Tips to Help You Save Water at Home
Water is essential for cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Like any natural resource, shortages can occur. Take steps to save water at home and you’ll preserve a valuable resource and lower your monthly utility bill.
Take Shorter Showers to Save Water at Home
A long, hot shower feels great first thing in the morning or after work. Depending on the showerhead, your shower could use several gallons per minute. Set a stopwatch to see how long you normally spend in the shower and then make a goal to reduce your shower time by a few minutes.
Check for Toilet Leaks
In many cases, we do not know when our toilets are leaking. If your water bill seems higher than usual, check the toilet for leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and do not flush the toilet. In 20 to 30 minutes, check to see if the coloring has appeared in the bowl. If so, you have a leak. Leaking toilets can waste over 100 gallons of water daily, increasing your water bill. Contact a plumber as soon as possible to have the leak repaired.
Don’t Flush Garbage
Sometimes we find it easier to toss trash into the toilet because it is convenient. But, with every bit of garbage we put in the toilet, we have to flush it away. Don’t dispose of things like cigarettes, tissue, cotton balls, or cat litter in the toilet. You’ll waste water by flushing garbage and you also risk clogging the line.
Choose Drought-Resistant Plants to Save Water at Home
As a homeowner, you want to have an attractive home and a nice yard to improve curb appeal. When planning your landscaping, choose native varieties and drought-resistant plants for the flower beds. These plants don’t need as much water and you’ll save money on the monthly bill. Native plants are accustomed to the local climate and will grow effortlessly in your area, requiring less water and less attention to flourish.
Repurpose Water for Your Lawn
A lawn with healthy green grass needs a lot of water, especially in the summer. If a green lawn is important to you, install a rain barrel at the base of your guttering’s downspout. Collect the rainwater and use it to water your lawn.
Turn the Water Off While Brushing
Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands. Turn the water on only to dampen your toothbrush or skin and turn it off again while you brush, shave, or lather. After you’re finished, use the tap to rinse. Teach family members to get into the habit of turning the tap off when running water is not needed.
Install a Water-Saving Showerhead
Older showerheads use several gallons of water per minute. To save water at home, install a new low-flow showerhead. Modern showerheads provide a luxury experience while using much less water. You won’t sacrifice water pressure and you will also enjoy a lower utility bill.
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