According to the EPA, the amount of water leaked from U.S. homes could exceed more than 1 trillion gallons per year. That's equivalent to the annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami combined.
For quick and simple ways to keep your home plumbing system in optimal shape, Cifial USA's plumbing expert, Art Gambill, offers these tips:
1. Remove debris from faucet cartridges - In cartridge faucets, debris collects in the cartridge over time that prevents the lever from stopping the water supply completely, allowing water to continue dripping through the faucet. You can prevent this from occurring by removing the cartridge from the faucet and cleaning any debris found inside.
2. Rid shower-heads of calcium - Shower environments are prone to calcium deposits - especially shower heads. Buildup on shower head flow restrictors create a trap for water that continue to leak after water flow is turned off. You can break down buildup with a home solution of 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar. This solution works by creating just enough acidity to dissolve the calcium and allow water to flow unobstructed.
3. Keep aerators free of buildup - Aerators, which filter water streams as they flow from faucets, can also become clogged with mineral deposits. Unscrew the aerator and clean any buildup to keep water from storing in the deposits and dripping through the faucet.
