After the doozy that 2020 was to all of us across the globe, we are learning to save and conserve necessities more than ever. Toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and meat were all scarce at some point in the last year, making Americans stop and consider different ways they can save in other areas as well.
One area where we can all improve is saving water. Water is a precious commodity essential for all life on our planet. Conserving water not only helps preserve this vital resource but also helps you lower your monthly utility bills. Below are some of the most effective and practical ways to help your household conserve water – and save money in the process.
- Check your faucets for leaks
A small drip from a single faucet can waste 50 or more gallons of water per day. Regularly inspecting faucets and fixing leaks promptly can lead to big savings. - Check your toilet for constant running or leaks
If your toilet continues to run long after you flush, it may have a leak. A leaking toilet can waste more than 100 gallons of water a day. Drop a bit of food coloring in the tank—if it appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak. - Take shorter showers
While it’s tempting to enjoy a long, hot shower, this can waste a significant amount of water. Try limiting your showers to 5 minutes. Installing low-flow showerheads can also make a noticeable difference. - Take a bath instead of a shower
If you prefer bathing, partially filling the tub can use less water than a typical shower. Bonus—it can also be a relaxing way to unwind. - Turn the water off while brushing your teeth
Bathroom faucets run at about two gallons per minute. Turning the water off while brushing your teeth can save up to four gallons each time. - Turn off the faucet while shaving
Instead of letting water run continuously, fill the sink with a few inches of water and rinse your razor there. This method conserves water and gets the job done just as well. - Pay attention to your dishwasher settings
If your dishwasher has an automatic or eco-friendly setting, use it. Also, wait until it’s fully loaded before running it to maximize efficiency and reduce waste. - Never use your toilet as a wastebasket
Avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper. Items like cigarette butts, tissues, feminine products, and wipes can clog pipes and cause your toilet to waste water due to improper flushing or resulting plumbing repairs. - Water your lawn wisely
If you water your yard, do so early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Consider drought-tolerant landscaping and using mulch to retain soil moisture. - Install water-efficient fixtures
Upgrade to WaterSense-labeled faucets, showerheads, and toilets. These products are tested for efficiency and performance and can significantly reduce household water use.
Most water conservation measures are easy and inexpensive to implement. While you may need to be mindful at first, these habits will soon become second nature, helping you save water and money in the long run. For more tips or help with water-saving plumbing solutions, contact Absolute Best Plumbing today.
