As the warm weather returns, now is a good time to focus on your plumbing. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the average family uses about 320 gallons of water a day. In the warmer months that can almost triple to 1,000 gallons a day. That extra water usage can put pressure on your plumbing to perform. Here are some tips from the trusted plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to keep in mind as the seasons change:

1. Plumbing inspection and maintenance

A whole house plumbing inspection by a trusted, plumbing professional can detect leaks and problems you may not even be aware of. You can recoup the cost of the inspection quickly if the plumber finds leaks, clogs and other ways water is being wasted. Recently, a home in Washington was damaged when the boiler exploded. Fortunately, no one was hurt! Your boilers and water heaters can be inspected during a plumbing inspection.

2. Adjust the temperature

Adjust the temperature of your hot water heater to 120º F. This can help save energy and reduce scalding with simple plumbing maintenance.

3. Repair leaks

The EPA estimates more than one trillion gallons of water are wasted each year in U.S. homes. The biggest culprits are leaking faucets and valves, as well as worn toilet flappers. Many of these jobs you can do yourself or call a trusted plumber for help. Plumbers also have professional grade replacement parts that can outlast store bought parts.

4. Upgrade your plumbing

New government regulations for water heaters will soon take effect. These changes are designed to make water heaters more energy efficient. If you have an older water heater, you could upgrade to a current model to reduce plumbing maintenance. The newest models, made with the new standards, are expected to be larger and possibly more expensive. Contact a professional plumber to learn more.