1.6The water usage of an average family of 4 every day is 400 gallons per day. Most of that water, or 70%, is used indoors. And the largest percentage of the water used indoors is in the bathroom. The toilet specifically, uses 27% of the household water.

When you have a leaking toilet, there is a tremendous amount of wasted water. You will see approximately 200 gallons of water wasted each day the toilet is leaking. And you will be shocked at how that affects your expenses when you receive your next water bill. With the urgency of water supplies throughout the world today, wasting 200 gallons of water per day is a significant number. Imagine now, adding up the total of all houses with leaking toilets at 200 gallons of wasted water per day and that number is daunting.

It is easy to check and see if your toilet is leaking.

• Remove the tank lid of the toilet.
• Flush your toilet as usual.
• Drop about 4 to 5 food coloring drops in the toilet tank.
• Wait 20 to 30 minutes.
• Check the toilet bowl for traces of the food coloring drops.

If the toilet is clear, there is no leak. However, if the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, this is an indication there is a leak. Be sure to fix that leak to avoid a surprisingly high water bill.

Here is a video on detecting a toilet leak.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZCGXGxRFHw

Fixing the toilet may be an easy task. You may be able to do it yourself or it may require that you call a professional. Either way, make sure you get it fixed.

If you end up needing to replace your toilet, be sure you purchase a WaterSense labeled product. Today, the current federal standard for toilets is 1.6 gallons per flush. There are many new models that are now 1.28 gallons per flush. This is a 20% savings over the federal standard and is significantly less than the older model you may be replacing. Older models range between 3.5-7 gallons per flush.

Check out these helpful articles on the subject:
http://plumbing.about.com/od/toilets/ss/Diagnose-A-Running-Toilet-In-3-Easy-Steps.htm

http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/fixleak.html

http://www.isustainableearth.com/water-conservation/toilet-leaks-cost-you-840-per-year

http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/products/toilets.html

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With low-flow faucets and showerheads installed in your home, you may see anywhere from a 25%-60% savings in water consumption. That will translate into a lower annual water bill.

Showerheads:

The new showerhead flow rates, mandated by federal regulations, can’t exceed more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at a water pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi). To give you a point of reference, prior to 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of 5.5 gpm. That is quite a difference and imagine the water usage as a result.

Some interesting stats:

• 17% of our indoor water usage is from the activity of showering.
• For the average family, showering results in an additional 40 gallons of water usage per day.
• This equals 1.2 trillion gallons of water used in the U.S. annually from showering.

If you are unsure of your current gallons per minute, there is an easy test you can do.

• Turn on your shower with the normal pressure you usually use and put a bucket underneath the showerhead.
• Make sure the bucket is marked with gallon increments so you can clearly see the number of gallons that accumulate.
• Time how long it takes to reach the one gallon mark.
• If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach one gallon, you likely would benefit by changing your current showerhead to a low-flow model.

Types of low-flow showerheads:

• Aerating – These showerheads form a misty spray by mixing air with water. They may not be the best choice in areas of high humidity.
• Laminar-flow – These showerheads form individual streams of water.

Faucets:

Federal regulations mandate that new faucet flow rates can’t exceed 2.5 gpm at 80 psi or 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. The aerator is what determines the maximum flow of the faucet. This is the screw-on tip of the faucet. It is an inexpensive item and easy to replace. They can be one of the most cost effective water conservation actions you can take. New kitchen faucets typically are equipped with aerators that restrict flow rates to 2.2 gpm. New bathroom faucets are typically equipped with aerator that restrict flow rates from 1.5 to 0.5 gpm.

These are simple fixes that can save you money each year. Get started now!

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is fun. There are cabinets to choose, countertops to pick, shopping for tile, appliances and flooring…it seems like a never-end list. But it’s a fun list because you know the end result is going to be a great improvement from what you currently have in your kitchen and bathroom. Plus, new things always feel so good and look so good.

When you are planning your budget – don’t forget to plan for the plumbing too. Cabinets, countertops, tile and flooring are the big items. They are the bulk of your expenses and the reason you have to plan in advance and set a budget. You will never forget to plan for these expenses because they are central to the whole remodeling project. But it can be easy to forget about the “little things” like a sink faucet, whether it is a kitchen faucet or a bathroom faucet. In the grand scheme of things, a faucet is a much lesser expense than the countertop or cabinets, but if you forget that you need to buy all new faucets AND have them installed, it could put you over your maximum “what I want to spend” budget.  

So…regarding the plumbing portion of your remodeling project, these are some things to remember:

In the Kitchen –

• What kind of sink do you want? (i.e. single or double, undermount, stainless steel or other material)
• What sink accessories would you like to include? (i.e. faucets, hoses, garbage disposal, water filters, soap/lotion dispensers)
• Will the kitchen configuration remain the same or will you need to install new connections for the sink, refrigerator and dishwasher?
• Do you need new appliances? (i.e. Refrigerator, dishwasher and others that may need an electrical contractor as well as a plumber)
• Do you need to hire a contractor to install these items?

In the Bathroom –

• What kind of sink do you want? (i.e. single or double, undermount, china or other material)
• What sink faucets would you like? (i.e. finish, style, installation and features)
• Do you need to replace the tub and shower? (i.e. new or refresh, new showerhead and faucets)
• Will you be replacing the current toilet?
• Will the configuration of the bathroom remain the same?
• Are you adding new features to the bathroom, like a hot tub or spa?
• Do you need to hire a contractor to install these items?

Remember, every project (no matter what room in the house you are remodeling) should include some very basic considerations:

• What is your budget?
• What is the goal of the renovation?
• What is the purpose of the room and how will you utilize it?
• What do you like about the current room?
• What do you dislike about the current room?
• What type of storage do you need in the room?
• What style do you want as the theme of the renovation?

Of course, budget is often the central factor in a remodeling project. Be sure you include all aspects of your renovation, whether large or small items, so that you are fully prepared so you can finish the project and be happy with the end result.

Kitchen Remodel Checklist (by Angie’s List)
http://www.angieslist.com/files/KitchenRemodelingChecklist.pdf

Bathroom Remodel Checklist (by Moen)
http://www.moen.com/assets/moencom/documents/design-planning/checklist_bathroom.pdf

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this fall and winter season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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Marlin Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Heating Services – HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Emergency Plumbing Repair | Phoenix Plumbing Company

Be Careful with Holiday Cooking: Cooking grease and oils put a real strain on drains, pipes and garbage disposals. Grease and oil are more likely to collect and clog when your plumbing is colder, so do your best not to pour down the drain. Also, refrain from putting hard to grind objects or stringy substances down into the disposal. Always run cold water through the disposal for at least 15 seconds before and after each use. Be sure to turn the disposal on before filling it with food debris.

We want to insure that you have helpful tips to keep your home safe and your plumbing running smoothly. We understand that the more people staying at your house, over the holidays, the more probability for plumbing accidents. SO DON’T FORGET!!! Marlin Services has no hidden or additional fees over this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Call us if there are any unexpected Emergency plumbing repairs that need to be taken care of.

Your Phoenix plumbing company has skilled professionals and technicians that can assist you with all of your plumbing repair needs. Anything from a simple leak to a major repair, Marlin Services is able to assist you with your questions or repairs. We have been offering quality work to local business and to home owners for years. We are recognized and recommended by many because of our loyalty and helpful assistance.

We specialize in, but are not limited to:

– Plumbing Repairs

– Heating services and repairs

– A/C installation and repairs
For more information visit our website MARLIN SERVICES

Or call now at: (602) 470-1040