While some homeowners remodel their bathrooms to give them a fresh appearance, others do so to increase their efficiency. A Houzz survey indicated that 91% of the participants were planning to have energy-efficient toilets installed during their bathroom remodel. In addition to installing low-flow toilets, there are other energy-efficient choices that can be made, such as addressing any existing or potential plumbing issues.
When faucets leak, toilets malfunction, and sprinkler systems go awry, the United States Environmental Protection Agency states that these and other issues waste approximately 1 trillion gallons of water on an annual basis. On a daily basis, however, it is estimated that 10% of homes in the United States waste at least 90 gallons of water. In addition to conserving water for its own sake, fixing simple household leaks can save approximately 10% on annual water bills.
If pipes or waters heaters have major leaks or burst, this, too, can cause significant damage to a home. This is the second most prevalent type of insurance claim, and nearly 40% if homeowners have experienced property loss and damage as a result. It’s important to note that roughly 93% of this water damage could be prevented by addressing plumbing issues before they become an emergency.
Clogged drains and pipes are another issue that can cause problems for homeowners. While these issues may be easily repaired in some instances, it’s also possible that the sewer lines are backed up. The Civil Engineering Research Foundation reported that congested sewer lines are a growing problem in the United States, and this problem is increasing at a rate of 3% every year. Furthermore, the American Society of Civil Engineers reported that the average age of sewer lines exceeds 30 years.
When a home needs sewer line replacement or sewer repair, it can obviously affect the entire plumbing system. Furthermore, when these pipes crack, break, or burst, it can impact the surrounding homes and grounds. In some cases, sewer line replacement can be handled without digging trenches. This depends, however, on a variety of factors, which need to be determined by plumbing contractors.
Even when homeowners do engage in preventative maintenance, plumbing issues can arise. This is particularly the case with homes in older neighborhoods that haven’t been renovated. When remodeling or renovating a home, it’s important to have the plumbing systems inspected to determine if they need to be repaired or upgraded. Chances are that they do.