3 Ways to Save Water
The cost of homeownership is continuously rising. Beyond the typical mortgage and insurance costs, there are repair and utility costs. While you may not be able to reduce all the costs associated with homeownership without jumping through a lot of hoops, there are easy ways to, substantially, lower your utility and repair costs. Saving water doesn’t just lead to a cheap water bill. Homeowners that take steps towards reducing their household water consumption are contributing to ending severe regional drought conditions. So, what can you do today to start saving water? Here are three suggestions that not only conserve water but also protect your plumbing system from expensive repairs.
Replace Outdated Fixtures
Replacing old, outdated bathroom and kitchen sink faucets doesn’t just upgrade a space. While the aesthetic benefits are obvious, what’s not so clear is how non-efficient a faucet that is 10 or 20 years old may be. Faucets that do not turn off and drip continuously waste 100 of gallons of water each year. Installing new bathroom or kitchen faucets isn’t a costly repair and can easily be done by a professional within an hour or two.
Inspect Your Home for Leaks
Water leaks have a way of sneaking up on you and causing problems seemingly overnight. As spontaneous as water leaks may appear to be, the truth is that the leaks that cause the most damage have probably been present for quite some time. Household leaks such as slab leaks and sewer leaks cost homeowners thousands of dollars in damage and can threaten the integrity of the home’s foundation as well as the health of its occupants. Some leaks are visible, but the hidden leaks are the ones that can cause the most problems. The presence of mold, cracks in the foundation, or unexplained puddling on the floor are all signs that something isn’t right. If you suspect you have a leak or just want to do a routine check, take a look at the water meter in your yard or on the side of your home. Note the information on the meter then wait about two hours. Do not use the water during this time. Come back and see if the information has changed. If it has changed, call your local plumber to come out and perform electronic leak detection or other leak detection methods to find out what’s going on.
Upgrade to Water-saving Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances
High-efficiency toilets, faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can reduce water usage by as much as 35%. Yes, these appliances and fixtures can cost a bit more upfront, but after just a few years of usage the utility savings usually makes up for the initial investment. Other ways to reduce water consumption include:
- Taking short showers
- Watering the lawn less frequently
- Running the dishwasher for shorter cycles
- And, turning the water off when brushing your teeth
For more water-saving ideas or to schedule an evaluation of your plumbing system for additional water savings, call Rooter Hero Plumbing today!