Did you know that according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the average American home uses 80 to 100 gallons of water for indoor home use every single day? Not only is this incredibly wasteful, it can also be costing you significant money!
As the world begins to awaken to the importance of green energy and water conservation, we all should do our part to alleviate the problem where we can. Doing so doesn’t have to disrupt our daily lives either.
In fact, The Plumbing Works is here to tell you about six amazingly simple ways that you can reduce water usage in your home that will benefit both the environment and your wallet!
Turn Off the Tap
Unfortunately, the first entry on our list is a bad habit that many of us do regularly. Sometimes, while doing routine household tasks like shaving, brushing our teeth, or washing up, it just seems easier to leave the water running even when we’re not actively using it. Unfortunately, this behavior could be costing us dearly when it comes to water usage.
Being mindful of our water usage and remembering to shut off the faucet when ‘not actively in use can actually save way more than you think. During a 20-second hand washing session, experts say you may be wasting a quarter gallon of water. With all the handwashing we’ve been doing lately, this can really add up!
Take Shorter Showers
After a long day at work, sometimes nothing feels better than a nice, long shower. But did you know that longer showers are actually a common culprit of water waste?
According to Home Water Works, the average American shower lasts 7-8 minutes and uses 15.8 gallons of water each time. For many of us, significantly longer showers are the norm.
Try switching up your shower routine a little in an effort to save more water. For example, shutting off the water while you lather up or run shampoo through your hair can help. If you can, try just taking shorter showers in general.
Only Run Dishwashers and Washing Machines When Full
Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are incredibly helpful for our everyday cleaning tasks, but it’s important not to overuse them.
The reality is, both of these modern marvels use a significant amount of water to get the job done, so using them wisely and to their full capacity can be a wise decision when it comes to water conservation.
Keep Drinking Water in the Fridge
If you’re fortunate enough to live in an area where your tap water is safe to drink regularly, running to the faucet whenever you need a quick drink can be extremely tempting. But often, we don’t consider the water we’re wasting while waiting for the perfect temperature or in the event that we get distracted from the task at hand.
If you’re a frequent water-consumer who is constantly headed to the tap to get that perfect, icy-cold temperature, try keeping water in your fridge for easy access instead. You’d be surprised how much this can add up over time!
Fix Leaks Immediately
Trust the experienced professionals at The Plumbing Works, putting off the repair of a leaking pipe or faucet is never a good decision. In fact, hidden or neglected leaks waste an enormous amount of water over time, since they often occur 24/7.
No matter how tiny or insignificant they may seem, dripping faucets, loose joints, or hairline pipe fractures need to be repaired as soon as you find them. Not only will this help you conserve water, it can also prevent a larger, more catastrophic issue from occurring.
Upgrade Your Toilet
Did you know that older toilets typically use between 3.5 and 7 gallons of water per flush? By comparison, a modern, high-efficiency toilet can use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, according to Home Water Works.
Simply by upgrading your toilet, you can save your household a ridiculous amount of water per year. When shopping for a new toilet, be sure to keep your eye out for newer, nicer, more water-conscious models. Of course, once you do, don’t hesitate to contact the professional plumbers at TPW for a quick, easy, and inexpensive installation!
To learn more about the importance of home water conservation and how it can save both the environment and your wallet, don’t hesitate to contact The Plumbing Works in Reading, PA today! Whenever you need us, we’ll be there!
