Saving water not only helps the environment, but it can also reduce your utility bills. Here are eight ways that you can save water at home.
1. Fix Plumbing Leaks
Before you begin to look at ways to minimize your water usage, make sure that you don’t have any leaky pipes or faucets. Either one can waste a significant amount of water. Check inside cabinets underneath sinks for moisture and inspect all of your faucets for dripping.
2. Bathing Habits
Showers use less water than baths, so avoid taking baths if you can. A regular shower head uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute. You can save water by turning it off while you are washing your hair or body, and turning it back on to rinse. Shortening your shower time to under 5 minutes also saves water over the course of the year.
3. Never let the water run.
Here are a few times when you may tend to let the water run unnecessarily.
Old habits can be broken, and by doing so, you’ll save water at home.
- Brushing teeth
- Washing hands
- Doing dishes by hand
4. Dishwasher
If you have a dishwasher, use it instead of handwashing dishes. Make sure it’s completely full before you run it. This is the most water-efficient way to clean dishes.
5. Laundry
Like using the dishwasher, make sure you only wash full loads of laundry. Even if you can adjust the load size setting on the washing machine, it is still most efficient to wash large loads.
6. Energy efficient fixtures and appliances will help you save water at home.
Here are a few things that you can upgrade to use less water.
- Older toilets can use up to six gallons of water for each flush. Low-flow toilets can flush with less than two gallons.
- Adding aerators to your faucets and shower heads will reduce the amount of water you are using.
- Upgrade your clothes washer and dishwasher to ENERGY STAR® models to save water at home.
7. Car Wash
You can save water at home by taking your car to a car wash instead of washing it in your driveway. Commercial car washes are more efficient and recycle water.
8. Rain Barrels
A rain barrel catches rainwater that can be used to water your plants. They also keep water from pooling near your foundation.
Esham Inspections serves Maryland with home inspection services. Contact us to schedule an inspection.