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Water is one of the planet's most precious natural resources, so it's important to use it wisely. Though water might seem endlessly available, sending fresh, clean water straight to your home takes a lot of time and energy. If you're interested in sustainable living, reducing your water consumption is a good place to start. Whether you want to help the environment or just cut back on your monthly water bill, lowering your water usage is simple. Check out these helpful ways to save water at home.
Only Run the Faucet When Actively Using It
People waste surprisingly high water during everyday tasks like washing hands, shaving, and brushing teeth. Getting into the habit of turning off the tap until you need it can save a lot of water in the long run.
Identify and Fix Any Leaks
Even small leaks around the house can result in much-wasted water. Taking the time to go around your home and check sink connections, toilet bowls, and outdoor faucets is simple. Start by listening for drips and looking for damp spots. In toilets, putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank can show if it's leaking into the bowl. Identifying and fixing these problems saves water and lowers the risk of damage.
Switch to Solar Power
One of the surprising benefits of solar is that it not only reduces your electric bill but also helps reduce overall water usage. Traditional power plants require large amounts of water to cool their equipment, while the solar panels on your roof do not use any water. Each kilowatt-hour of power your panels generate saves between 0.4 gallons to 18 gallons of water.
Convert Your Toilet to a Low-Flow Model
The average toilet uses a little over 2.2 gallons of water per flush. However, modern, low-flow toilets can help reduce water usage to as little as 1.28 gallons per flush. If you need more time to get ready to swap out toilets, you can install a simple conversion kit that lowers water usage.
Only Run Dishwashers and Washing Machines When Full
Dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of water, whether empty or full. Though running them as soon as you have a mess is convenient, waiting until you have a full load helps reduce your water usage.
Catch Rainwater for Outdoor Use
A simple rain barrel can give you gallons of free water each year. All you need to do is set out a barrel before it storms. This water needs to be fresh enough to drink, but it's perfect for watering the garden, cleaning your car, or rinsing off the sidewalk.
Choose Grass With Lower Water Requirements
Did you know lawn care is one of the largest sources of water consumption? If your current plants require a lot of water to stay green, it might be wise to switch. Grasses like Buffalograss, Tall Fescue, Bahia, and Zoysia use far less water. Choosing grass that doesn't require lots of water and is drought-tolerant is one of the best ways to save water at home.
Install Low-Flow Shower Heads
Shower heads are incredibly easy to install and make a big difference in water consumption. These special shower heads are designed to use less water without reducing your water pressure. A good low-flow shower head can reduce water usage by 60 percent per month.
Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes
A lot of people waste water when they are running their faucets to let the water warm up. Adding insulation to your hot water pipes makes a big difference. It helps to keep the water in your pipes warm, so you get hot water faster.
Skip Hand-washing Dishes
Using an automatic dishwasher instead of washing by hand is one of the easiest ways to save water at home. Though many people assume dishwashers are wasteful, modern appliances are incredibly efficient. Washing a few pots in the sink can use more water than running a whole load of dishes.
Time Your Irrigation System Wisely
When watering your lawn, try to make the most of your water. Avoid watering when it is already raining, and avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when all your water will evaporate. Instead, the most eco-friendly option is watering early in the morning and using a timer that switches off the system when it rains.
Choose Showers Instead of Baths
The average bath uses around 36 gallons of water, while a 10-minute shower uses about 25 gallons. This means homeowners in the mood for a quick clean can save water with a shower. However, a bath might be smarter if you stay in for a while.
If you're interested in lowering your electric bill, preserving our planet, or both, Ivan the Solar Guy is here to help. Ivan the Solar Guy helps homeowners go solar throughout the San Gabriel Valley. To get a free solar power quote, call today!
