Water Usage Part 2--Outdoors
Phoenix area residents are starting to spend more time outdoors, to enjoy their pool in the warm temperatures and extra daylight hours. With these rising temperatures in mind, it's an excellent time to take the opportunity to review the outdoor water usage of your property and determine if some changes should be made. Here is an overview of some outdoor water choices a homeowner can make in the summertime.
At the hose
If you wash your own car, don't let the hose run while you soap up the car. A sprayer with an on/off feature goes a long way. Make sure the spigot doesn’t leak, as well.
The lawn
If your home has a bermudagrass lawn, it will need more water as it starts to flourish when the nighttime temperatures rise. Newcomers to the Valley often believe bermudagrass was dead and are always surprised at how beautiful their formerly-dormant lawn can be with proper care.
Xeriscape
Xeriscape is a fancy name for low-water-use plantings and landscaping. Low water use plants have found their way into the hearts and landscapes of many people. We don't argue the value of their economy and attractiveness in general, but we also recognize the importance of the transpiration of plant material, which transfers cooling moisture and oxygen into the air. This moisture explains why you feel cooler when you step beneath leafy trees than you do when you step into the shade of a building.
The 'heat island effect' we feel here in Phoenix is the result of many buildings, concrete, and asphalt in relation to the number of plants and trees. However, well-placed shade trees can provide a cooling effect, especially when combined with ground cover plantings or lawn. This 'mini-oasis,' when properly planned, can bring respite to the homeowner and their electric bill in summer.
Gardens
Many people prefer to have flower or vegetable gardens as a means of beautifying their home and providing a supplement to their grocery cart. Summer gardens are flourishing, and residents are enjoying squash, tomatoes, and even watermelon grown in their gardens. Flowers such as marigolds, zinnias and vincas provide beautiful colors.
Leak repairs
Periodically, you should check your water meter for leaks, especially if you have an irrigation system. If the water level in your swimming pool seems to drop suddenly, that should also be checked out. By shutting off all of the water-using devices, a homeowner can check for water leaks by watching their water meter for movement after a two-hour period. Any leaks should be found and repaired. It is estimated that Americans alone waste over a trillion gallons per year as the result of leaks. Some of these leaks are tiny culprits, a bad toilet flapper or a leaking irrigation line, but they cost us because of their constancy. Here is a handy guide on how to check an irrigation system for leaks.
If you have leaks or plumbing problems in the outdoors, why not give us a call? We’d be happy to come out and troubleshoot or repair your outdoor plumbing.
911 Heating, Cooling & Plumbing provides quality residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, sink drains and sewers, slab leak detection and repair, and water heater repair and replacement services to Phoenix, AZ, residents at affordable prices. Contact us at 602-795-2900 for all your plumbing needs.
