One of the best ways to protect the environment is to use water responsibly in your home. Conserving water means you’ll spend less on your utility bill every month. Here are a few ways you can save water at home.
Fix Leaks to Save Water at Home
Leaking pipes in the house can cause water damage and mold growth. Check for damp areas under the sinks and dark stains on the walls. These are signs of plumbing leaks. Hire a professional plumber to make repairs at the first sign of an issue.
Turn Off the Water When Brushing Your Teeth
Many people leave the faucet running to brush their teeth or wash their hands. Several gallons of water are wasted this way. Use the water to moisten your skin or the toothbrush, then turn it off. After brushing or lathering, turn the tap back on to rinse.
Install Faucet Aerators
Install faucet aerators in your home to reduce the amount of water that you use. A faucet aerator has mesh screens that disperse the water into many smaller streams so that less water flows from the tap. An aerator reduces consumption without affecting the water pressure from your faucet.
Replace the Showerheads to Save Water at Home
Older showerheads use 5 to 8 gallons of water per minute. This means if you take a 10-minute shower, you will use 50+ gallons of water. If everyone in your house showers every day, you’ll have a higher than necessary water bill. Conserve water by replacing old showerheads with new, low-flow models. These use less than 2.5 gallons per minute without sacrificing water pressure.
Repurpose Water
Save water by reusing water in your home. Collect the water used for washing vegetables or cooking pasta and repurpose it to water houseplants or your garden. You can also use water saved from washing your hands to clean parts of your home.
An easy way to collect water is to install a rain barrel at the base of your downspout. The rain from your guttering will be funneled into the barrel and you can use it for watering your flower beds, garden, and lawn.
Repair Toilet Leaks
Save water in the home by checking your toilet for leaks. A leaking toilet can waste 200 gallons of water every day. To test for leaks, put a drop of food color in the toilet’s tank. Wait 15 to 20 minutes. If you see color in the bowl, you have a leak. Call a plumber to fix the problem and save water and money on your water bill.
Exceptional Engineering Home Inspections provides home inspection services. Contact us to schedule an appointment in Maricopa County.