2015 has quickly come to a close and it has been a great year! Now is the time to look back over the last 12 months and reflect on all of the wonderful things that happened, and even those things that could have gone better.

Another good tradition for the end of the year is to set goals and resolutions for the coming year. Many people take advantage of the end of year sales to purchase new appliances and fixtures for their home.

Buying newer appliances is a great way to make your home more water and energy efficient, as the newer models are built for efficiency. But, there are other things that you can do to improve the efficiency of your home without making a big purchase.

Here are some tips for you and your family for improving water-efficiency in 2016:

• Repair leaks. If you have noticed any small drips or leaks in your plumbing, make sure to get them repaired right away. While these leaks seem like they are no big deal, they can actually escalate to major issues. Not to mention that a small drip will add up to gallons of water that will be expensive on your water bill.
• Know your valves. This is the time of year when frozen and cracked pipes are a real concern. The best way to mitigate extensive water damage from a burst pipe is to know where the water shut off valve is for your plumbing system. Most fixtures have their own valves that can be turned off to eliminate just the water flow to that fixture. But, there is also a valve that shuts off all of the water to your home from the main supply. Make sure that you and your family members know where this valve is.
• Water heater service. Schedule a maintenance appointment for your water heater going into the New Year. These appointments are good for identifying small issues that need repair before they turn into major problems. For instance, a pressure valve that is not working properly, or a tank seam that is weakening.

Make sure that these maintenance tips are on your list for 2016 to keep your plumbing system in top working condition. The day-to-day maintenance is the best way to keep your system from having a breakdown and it’s easier than having to deal with a major problem.