Reducing water consumption is one of the simplest and most effective ways to impact our environment. With a few minor changes to your daily habits, you’ll save money on your utility bills while preserving a valuable natural resource. Here are ten tips to help you save water at home.
Use Rainfall to Save Water at Home
Rainwater is a free resource that can be used for numerous purposes around the house. Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering your lawn and gardens or cleaning the car. You can find rain barrels for purchase online and at your local hardware store.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures to Help You Save Water at Home
Low-flow fixtures reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Install low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets to reduce your household’s water consumption by up to 50%.
Check for Leaks
A leaking toilet or dripping faucet may not seem like much, but the wasted water adds up quickly. Check plumbing fixtures for leaks and repair them as soon as possible.
Shorten Shower Times
Reducing shower time is one of the simplest ways to save water in your home. Set a timer when you shower, and try to keep it under five minutes.
Turn Off the Tap to Save Water at Home
Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands. Use the water to moisten your skin or toothbrush and turn it off again. Don’t leave it running when not necessary. This small change can save gallons of water every day.
Install an Efficient Dishwasher to Save Water at Home
A modern dishwasher will use less water than washing dishes by hand, but only if it’s an efficient model. Use the energy-saving setting, and only run the machine when you have a full load.
Water Your Lawn Efficiently
Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires water but doesn’t require wasting resources. Avoid watering in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. Drip irrigation systems use far less water than standard sprinkler systems.
Run Full Loads in the Washing Machine
Don’t waste water by running partial loads in the clothes washing machine. Wait until you have a full load of laundry.
Reuse Greywater to Save Water at Home
Greywater is wastewater from your sinks and showers that can be reused for non-drinking purposes. Use the water from boiling pasta to water your garden. If you have to wait several minutes for the shower to get warm, capture the water in a bucket and repurpose it for housecleaning or bathing the dog.
Conserve Water in the Kitchen
In the kitchen, use two separate containers when washing vegetables and fruits, one with soapy water and one with clean rinse water. Don’t let the faucet run while washing dishes. Instead, use the same technique for your dishes: fill one side of the sink with soapy water and the other with water for rinsing.
These simple tips make it easy to save money while protecting our environment. Put these ideas into practice in your home and start making a difference.
Stevens Home Inspections offers inspection services to customers in the Northern Texas area, including Dallas, Frisco, Plano, Allen, and Prosper. Contact us to request an appointment.