Are utility bills eating up most of your budget? In these difficult economic times, every penny counts. You want to enjoy long, hot showers, but at the same time you also want to reduce your water consumption. The solution is to install a recirculating pump for your water heater. How does a recirculating pump help you save money?

• No more waiting for hot water to emerge from your shower. The instant you turn on the tap, you will have hot water within seconds. Without a recirculating pump, you turn on the tap and waste several gallons of water just waiting for your water to finally heat up.

• Your home can save as much as 31 gallons a day or 11,000 gallons a year! That amount of water is enough to fill up a 14’ x 30’ swimming pool. With this amount of water you can save per year, imagine also the amount of money you can save on your utility bills.

• Although recirculating pumps run on electricity, they don’t consume much energy. There are also ways to reduce its energy consumption even more. For instance, you can install a timer to the pump so that the pump will just turn on just before you take a shower in the morning or when you return from work in the evening.

This Comfort system is what you need all throughout the spring season so you can continue enjoying long, hot showers. Save both time and money this spring. Check with All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc. now and get a free estimate and avail special sales and discounts.

Frozen and broken water pipes are among the most claims and the highest claims paid by insurance companies in the U.S. With the winter chill full steam ahead, here are just a few tips to keep you vacation property plumbing systems in tip -top shape: 

• Insulate your pipes - Foam sleeves are an excellent way to avoid having your pipes accumulate frost or even worse having them split from the expansion of ice.

• Disconnect hoses from outside faucets - This prevents hoses from freezing, expanding, and leaking. If your house has interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, shut them off and drain the water from the faucet. If you don't have interior shutoffs, the installation of a shut-off valve or a frost-proof faucet may be a great investment to prevent water damages.

• Flush your water heater - Since your water heater works harder during the colder months, by flushing your water heater, you can remove deposit build-up that shortens the life of your water heater. A typical water heater last between 8 to 12 years.

• Make sure your main shutoff valve is in good operating condition - This allows you to turn off your water in a timely manner in case of an emergency. Locating and turning off shutoff valves in your vacation property can save you thousands in case of an emergency.

• Check to ensure snow and ice are not restricting water drainage or vents from your vacation home - This is important because if the water discharge (i.e. sump pump) is blocked by snow or ice, freezing could occur as well as water backing up in your home. Also, make sure your water heater vent is clear of any restriction of snow or ice to maximize the efficiency of your water heater.

By utilizing these tips for your vacation home during winter, you can save time, money and energy for costly repairs. If you are still experiencing frozen and broken water pipes, it may be best to contact plumbing professionals like All About The Pipes Plumbing to do the job for you.