Do you know how much water your family uses in a day? By reducing your water usage, you’ll save money and preserve a natural resource. Saving water isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Preserve water to reduce the load on plumbing pipes, protect the environment, and lower your water bill. Here are some tips to help you start saving water at home.
The bathroom and the kitchen are the areas of the home with the greatest water consumption. These are also the easiest places to start saving water. It’s not necessary to install all new water-saving appliances and fixtures. Here are a few easy ways to reduce water usage in your home.
Saving Water in the Bathroom
Use these easy ways to start conserving water in your bathroom.
- Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving. Collect excess water while you wait for the water to reach a certain temperature and use it to scrub the floors or water the lawn.
- Limit time bathing. A relaxing bath feels great, but filling the tub requires a lot of water. If you must use the bath, only fill it half-way. Opt for showers instead of baths to save water.
- Set a timer for your shower. Most people find they can reduce their shower by a few minutes. Set a timer and try to cut off a minute or two each day. Five minutes is plenty of time to shower.
- One of the best ways to save money in the bathroom is to install a low-flow showerhead. They are relatively inexpensive and you’ll save water, without losing water pressure.
Use Less Water in the Kitchen
The kitchen closely follows the bathroom for using the most water. The best ways to save water in the kitchen include:
- Repurpose water used for washing produce to water houseplants.
- Only use the dishwasher when it’s full. When hand-washing dishes, don’t leave the water running to rinse. Instead, fill one basin with soapy water and use the other basin to rinse.
- Repair any dripping faucets and check your dishwasher and ice-maker hoses for leaks.
One of the easiest ways to save water for outdoor use is by using a rain barrel or buckets to collect rainwater. Use your collected water for the garden, washing the car, or filling a birdbath.
Keep an eye on your water bill and monitor it for spikes. If you notice a sudden increase, there may be a problem with the fixtures or plumbing in your home. Even small changes in your water use have a significant impact on helping the environment.
Cole’s Inspection Services offers home inspections in Statesville, NC, and the surrounding area. Contact us to request an appointment.