Ask the Expert

• Plumbing Glossary
  A-Z index of plumbing definitions you need for around your home.
• Plumbing FAQ
  Common questions we receive about plumbing problems in general.
• How-To-Guide
  Handy reference materials for home plumbing Do-it-Yourself.
• Plumbing Tips
  Here are some helpful tips for home plumbing repairs.

Indoors

• Fix leaky toilets and fixtures as soon as they are detected
• Take quick showers rather than full-tub baths
• Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face
• Stopper the sink when rinsing fruits and vegetables
• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads
• Use proper water level settings for laundry
• Install on demand hot water dispenser
• Install low-flow toilets, howerheads and faucet aerators
• Consider a re-circulating hot water system
• When replacing washer, consider a front load unit (uses 30% less water and 50% less energy than a top load unit)
• Flush toilets and use garbage disposals only when necessary
• Check your water meter monthly for possible leaks
• Use water remaining in drinking glasses to water plants
• Perform maintenance on water heater annually

Outdoors

• When washing cars, use a nozzle that turns off automatically
• Use drought-tolerant plants in the garden
• Know where your master water shut off valve is located and show everyone in the household 
• Test the water shut off valve frequently to ensure it works
• Position sprinklers so they are not spraying the house, sidewalks, street or driveway
• Don’t water when it is windy
• Maintain your sprinkler system as it suffers from normal wear and tear, which reduces the efficiency
• Sweep rather than hose off sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways
• Cover swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporation
• Mulch flower beds to keep soil cooler and reduce water loss
• Turn off sprinkler systems during cool or rainy weather
• Contact your water service district for a personalized irrigation schedule
• Check pressure-regulating valve