The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the average person uses around 80-100 gallons of water per day, with a family of four using between 300 and 500 gallons. Simple adjustments around the house can save up to 20% of your water usage. Water conservation is more than just about lowering water bills. Water scarcity is a growing global concern, and reducing our individual and collective water consumption helps protect vital freshwater resources for future generations and maintain healthy ecosystems. About 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, but less than 1% is accessible and suitable for human consumption.
Knowing these facts, it’s more important than ever for every homeowner to find ways to conserve water. The experienced plumbers in Arthurtown, SC at Mr. Rooter Plumbing share 10 ways to conserve water in your home.
Fix Water Leaks in Your Home
A steady drip from a leaky faucet may seem harmless, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water over the course of a year. The same goes for leaking toilets and pipes. A washer replacement or flapper fix can make a big difference. Regularly check for hidden leaks under sinks and behind appliances. Call a professional plumber to check for hidden water leaks in your home and make repairs.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Modern low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets are designed to use less water without sacrificing performance. In fact, a low-flow showerhead can save up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. These savings really add up over time. If you still have outdated fixtures in your home, consider replacing them with efficient models.
Take Shorter Showers
Long showers may feel great, but they also use a lot of water—up to 5 gallons per minute with older fixtures. We recommend you aim to keep showers under five minutes when possible. You can even challenge yourself or your family with a shower timer.
Turn Off the Tap While Brushing or Shaving
Many people leave the tap running while brushing their teeth or shaving. This can waste several gallons of water in just a few minutes. It’s advisable to turn off the faucet until you need to rinse.
Use Your Dishwasher Efficiently
Contrary to popular belief, using a dishwasher can use less water than hand washing as long as it’s full when you run it. Avoid pre-rinsing dishes and select the eco-mode if available.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Washing Machine
Laundry is another major water user in the home. High-efficiency washers use about 40–50% less water than standard models. Make sure to wash only full loads or adjust the water level to match the load size.
Collect and Reuse Water
You can repurpose water from a variety of sources in your home. For example, place a bucket in the shower while waiting for the water to heat up, then use that water to clean or water plants. You can also collect rainwater with a rain barrel for outdoor use.
Water Your Lawn Wisely
Outdoor water usage can be a huge drain, especially in the summer. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation, and avoid watering on windy days. Consider drought-resistant landscaping to further reduce the need for irrigation.
Insulate Pipes
Insulate your hot water pipes to ensure water heats up faster, which means you won’t need to let it run as long before it gets warm. Less waiting means less waste, and you’ll save on energy bills. Reach out to a professional plumbing repair service if you need help with pipe insulation.
Educate Your Household
Sometimes the most effective way to save water is simply raising awareness. Talk to your family or housemates about why water conservation matters and how each person can contribute. Small daily habits, when adopted by everyone in the home, can result in big savings.
Need Plumbing Service? Look No Further Than Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the local contractor to call when you’re in need of professional plumbing repair service. From leak repair to toilet upgrades, faucet replacement, pipe repair, and water line replacement, we do it all. We are the plumbers you can count on to help you conserve water in your home.
