Do you want your household to be more environmentally conscious? If so, then water usage reduction is a must. A single person can use up to 100 gallons of water per day! That’s a lot of wasted water that could have been used elsewhere. Here are some ways that you may be wasting water without being aware of it.
1) Using Your Toilet as a Trash Can
Did you know that toilets are responsible for almost a third of the average household’s indoor water consumption? Every time you flush a facial tissue or feminine product, you waste five to seven gallons of water. Not to mention flushing something other than human waste and toilet paper is bad for your pipes and drains!
2) Taking Long Showers
You probably knew this one was going to be on the list. How long of a shower do you take every day? If your shower lasts longer than 8 minutes, you’re in the above-average category. The average American shower is 8 minutes and uses 17.2 gallons of water – that’s a lot of water! Consider turning off the water as you soap up or while you shave.
3) Using a Conventional Showerhead
Consider installing a low-flow or aerating shower head to conserve more water and save money on your utility bills.
4) Leaky Pipes
Beyond the bathroom, leaky pipes throughout your household can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. Repair or replace leaking water lines as soon as possible. Keep an eye on your water bill month-to-month to also notice an increase in your water usage without any lifestyle changes. This is a quick way to spot hidden leaks.
5) Running the Washing Machine Without a Full Load
Every time you decide to do a load of laundry, ensure that it is a full load of laundry. This will be more cost-effective in the long run.
6) Running the Dishwasher Without a Full Load
Similar to the washing machine, make sure you are only running your dishwasher when it is completely full. And be sure to consider running it on a light cycle if a normal cycle isn’t necessary.
7) Overwatering Your Lawn
During the summer, it’s best to water your lawn in the early morning because the air is cooler and water evaporates more slowly. This allows your grass and garden plants to drink the moisture before the sun evaporates it.
8) Running Water While Brushing Your Teeth
If you’re in the habit of running water while you brush your teeth, simply remind yourself to turn it off and get in a new habit of leaving it off while you brush. This can add up over the course of a month or year!
Need Help? Contact Bodenheimer Plumbing
Have a leak? Need a new energy-efficient toilet installed? Contact our plumbing professionals at Bodenheimer Plumbing Services to help with all types of plumbing repairs, fixture replacements, water conservation, and more!
