Water is the earth’s most valuable resource. We use it everyday; we drink it, clean with it and use it in household appliances and equipment. The average single-family household generally uses close to 70 gallons of water, every day. And though it is a renewable resource, there are many areas where it is in limited supply, making water conservation important everywhere.
Water conservation doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a few simple steps to start with that will go a long way to help to save the water supply and help families save money.
Many plumbers suggest starting with these three tips:
One, avoid running water during tasks when possible, such as: brushing teeth, scrubbing during hand washing, taking a shower or washing the dishes. Users really only need to turn the water on to rinse.
There are also faucets that are higher performing and water efficient. A plumbing service can help homeowners assess the family’s water use and recommend the most efficient fixtures, as well as provide the plumbing installation service.
Second, fix any and all plumbing leaks. About 10% of all households waste 90 gallons of water or more each day, through leaks in the plumbing system. Homeowners can save 10% each month on their water bill by fixing simple water leaks in their home.
Some simple leaks, such those as under the sink, may be a weekend do-it-yourself project. However, for many families that are steadily on the go or are overwhelmed by DYI projects, calling a plumber to handle the plumbing repairs could save time and money.
Also, some leaks may not be easily detected, especially under the house. Some plumbing repairs may require a plumbing service to find and repair the leaks. The cost of repairs now can lead to big savings in the long run.
With most plumbing issues, prevention goes a long way in savings. It’s important to guard pipes under the sink against freezing in the winter, especially in older houses. Also, while servicing clogged drains may not seem like a way to conserve water, its important to note that improper techniques can lead to damaged pipes or appliances. This can lead to leaks and a costly bill.
Note that most clogged drains are caused by improper grease disposal or loose hair strands, and may be easily cleared if caught early. But remember, if clog is still not cleared after a few attempts; call a plumbing service to avoid damage and further repairs.
Third, check the efficiency of the toilets in your house. The average household toilet is responsible for 25% to 30% of the family’s water consumption.
In an effort to help America conserve water during the 1990s, new laws were passed that changed the amount of water that toilets would use during each flush. Thus, companies began production of low flow toilets.
Only 1.3 gallons of water is required to fill and flush a low flush toilet, compared to the earlier productions that used 5 gallons or more to fill and flush. The average household who uses a low flush toilet could save an estimated $90 a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Close to 27 million households and businesses across the United States now have low flush toilets, saving billions of water and dollars with every flush.
There are many ways to homeowners can save money through water conservation. These are just a few steps. Plumbing services can also help with many other plumbing installation and usage options to help homeowners save water, time and money.
