Water is one of our most valuable resources, and conserving it benefits both the environment and your wallet. Simple changes to the things you do every day can help you conserve water. Whether it’s making small adjustments around the house or upgrading your appliances, every little bit helps. Fix-a-Leak in Bohemia, NY is here to provide some easy water conservation tips to help you positively impact your home and the planet.
Check for Leaks Around the House
Leaks might be small, but they can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Whether it’s a slow drip from a leaky faucet or a running toilet, these small problems add up. For example, a faucet that drips once every year wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water. That’s water you’re paying for but not using.
Start by checking your faucets and showerheads for drips. If you find any, they can usually be fixed with an easy fix, like changing a worn-out washer or tightening a connection. Toilets are another common source of leaks. Every day, a toilet that is running can waste up to 200 gallons of water if left unchecked.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Many modern faucets, showerheads, and toilets are designed to use less water while still providing the same level of functionality. For instance, low-flow showerheads can cut water usage by as much as 50%, all while maintaining water pressure and comfort.
If you’ve ever stood under a shower that dribbled rather than flowed, you know how frustrating it can be. Luckily, today’s low-flow showerheads are a far cry from the old models that had weak water pressure. Newer designs use air pressure or innovative technology to maintain a strong, satisfying spray while using far less water.
Low-flow toilets are also an easy upgrade. Older toilets can use up to 5 or 6 gallons of water per flush, while modern, efficient models use just 1.28 gallons per flush.
Be Smart About Watering Your Lawn
Watering your lawn is a necessary part of maintaining your outdoor space, but it’s also an area where you can make a big impact on water conservation. Many people over water their lawns, using more water than their grass needs. The first step in water-saving lawn care is to check how much water your lawn requires. Lawns typically need about an inch of water per week, but this can vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
Rather than watering your lawn every day, try watering it less often but for longer periods. Deep watering helps the roots grow deeper, making your grass more drought resistant. Watering in the early morning or late evening will also cut down on evaporation and make sure the water gets absorbed into the soil where it’s needed.
Another option is to invest in an irrigation system with a timer or rain sensor. This way, you won’t waste water on a rainy day, and you can set your system to water at the optimal times.
Run Full Loads in the Dishwasher and Laundry Machine
If you’re doing laundry or dishes, it’s tempting to run a load as soon as you have just enough items to fill the machine. However, it’s far more water-efficient to wait until you have a full load. Running partial loads in your dishwasher or washing machine can waste water and energy, so try to hold off until you have enough to fill up the appliance.
Most modern dishwashers and washing machines are designed to be energy- and water-efficient, so using them efficiently helps you make the most of the water and energy you’re using. Load dishes correctly in your dishwasher to optimize water usage and cleaning. Similarly, make sure your washing machine is fully loaded before starting a cycle to avoid wasting water on just a few items.
Take Shorter Showers
It’s easy to let the water run while you’re shampooing your hair or daydreaming, but about 2 gallons of water are used every minute in the shower. By reducing taking a shower by cutting the time in half, you can save gallons of water every week.
If you’re looking for even more ways to save water in the shower, consider using a water-saving showerhead. These heads are designed to use less water but still provide a satisfying shower experience. You can also turn off the water while you’re lathering up with soap or shampoo and turn it back on to rinse. It’s a simple habit change that can have a big impact.
Call Us Today
Adopting water-saving habits is a simple way to reduce your water usage and cut down on your bills. You can help the earth and save money at the same time by making small changes, like low flow fixtures and toilets. Want more tips on how to save water? Call Fix-a-Leak today and start making a difference. In addition to our plumbing services, we also offer heating services and bathroom and kitchen remodeling services.
