Save Water at Home With These Tips
Saving water is easier than you might think. There are quite a few ways for you to reduce the water used throughout your home. Much of it is about changing your habits. When you learn to save water at home, you will be able to make a positive impact on the environment and save on your monthly water bill.
Use Water-Efficient Appliances
Certain appliances that you use daily consume a good amount of water. Newer models of dishwashers, laundry machines, and toilets are more water efficient. Replacing these appliances over time can help you save water at home more effectively. If you’re unable to make this investment right now, start with changing your showerheads and faucets to low flow models.
Avoid Letting Water Run
You may not realize how often you allow water to run while doing a task in the bathroom and the kitchen. For example, turn off the bathroom sink when you’re brushing your teeth. Turn off the kitchen faucet when you are doing dishes. Consider filling the sink when you need to rinse vegetables or hand-wash dishes so that excess water isn’t going right down the drain.
Fix Leaks Immediately
A drip under your kitchen sink or a slow leak in your toilet can end up wasting hundreds of gallons of water over the course of the year. Even though it doesn’t seem like much, it adds up over time. You might not even notice the leak, so check cabinets under sinks for water stains or dampness.
Use a Broom Instead of a Hose Outdoors
An easy way to clear off the driveway, patio, or sidewalk is simply to turn on the water hose and spray the dirt off. However, you’re using an excessive amount of water to get this chore done. The more eco-friendly option is to use a broom to sweep all of the dirt away. You’ll get the same overall look without having to use the water (or wait for it to dry).
Take Showers Over Baths
Filling a bathtub uses many more gallons of water than taking a shower. You can save water at home by taking showers instead of baths. Consider timing yourself in the shower, too, so you don’t lose track of time. A five-minute shower is all you need. This switch saves water and the energy from your water heater. A low-flow showerhead will also make an impact on your water conservation efforts.
Take the time to talk to your entire family about the importance of saving water. When everyone focuses on how to save water at home, it will make a real difference. Start off small and implement another way to save with each passing week. In no time at all, you’ll be making a difference in your water bill and the environment.
Blue Knight Home Inspections provides home water testing and other home inspection services to Greater San Antonio. Contact us to schedule an appointment.