Preserving water in your home can not only save you money on your water bill, but it can also help prevent droughts and water pollution.
There are ways to save water in every corner of your home, from the types of fixtures you have to the detection of unknown leaks.
Minimize the use of garbage disposal
You most likely run your water while using the garbage disposal, as they need it to operate properly. The number of solids not only affects the efficiency of the disposal but the amount of water you run down it as it runs.
Overusing it can lead to the increased volume of your septic tank and eventually cause issues. An alternative is composting, instead of disposing of it.
Dishwasher vs. hand washing
Hand washing the dishes uses a lot more water if you keep the sink running. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the dishwasher uses about half as much water, making it more efficient and saving thousands of gallons a year.
Don’t leave the water running
Just like you shouldn’t leave the water running while doing the dishes, you also shouldn’t let the water run while brushing your teeth. Instead, wet your brush as needed and keep a glass of water for rinsing your mouth once you have finished brushing.
Don’t use your toilet as a trashcan
Don’t flush non-flushable items down the toilet. Every tissue or cigarette you choose to flush can use up to 7 extra gallons of water.
Install water-saving fixtures
Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, which means it is the site of the most water usage.
Some options for low-flow solutions include:
- Adjustable toilet flappers
- Low or dual-flush toilets
- Low-flow shower heads
- Low-flow faucets
You can install low-flow fixtures in all areas of your home to maximize water preservation.
Shorter showers
A simple and no-cost way of saving water is taking shorter showers. Turn off the water as you wash your body or hair and turn it on to rinse off. Installing a shower timer can help with keeping track of how much time and water you use in the shower.
Only wash laundry when loads are full
Depending on the way you separate your laundry, you may have multiple size loads. To minimize water use, only wash loads when they are full. This could mean wearing clothes, like jeans more than once or maybe skipping the extra rinse cycle on your delicates.
High efficiency washing machines
Did you know top-load and front-load washers often differ in the amount of water used? The average washing machine uses about 40 gallons per load, according to the EPA.
When investing in a new machine, take the efficiency and water usage of the system into consideration.
Lead detection
Small plumbing or slab leaks can often turn disastrous if not detected early and taken care of.
You can check your fixtures for visible leaks if you hear water dripping or running.
Other signs of leaks include:
Some leaks are more complicated,
- The sound of running water in your walls or when taps are off
- Excess moisture or condensation in your home
- Damp spots on your floor or carpets
- Brown stains on your walls or ceiling
- Mildew and mold buildup in your home
- Wet spots in your yard
- Areas where your grass and plants are greener than others
- Flooding
Leaks can appear in your plumbing or in the slab foundation of your home. Slab leaks can be dangerous since they are out of sight. If you think you may have a leak, call a leak detection professional to help find the source and put a stop to the water-wasting leak.
Cover your pool
Pool covers can reduce the amount of evaporation. They can also help retain your pool’s temperature.
Covers are proven to cut the replacement of water up to 50 percent in pools.
Water your lawn during cool parts of the day
Watering at the right time of day can help prevent extra water usage. Evaporation levels are higher during hotter times of the day.
Whether you water by hand or schedule your sprinklers, be mindful of what time you are feeding your plants.
Bobby L Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co., is full of experts within the Shreveport, Louisiana area and can provide top-notch assistance in leak detection. Call us at 318-731-9447 for all your Plumbing needs!