Summer is the time of year when you are likely to see your water bill jump due to increased consumption. Everyone is having a great time playing outdoors, swimming pools need to be filled, and the garden will produce a bumper crop if you deliver enough water. But it is essential to know that you do not need to skimp on any of these great summer activities because there are several other ways that you can focus on saving water without spoiling all the summer fun.
Eliminate Unnecessary Waste Indoors
Even if you are reasonably responsible with your water use indoors, there is likely to be a tip or two that you have overlooked that can offset some of your home’s increased outdoor water use this summer. And the best part of these tips is that they will not ask you to give up anything you enjoy or any of the conveniences you need to free up more time to enjoy the fantastic summer weather.
- Stop hand washing dishes to save a significant amount of water. Even washing a few items can consume nearly as much as an entire dishwasher cycle. An Energy Star rated dishwasher uses only 4-6 gallons of water for a whole load of dishes.
- When washing fruit or veggies, fill a large bowl or pot with water instead of leaving the water running. It will save about two gallons of water a minute.
- Turn off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth. That will save about three gallons of water each time someone in the house brushes their teeth.
- Only wash full loads of laundry. The average machine uses about 30 gallons of water per load. Make the most of this water by washing full loads. Also, consider a high-efficiency washer when it is time to replace your older model. The HE units use as little as 15 gallons per full load.
Check For Leaks Regularly
Leaks can appear in the water lines inside your home, at appliances that use water, and even in your hoses and sprinkler system. And all of them cost you money by wasting water. Invest a few minutes each month to tour your home and property to look for water leaks. Some critical areas to investigate include:
- Under sinks and around bathtubs and showers
- Under and around toilets
- At your water heater
- The hoses on your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator water dispenser for cracks, leaks, or a loose connection
- Exposed pipes and fittings in the basement or other unfinished areas
- Outdoor hose bibs and spigots
- Pool and spa equipment
- Your yard after the sprinkler system has completed a watering cycle
Other Significant Water Wasters
Have you noticed that one of your toilets runs at random times of the day or night? If so, you should know that it is more than just an annoying sound. What you are actually hearing is water and your hard-earned money going down the drain. A worn-out flapper in the holding tank is likely to be the culprit. It allows water to slowly drain from the tank to the toilet bowl and then down the drain. Replacement parts are just a few dollars at your local big box store. And in less than 10 minutes, you can have the repair completed and stop wasting water. Leaky faucets are just as wasteful, a drip at a time. Check out a YouTube video if you want to try your hand at a DIY drip fix. Or call (301) 278-8786 to schedule an appointment with the licensed plumbers at Action Air & Plumbing for professional help.
