At Pump Products, effective water management is at the heart of our business. The approach of spring means it's time to start thinking about best practices for limiting water waste and reducing monthly water costs. We asked our Product Experts for some of the most common water wasters they encounter in residential and commercial pump applications and here's what they said.
OVERALL SYSTEM DESIGN - Inefficient system design can be hugely wasteful. If you're designing a new system or plan to upgrade an old one this spring, high efficiency pumps and motors can substantially reduce your water and power costs. Beyond that, maintaining an existing system with regular checks and repairs can reduce water and energy waste and eliminate the need for a major overhaul down the road.
WATER HEATER - Check that the temperature setting on your water heater is set no higher than 120° F. Not only will this prevent scalding, it will also reduce energy use. Drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out sediment that can reduce heating efficiency and lead to corrosion, which shortens the life of the heater. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, start looking into replacing it with a newer, more energy efficient model. Most water heaters require replacement within 15 years. If your system includes a recirculating pump, consider adding a timer. An energy efficient boiler and timer-activated recirculating pump will conserve water and save you money.
SUMP PUMP - If your home has a sump pump, make sure it operates properly by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water, then shut off without any problems. If your pump fails to kick in, spare yourself the waste and expense associate with flooding by repairing it or replacing it with an energy-efficient sump pump.
ICE MACHINES - Check ice machine supply hoses for bulges or leaks, a major source of waste and inefficiency in the food service industry. Replace old hoses or those showing signs of weakness.
FLOOD ALARMS - Install flood alarms in your hydronic systems as a preventive measure. A flood alarm is designed to sound a warning when it comes in contact with water. By alerting a homeowner or building manager to potential leaks or flooding, flood alarms are a great way to conserve resources and save on water damage restoration.
Our Product Experts are standing by to help you select efficient pumps and pump parts suited to your application. Visit us at www.pumpproducts.com or call 1-800-429-0800.
Five Water Wasters to Avoid
