4 Ways You Can Conserve Water

Water is a precious commodity. We use it every day, but we often don’t pay attention to how much of it we use. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at four ways you can become more water-efficient, lower your utility bills, and preserve the environment.

The Great Plumbing Co. can help you keep your home efficient with a number of different plumbing services. Schedule an appointment through our website if you need residential plumbing, and read on for easy water conservation tips!

Water Conservation Tips

Use Your Trash Can Instead of the Toilet

On average, toilets account for roughly a third of every household’s water consumption. Even if you plan to replace your toilet in the near future, you should get into the habit of only flushing your toilet when you’re actively using it. So, instead of tossing tissues you use to remove your makeup or blow your nose into the toilet, always make a conscious effort to throw them into the trash. You’ll almost certainly see a reduction in your monthly water bill!

Fix Your Leaks  

Leaks are one of the most insidious plumbing problems we address. Leaks are rarely so bad that they have to be fixed the moment they’re noticed, but this means that they often go unaddressed for months. In some cases, homeowners simply become used to them and never call a professional plumber to fix the problem. However, even small leaks can waste thousands of litres of water each year, so fixing a leaky faucet or showerhead should always be one of your top priorities.

Replace Your Toilet

If you have an older toilet, then it’s likely that it uses between 19 and 26 litres of water every time you flush it. This is much more than it actually takes to flush waste, and installing a low-flow toilet can reduce your consumption to roughly 4.8 litres per flush. Even if you opt for a toilet that uses slightly more water, both you and the environment will be better off in the long run.

While we’re on the topic of toilets, we noted a few of the most common signs that you need a new toilet in a previous post, so be sure to catch up on that information if you’ve been considering purchasing a new unit for your home.

Use Your Dishwasher

It might sound counterintuitive, but using your dishwasher instead of washing your dishes by hand is actually more efficient. Numerous studies have shown that it takes less water to clean a full load of dishes when they’re in a dishwasher, but it’s important to note that your dishwasher needs to be completely full. If it’s only partially full, then you’ll actually be using more water to clean fewer dishes.

Keep an eye on our blog page, as we’ll be adding even more water conservation tips in the coming weeks and months. If you need residential plumbing in Toronto or any of the surrounding areas, then schedule an appointment with The Great Plumbing Co. through our website!

We look forward to speaking with you soon.

4 Signs You Need a New Toilet

The toilets in your home get a lot of use throughout the year, but it’s only when they start to malfunction that you notice just how much you depend on them. In today’s post, we’ll take an in-depth look at four of the most common signs that you need a new toilet. When you’ve finished reading, be sure to schedule a residential plumbing appointment through our website. Many Toronto plumbers are taking the holiday season off, but you can count on us for fast and dependable service, no matter what time of the year it is!

Signs You Need a Toilet Replacement

Frequent Clogs and Overflows

Frequent clogs and overflows are two of the most common problems homeowners experience with their toilets. It’s completely expected that your toilet will clog every now and then, but if it’s happening more and more frequently, then you need to call a Toronto plumber for an inspection. The pipes connecting your toilet to the city’s sewer system could be blocked, or your toilet could be having water pressure problems.

Constant Running 

A toilet that constantly runs isn’t just annoying, it’s expensive, too. The problem is generally that your fill tube isn’t working properly, and thankfully, this is a fairly easy fix that can be implemented by your plumber in a matter of minutes. However, if the problem persists, then it may be more cost-effective to shop for a new, more efficient toilet. As we’ll explain in the next section, constant running is often a sign that your toilet has a crack in the porcelain.

Cracks and Wobbling

Cracks and wobbling are two related, but distinct, problems. Cracks in the toilet’s porcelain can allow water to leak into the walls and floor surrounding the toilet, eventually leading to mold and mildew growth.

More often than not, wobbling is caused by loose screws that simply need to be tightened by a plumber. However, wobbly toilets are sometimes caused by the floor surrounding the toilet becoming unstable due to rotting wood and mold growth, so don’t hesitate to call a plumber the moment you notice that your toilet is shifting.

Frequent Repairs

Much like your car, HVAC unit, or anything else you depend on in your day-to-day life, there comes a time when you need to weigh the cost of repairing something against the cost of a new model. If you’ve had to call a residential plumber several times this year due to toilet problems, then it may be time to consider investing in a replacement.

As Toronto’s residential plumbing experts, our mission is to provide homeowners in the area with accurate and reliable information that helps them make an informed decision. We can come to your home and inspect your toilet, diagnose any problems, and make a recommendation about whether you should repair or replace the unit.

Call a Toronto Plumber Today!

We hope that today’s post will help you determine if it’s time to invest in a new toilet. With the holidays just around the corner, there’s no better time than right now to invest in preventative residential plumbing. Schedule your appointment through our website — we look forward to speaking with you soon!