When looking for ways to lower your utility bills, cutting back on water usage in your home is an excellent place to start. The following are some of the most straightforward tactics to save water at home.
How to Save Water at Home
The most simple and obvious way to save water is to use less. When brushing your teeth, turn off the faucet instead of letting it run until you’re finished. The same goes for shaving or washing your face.
Save up to 25 gallons of water by showering instead of bathing. Reduce the duration of your showers by just a few minutes to lower your water bill. You will also save water by only running your washing machine and dishwasher with full loads.
Another easy and affordable way to conserve water is by displacing it in the toilet tank. A brick or full bottle of water in your tank keeps the same pressure while reducing water usage.
And finally, don’t ignore a dripping faucet. The EPA estimates that one drip per second can add up to 3000 gallons of water per year. It’s well worth your time to fix that leak in your tub or sink.
Don’t Let Used Water Go to Waste
Save water at home by reusing it around the house. Catch clean water in a bucket while waiting for the shower to run hot and clean the floors or water houseplants. Capture water in a rain barrel and use it to water your lawn and garden.
Energy Efficient Toilets, Faucets, and Appliances
If you can afford to replace your old, inefficient toilets and faucets, do so with a WaterSense labeled fixture. The EPA recommends WaterSense toilets and faucets because they meet EPA criteria for saving water. A WaterSense labeled toilet uses 20 percent less water than older models.
Get a 30 percent increase in faucet efficiency by installing a WaterSense labeled aerator. These low-flow fixtures save water while maintaining strong water pressure. Water usage can decrease by as much as 50% with an efficient aerator.
Choose an energy-efficient model if you are replacing a major appliance like a dishwasher or washing machine. Look for the ENERGY STAR label on new appliances, as these models use up to 50% less energy and water.
While these solutions are more costly than the earlier tips, they will pay for themselves over time by helping you conserve water for years.
A Superior Inspection, LLC provides home inspection services in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. Contact us to schedule an appointment.