Beat the Heat: Managing Increased Water Demand
If you’ve spent any significant time in metro Atlanta, you’re no stranger to its summer heat waves. And it’s only getting hotter.
According to AccuWeather, expect temperatures to be 2-3 degrees higher than normal between June and August 2026 with as many as 62 days of temps reaching 90 degrees or higher. Toss in the often overwhelming humidity, and sweat can start pouring like a faucet on full blast.
Speaking of faucets, water use in the U.S. at large cranks up during warmer months. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says some U.S. families use as much as 3,000 gallons of water each day throughout the summer.
This means fixture overuse can be a problem, potentially causing the overuse of your wallet too. Plumb Works offers the following tips to help manage increased water demand during the hottest time of year, which could help you save money in the long run.
Tip #1: Spruce Up Your Sprinkler
While outdoor water use amps up in the summer, the EPA advises homeowners to perform sprinkler and irrigation system maintenance year-round. Make sure and inspect sprinkler heads for leaks, as a broken one can waste as much as 25,000 gallons of water in just six months. Double check to see if hoses, valves, and pipes are properly connected. A little dribble goes a long way. In fact, even a tiny leak as small as a tip of a pen can waste 6,300 gallons of water per month. Are your sprinklers pointed in the right direction? If they’re spraying water on hardscapes such as sidewalks or driveways, you’re wasting H2O. Turn sprinklers toward the landscape. For maximum coverage, ensure the spray of each sprinkler reaches the sprinkler head next to it.
Tip #2: Make Sure Your Indoor Fixtures Aren’t Leaking
With kids out of school, families often put fixtures and appliances to the test during the summer with frequent showers, increased washing machine use, and the back-to-back flushing of toilets. Overuse can sometimes cause leaks and or worsen existing ones. Silent leaks can waste gallons upon gallons of water and even cause potential home damage. If you’re concerned, have a Plumb Works expert perform a leak detection. Are you suspecting a possible toilet leak? Try doing a little sleuthing yourself by performing a toilet dye test. Pour food coloring into your toilet tank. If the color finds its way into the toilet bowl, you can guarantee you have a leak.
For homeowners planning summer vacations, a smart water shut-off device can provide additional peace of mind. The Moen Flo Smart Water Shutoff continuously monitors your home's water usage and can automatically shut off the water supply if it detects a significant leak or burst pipe. If a leak occurs while you're away, the system can help prevent minor water issues from turning into major flooding and costly property damage.
Tip #3: Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures
Rising water use over the summer makes it the right time to consider swapping older faucets, showerheads, and toilets with new-school, high-efficiency versions. These models reduce flow rates – the amount of water they use – without lessening water pressure. While it calls for an initial investment, the lower utility costs can result in substantial money savings over time. A Plumb Works expert can help you decide which upgrades will make the biggest splash.
Manage Increased Water Demand with Plumb Works
Plumb Works can assist you and answer questions you may have about the best ways to manage increased water demand in the summer. Call 404-524-1825 or schedule an appointment online.
