An Essential Guide to Saving Water at Home

How Can I Save Water at Home?

One thing that might not be at the forefront of any homeowner’s mind is how much water they’re using daily. From washing dishes in the sink to bathing the family dog in the tub, water is not a luxury, but a necessity — which can come at a very high cost if used in excess.

However, it’s also essential to cut back on your overall water consumption and make adjustments where necessary. If you’re looking to make a conscious effort to conserve H2O around your humble abode, here are some helpful tips on how to make that happen:

Ways to Save Water at Home

Have Plumbing Leaks Repaired Right Away

One of the best ways to save water is to have plumbing leaks repaired right away in your home. Whether they’re big or small, they can waste an alarming amount of water — potentially leading to a plumbing nightmare down the road if they go unaccounted for.

The EPA states that ten percent of homes have water leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. And when you think about that in the long run, it can equate to 10,000 gallons of water by the end of the year. So, always remember that, when in doubt, have that leak checked out (and repaired right away by a professional).

Take Shorter Showers

On average, how long would you say that your showers last? If it’s anywhere over five minutes, you could be wasting more water than you realize. A traditional showerhead uses about five gallons of water per minute when in use — so if you’re taking a shower that lasts anywhere over five minutes, you could be using up to 25 gallons of water.

In a conscious effort to prevent this from happening, consider keeping showers five minutes or less. Not only is this more than enough time for you to wash your body and shampoo your hair, but you’ll be using less water in the long run — which is always a perk!

Of course, if you’re looking to cut back on your H2O consumption even further, consider investing in a low-flow showerhead to sweeten the deal.

Turn the Water Off When Brushing Your Teeth

Let’s face it: Many of us are guilty of leaving the faucet on when brushing our teeth, thinking it will help wash any excess toothpaste down the drain. But unfortunately, that doesn’t work, and you waste an alarming amount of water in the process.

While brushing your pearly whites, consider doing the following to help cut back on your water consumption:

1. Turn the faucet on, wet your toothbrush, fill up a rinse cup, and shut the faucet off.

2. Brush your teeth, rinse, and carry out the remainder of your oral hygiene routine with the water off.

3. Once you are entirely done, turn the faucet on, rinse your brush and any “leftovers” in the sink after your brushing session, and shut the faucet off.

Limit the Amount of Baths You Take

No, we’re not saying to stop bathing altogether — but maybe consider taking more showers rather than soaking in a tub. The reason is that baths can use up to 50 gallons of water versus a shower that can use up to five gallons of water per minute.

Another thing to keep in mind when taking a bath is to avoid using a bath bomb. While this won’t help with water conservation, it can help preserve your home’s plumbing — something that is equally important. Unlike soap and shampoo, bath bombs contain various ingredients (i.e., oil, glitter, etcetera) that can gradually cause a clog in the drain.

Professional Plumbers in Renton, WA

For the best plumbing services in Renton and the surrounding areas, turn to The Plumbing Joint Inc.! We will get right to work on fixing any problems that have arisen with your home’s plumbing!

Call us today at (425) 228-3204 to schedule your service!