging
- Short Hot Water Lifetime
- Water Heater
- Shower
- Dishwasher
- Running toilets
- Leaky Faucets
- High water bills
- Unusual noise(s) near piping
Replacements
If not addressed, consistent usage of water at high pressures will result in expensive replacements. As we all know, plumbing repairs can eat up time and money that could be better spent elsewhere. To avoid these costs, you can check your pressure on your own. Ideally, the pressure gauge will be under 60 psi and remain that way for 48 hours. If the pressure reads over 80 psi, it is important you consider incorporating new methods into your home’s water and/or plumbing systems. This way, you can avoid expensive pipe replacements or damage repairs.
Should you need a repair, there are professional experts available during normal business hours as well as for round-the-clock emergency plumbing services.
Benefits of Repairs
Repairs not only resolve short term issues. They will reinforce your plumbing system for years to come. On top of that, there are a host of benefits you might not expect.
- Save money
- Save time
- Avoid major damage
- Improving plumbing function
- Increase sustainability and water conservation
- Increasing property/equity value
Additional Water Conservation Options
If the aspect of water conservation interests you, we have also listed out a few other ways to meaningfully update your home. Not only will these changes decrease your water consumption, but they will also conserve the integrity of your home’s plumbing without hampering your lifestyle.
Local water providers recommend installing any (or all) of the following:
- Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV)
- Lasts 7-12 years on average
- Aerators
- Pipe Insulation
- EPA WaterSense Products for your sinks and toilets
