In Kingman and western Arizona we enjoyed a wet winter with a little snow and lots of rain. And that translated into a stunning super bloom spring with an impressive display of wildflowers that transformed the desert with splashes of vibrant color. It also gave us a bit of a break in our decades long drought. But this is still the desert and so being frugal with water is everyone’s job.

Plumbing Upgrades to Save Water in a Drought

Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted, even in the desert. And living in the desert should make us more mindful of how we use water and how we can conserve it. One way to do that is by upgrading our plumbing systems to make them more efficient and less wasteful.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the plumbing upgrades that can help you save water in a drought, such as:

– Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads
– Replacing old toilets with high-efficiency models
– Fixing leaks and drips
– Using smart irrigation systems for your lawn and garden

Low-Flow Faucets and Showerheads

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to save water is by installing low-flow faucets and showerheads in your sinks and showers. These devices reduce the amount of water that comes out of the tap by using aerators or restrictors that limit the flow rate. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), low-flow faucets can save up to 700 gallons of water per year, while low-flow showerheads can save up to 2,900 gallons of water per year.

Replacing Old Toilets with High-Efficiency Models

Another way to save water is by replacing your old toilets with high-efficiency models that use less water per flush. Older toilets can use up to 6 gallons of water per flush, while newer models can use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush. The EPA estimates that replacing old toilets with high-efficiency models can save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.

Fixing Leaks and Drips

A small leak or drip may not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can add up to a lot of wasted water. A leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year, while a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. To fix leaks and drips, you may need to replace worn-out washers, valves, or flappers, or tighten loose connections. You can also use dye tablets or food coloring to check for leaks in your toilet tank.

Using Smart Irrigation Systems for Your Lawn and Garden

Finally, you can save water by using smart irrigation systems for your landscpaing that adjust the amount and timing of watering based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs. These systems use sensors, controllers, and sprinklers that communicate with each other and with online weather data to optimize water use and prevent overwatering or underwatering. According to the EPA, smart irrigation systems can save up to 8,800 gallons of water per year.

As you can see, there are many plumbing upgrades that can help you save water in a drought. And by investing in these upgrades, you can not only conserve water but also save money on your water bill. If you are interested in upgrading your plumbing system, contact Retro Plumbing Inc in Kingman today for an estimate. We are a licensed and insured plumbing company that offers quality service and customer satisfaction.

Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America