The Significance of the International Day of Peace

Did you know that September 21st is the International Day of Peace? It’s a United Nations celebration that was created by a UN resolution in 1981. The purpose of the day is to have all people around the globe come together and commit to working towards peace.

The day advocates for unity and encourages everyone to work to create a culture of peace. This year the theme of the International Day of Peace, sometimes known just as Peace Day, is climate change. Peace Day celebrations this year will focus on how combating climate change is a way to promote peace.

In the spirit of the day, today we’re going to talk about plumbing systems, water usage and ways that you can help celebrate Peace Day this year.

What Plumbing Technology Means for Our Daily Routines

As we pause this September to commit to and reflect upon a culture of peace, it’s hard not to appreciate the quality of life that we have. We live in peaceful communities where all of our basic needs are consistently met.

While we don’t think about it much, our plumbing systems make this quality of life possible.

From our cooking to hygiene to even laundry, our current quality of life is made possible by plumbing technology. It’s easy to take access to clean water and hot water for granted, but it’s something that plays a part in almost every aspect of our daily life.

Concerns About Water Droughts

With rising temperatures and a changing climate, we can expect to have more droughts. These will come more often and be more extreme. These coupled with other natural water disasters could have an impact on all of our communities.

Knowing these risks, it’s important to conserve water as much as possible. Take steps to ensure that your home is efficiently using water - for example, make sure that there are no leaking pipes, that you have high-efficiency appliances, and that your family is conscious of water use.

Additionally, consider using rain barrels to collect water for use in your yard. By taking some small steps to conserve water, we can all work to ensure that we have adequate water access and that we protect this important natural resource.

Seeking World Peace

The International Day of Peace is all about coming together for the common good and globally seeking a more peaceful world. And this year, that unity is specifically focused on climate change and how we can combat it.

Our reliance on plumbing technology and water is just one of the many ways that our lives are dependent on natural resources. If we want to continue to live with the comfort, safety, and health that we currently enjoy, it’s important that we work to protect the planet.

Let’s all make some small changes and work together to help protect the environment. The more we can work together, the more successful our efforts will be. We take so much for granted in our daily routines, and we often forget how dependent we are on natural resources.

Everything from the water we drink to the air we breathe is reliant on a clean planet. Given the importance of protecting the planet, let’s all celebrate Peace Day this year and work together to help combat climate change.

How Plumbers Help Reduce Health Issues From Unclean Water

You may rely on your plumber for your mental health to help you when you experience a stressful plumbing leak. However, your plumber also does a great deal to support your family’s physical health too.

Contaminated water can cause serious illness and even death, depending on the nature of the contaminant. Young children, the immune-compromised and the elderly are most vulnerable. Your plumbing has a lot to do with keeping your water safe.

Here is what you need to know about your water here in San Antonio, TX.

Older Home?

Prior to a couple of decades ago, lead was commonly used in plumbing pipes. The problem is that lead can transfer from these pipes directly into your drinking water.

It is worthwhile upgrading your piping to PVC, which is not only more resistant to leaks, it is less likely to contaminate your water.

Get in the habit of cleaning out your faucet aerators as well. Deposits build up in there and can cause your water to be impure. Run the water for a bit every time that you are using it for drinking or for cooking.

Water gets contaminated more easily if it is stagnant, so make sure you run your faucets if you’ve been away on holidays, just to “clean” it out.

Your Water can Make you Sick

Impure water is about more than tasting bad. You can get seriously ill. Salmonella, E. coli, Hepatitis A and a host of other diseases are linked to contaminated drinking water.

Unclean water can cause a host of symptoms, like gastrointestinal illness, neurological problems or even reproductive problems. It’s not something to take lightly, especially if you or someone in your family falls within the vulnerable groups.

It’s worthwhile as an extra safety measure to install a water filtration system right on your tap to filter out impurities.

Be a Water Conservation Superhero

When it comes to water conservation, every little bit counts. Make a point of keeping your eyes open for plumbing leaks.

Start in your basement and walk about, looking for evidence of leaks, like pooling water or mold growth. Don’t forget to open up cabinetry under sinks to look for moisture.

You can also conserve water by being mindful about how you use it. Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands.

Gather water in a bucket when you are waiting for the shower to heat up and use it to water your plants. Don’t run water to rinse dishes or to defrost food. By following these tips, you will do your part to help conserve water.

Info About Water Leak Detection

Many homeowners will experience a leak or two over the years that they own their homes. Some are easily fixed.

Some are the signs of a much bigger problem that can cause a great deal of costly damage to your home and your belongings. Many leaks are visible- but what about the ones that aren’t, like leaks in your foundation?

You need professional tools and training to source these out. In the meantime, here are some points for you to consider as a homeowner to help keep leaks at bay.

What A Leak Can Do

A small leak can cause a big problem, both to the structure of your home and to your belongings.

When drywall or other wood products get wet, they get weakened, which can cause decay, breakage or warping.

All of which might threaten your home’s structural integrity.

This can lower your home’s property value and put you on the hook for expensive and extensive repairs.

A leak can also negatively impact your health.

Excess moisture creates the prime conditions for mold growth, which poses a serious health risk for your family.

Consider Preventative Maintenance

Knowing how serious a water leak can be, it is well worth your while. Practice preventative maintenance when it comes to leak detection.

Let’s say that the troublesome leak is occurring in your foundation or in the concrete slab that your home sits on.

It’s hard for you to determine where exactly the leak is at without the use of specialized leak detection equipment.

You are far more likely to discover this leak before it has a chance to develop into a major problem, if you have professionals come inspect your home regularly.

Some trouble signs you should look for on you own include:

• - hearing water running even when pipes are turned off
• - your hot water tank turning on often
• - increase in water bills

If you are experiencing any of these, call for help.

Do I Have A Leak?

There are a few reliable methods to help you find where your leaks are coming from.

Plumbing leaks can come from your pipes but are also common from hoses around your appliances and plumbing fixtures.

Keep on the lookout for pooling water on the floor and damp spots on the walls and ceiling.

Another problem is if you see mold growing, which is caused by extra moisture (i.e. a leak).

Also, cause for concern is the presence of mold or mildew odors, which can also signal the presence of your leak.