Saving water isn’t just a great way to reduce your utility bills—it also helps protect the environment. The average family home consumes huge amounts of water every month, and while some of that can’t be avoided due to everyday tasks like showering, washing clothes, and cleaning dishes, changing just a few habits and making a few home upgrades can significantly reduce your household water usage.
Follow These Tips to Reduce Your Home’s Monthly Water Usage
Water is a renewable resource, but using excessive amounts of it—especially when it’s unnecessary or wasteful—can hurt your wallet and even your local community. At Aqueduct Plumbing Company, we recommend that all homeowners follow these tips to reduce their water usage:
Repair or replace dripping and leaking faucets and pipes
Drips and leaks are two of the biggest causes of water waste in homes. In fact, a leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water in a single day, while actual leaks can waste hundreds. Inspect your faucets and pipes regularly, and if you notice drips or leaks, repair them yourself or call in a professional. If the problem is reoccurring, consider replacing the faucet or pipe.
Wash full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher
If you have only a handful of plates, dishes, or cutlery that you need cleaned right away, consider washing them by hand instead of running the dishwasher. You should also wait to run your washing machine until you have a full load. In addition, consider replacing old and outdated washing machines and dishwashers with new eco-friendly and energy efficient models, as they use less electricity and water on their cleaning cycles.
Only use a hose to rinse your car after washing it
Washing your car at home in the driveway is a great way to save time and money, but it can use a huge amount of water. Fill a bucket with soapy water and use it to clean the dirt and grime off your car instead of a hose. Only use a hose when you need to rinse the soap suds off the exterior, and use as little water pressure as needed to wash them away.
Install low-flow shower heads
One of the best ways to save water is to simply take shorter showers. However, that’s a tall task for many people. If you’re concerned about your family’s water usage but you don’t want your showers to turn into rushed affairs, low-flow shower heads are a great compromise. These shower heads can help save around 2.5 gallons of water per minute compared to standard shower heads.
Other effective tips include things like turning off the water while you’re brushing your teeth, rinsing razors in the sink instead of under running water, and keeping cold drinking water in the refrigerator instead of waiting for tap water to get cold.
Aqueduct Plumbing Company: Houston’s Trusted Plumbing Services
While changing your habits can significantly reduce your home’s water usage, some of the biggest water wastes are the result of malfunctioning plumbing. If you have a leak or drip that you can’t seem to stop—or if you’re looking to make major upgrades and repairs to your pipes and water heater—you need the experts at Aqueduct Plumbing Company. Call us today at (281) 488-6238 to request a quote or schedule an appointment.