5 Summer Plumbing Tips to Avoid Water Waste in Greater Houston

Summer in Southeast Texas means sunshine, outdoor fun, and often, a spike in water usage.

For homeowners in Conroe and the greater Houston area, staying vigilant about plumbing equipment has become even more critical. With Houston water bill rates increasing by an average of 6% starting April 1, 2025, every drop of water saved translates directly into noticeable savings on your monthly statement.

The increase is part of a multi-year plan to fund essential repairs and upgrades to the city’s aging water and sewage infrastructure, highlighting the widespread need for efficiency both at the municipal level and within our homes.

But did you know that a significant amount of this water can be wasted due to inefficient plumbing and preventable issues?

At Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling, we understand the unique challenges homeowners in our community face. We’ve been serving The Woodlands, Klein, Spring, Cypress, North Houston, Conroe, and Magnolia areas since 1984, helping our neighbors maintain efficient and reliable plumbing systems.

5 Summer Plumbing Tips to Save You Money in Southeast Texas

Let’s dive into five essential plumbing tips to help you avoid summer water waste:

1. Don’t Let Leaks Drain Your Wallet

It might seem like a small drip, but a single leaky faucet or a hidden pipe leak can waste thousands of gallons of water over the summer months. In Texas, where water conservation is always important, every drop truly counts.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that household leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year, enough to fill a backyard swimming pool!

How to spot them:

• Check Your Water Meter: Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used in your home. If the meter reading changes, you likely have a leak.
• Look for Visible Signs: Keep an eye out for damp spots on walls or ceilings, pooling water under sinks, musty odors, or unexplained increases in your water bill.
• Inspect Outdoor Spigots and Hoses: Leaks aren’t just indoors. Check all outdoor hose connections and spigots for drips or spurting water.

The Milton Frank Plumbing Solution: Many leaks are hidden from plain sight, lurking behind walls or under floors. If you suspect a hidden leak or can’t locate the source of a visible one, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our leak detection services utilize advanced technology to pinpoint the exact location of leaks, minimizing damage and ensuring a precise repair. Addressing leaks promptly not only conserves water but also prevents potential structural damage to your home.

2. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Upgrading to low-flow fixtures is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to reduce your daily water consumption.

Modern low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets are designed to deliver excellent performance while using significantly less water than older models:

• Low-Flow Showerheads: These can reduce water usage by 40% or more without sacrificing water pressure, giving you a refreshing shower while saving gallons.
• High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs): Older toilets can use up to 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. HETs use 1.6 gallons per flush or even less, with dual-flush options providing even greater control. Considering how often toilets are flushed daily, this adds up to substantial savings.
• Faucet Aerators: These inexpensive devices can be easily screwed onto most existing faucets, mixing air into the water stream to reduce flow while maintaining perceived pressure.

The Milton Frank Plumbing Advantage: Our expert plumbers can help you choose the right low-flow fixtures for your home, ensuring proper installation and optimal performance. We’ll guide you through the options that best suit your needs and budget, making your home more water-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Call us today at 281-645-9596 for a free plumbing consultation!

3. Smart Outdoor Irrigation Systems in Houston

During our hot Texas summers, outdoor water use, primarily for landscaping, can account for a significant portion of your household’s total water consumption—sometimes as much as 60% or more!

Traditional sprinkler systems often lead to overwatering and evaporation, especially when run during the hottest parts of the day.

Consider these efficient irrigation alternatives:

• Drip Irrigation: This system delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. It’s ideal for garden beds, shrubs, and trees.
• Soaker Hoses: Similar to drip systems, soaker hoses slowly seep water along their length, perfect for watering dense plantings.
• Smart Irrigation Controllers: These systems utilize weather data and soil moisture sensors to automatically adjust watering schedules, ensuring your landscape gets exactly the water it needs, no more, no less. This can prevent unnecessary watering after rainfall or during cooler periods.

Milton Frank Plumbing’s Expertise: We can help you design and install an efficient irrigation system tailored to your landscape’s specific needs. From drip lines to smart controllers, we’ll ensure your outdoor watering is optimized for water conservation and a healthy, vibrant yard.

4. Faucet Repairs in Conroe

A dripping faucet might seem like a minor annoyance, but it’s a silent water waster. A faucet leaking at just one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water in a year! That’s not only bad for the environment but also for your utility bill.

Why prompt faucet leak repairs matter:

• Prevents water waste: The most obvious benefit is conserving water and lowering your monthly bill.
• Avoids further damage: A persistent leak can lead to water stains, mold growth, and even structural damage to your countertops or cabinetry.
• Indicates underlying issues: Sometimes, a dripping faucet can be a symptom of a larger plumbing problem, such as high water pressure or worn-out internal components. Addressing it early can prevent more costly repairs down the line.

Milton Frank Plumbing’s Faucet Repair Services: Whether it’s a simple washer replacement or a more complex cartridge issue, our skilled plumbers can handle all types of faucet repairs. We’ll diagnose the problem accurately and provide a lasting solution, saving you water and preventing further headaches.

5. Protect Your Sewer Line

While not directly related to daily water consumption, a compromised sewer line can lead to significant water waste and costly damage.

Leaks in your sewer line can not only cause unpleasant odors and soggy spots in your yard but also allow wastewater to seep into the ground, potentially contaminating the environment. Furthermore, blockages can lead to backups, requiring extensive water use for cleanup.

Signs you might need sewer line attention:

• Slow Drains or Frequent Clogs: If multiple drains in your home are consistently slow or you experience recurring clogs, it could indicate a main sewer line issue.
• Gurgling Sounds: Gurgling noises from toilets or drains can signal trapped air due to a blockage or damage in the sewer line.
• Foul Odors: The smell of sewage in or around your property is a strong indicator of a sewer line problem.
• Lush, Green Patches in Your Yard: Abnormally green or soggy areas in your lawn, especially over the sewer line’s path, can point to a leak.

Milton Frank Plumbing’s Sewer Line Maintenance Expertise: We offer comprehensive sewer line maintenance and repair services, including inspections to identify potential problems before they escalate. Addressing sewer line issues proactively can prevent major water waste, costly property damage, and unsanitary conditions, ensuring the integrity of your home’s entire plumbing system.

Don’t let water waste dampen your summer fun!

Contact Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling today for reliable service and expert advice to make your home more water-efficient. For a free, no-obligation consultation on your next plumbing project in Conroe, or surrounding areas, call us today at 281-645-9596 or request service online.