Introduction
The most basic way to reduce your water usage at home is to install water-efficient showerheads, faucets and toilets. You can also take shorter showers and check for leaks around your home. If you notice any drips or leaks, fix them immediately! You should also replace older appliances with newer models that use less water and energy. Repairing leaks as soon as you notice them in pipes or faucets will save water and money!
Install water-efficient showerheads, faucets and toilets.
Install water-efficient showerheads, faucets and toilets.
Check with your local water supplier for rebates on new technology.
You can save up to 20% of water with these products that are easy to install.
Take shorter showers.
Take shorter showers. Showers use more water than baths, so try to make them shorter and more efficient. If you have a tub, consider taking baths instead of showers--you'll save even more!
Use a low-flow showerhead or faucet aerator to reduce the amount of water used in each shower or bath. You can also install an on/off valve under your sink to shut off the flow while you're brushing your teeth (or doing anything else that doesn't require running water).
Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
This one is a no-brainer! Did you know, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) stated that leaving the water running while brushing your teeth wastes an average of four gallons each time. In a four-person household, where each person brushes twice each day, that’s 32 gallons of water wasted. Why bother wasting all that water and money when you don’t use any water between dampening the toothbrush and rising in the first place. So, turn the faucet off as often as possible when brushing those pearly whites.
Check for leaks around your home.
Check for leaks around your home. Check for leaks in toilets, faucets and pipes. Look for drips in the basement and around the washing machine, dishwasher, hot water heater and other appliances. If you find a leaky faucet or pipe, repair it right away by tightening connections or replacing washers (for example: no more wasted water!).
Wash full loads of laundry and dishes.
Washing full loads of laundry and dishes is an easy way to save water. You also can reduce your consumption by turning off the water while you brush your teeth or shave, as well as taking shorter showers.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk. This is not only better for the environment, but also for your health as well. Brooms are less likely to spread germs and bacteria than hoses, which can spray water onto nearby surfaces and into the air where it drifts into people's eyes, noses, mouths and lungs.
Replace older appliances with newer models that use less water and energy.
The first step to saving water is to replace older appliances with newer models that use less water and energy. Newer models are more efficient and use less water, so if you have an old dishwasher or clothes washer, consider replacing it with a newer model. If you're thinking about purchasing new appliances, look for ones with high Energy Star ratings.
Repair leaks as soon as you notice them in pipes or faucets.
Repair leaks as soon as you notice them in pipes or faucets. Leaks can waste a lot of water and money, not to mention the environmental impact of wasted resources.
Replace your toilet's flapper with a new one if it doesn't seal properly or if you hear gurgling noises when it flushes.
If you have an older dishwasher with a valve that sticks, replace it with one that has no moving parts--you'll save energy and water every time you run the machine.
Don't overuse the garbage disposal. A garbage disposal should only be turned on when you have food waste ready to go down it!
If you use the garbage disposal often, it can cause clogs and leaks.
Use the garbage disposal only when necessary. If you have food waste ready to go down it!
Conclusion
With so many ways to save water, it's easy to find one that works for you. For additional tips and tricks, here are some other articles on our blog: Good Reading
Building Specs Home Inspection Service offers home inspections in Orange, San Diego and South Los Angeles Counties. Contact us to request an appointment for our services.
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