Plumbing has a fascinating history. Indoor plumbing, for example, was available in approximately 3,000 B.C.. We have John Harrington to thank, however, for inventing a toilet that flushed in 1596. This is how the toilet’s illustrious nickname, “the John,” came into being. Since that time, there have been quite a few advancements in home plumbing, which includes low-flow and high-efficiency toilets.
When toilets, sinks, and other pipe fixtures leak, it can be both an annoyance and a waste of water. When these simple leaks are taken care of, it can save the average household about 10,000 gallons of water a year. If just one toilet runs all of the time, for instance, it can leak a considerable amount of water on a daily basis. This can be as much as 200 gallons!
Leaking sinks can also waste quite a bit of water, even when a faucet only releases a drop of water every second. This can amount to 3,000 gallons of water a year. When households have more than one bathroom sink that leaks, this will definitely add up. Just imagine if the bathtub and kitchen faucets leak as well.
Other plumbing repairs that may be needed from time to time include drain cleaning due to clogged sinks, showers, and tubs. When households use garbage disposals, these need to be repaired or replaced on occasion as well. Water heaters are another home necessity that need to be maintained. If they start making a lot of noise or aren’t performing as they should, it may be time for a new one.
When you have issues such as the above, it makes sense to contact a local plumber as soon as possible. While simple household leaks may not seem serious, their cost does add up. Furthermore, you’re wasting water that could be used for other purposes, such as taking baths, doing laundry, and maintaining gardens. Then there’s the matter of higher water bills. In the event that you have an emergency, such as a broken water heater or burst pipes, it’s good to know that emergency plumbing services are available.
