Water conservation has been a hot topic for decades, and plumbers are on the frontline in helping our planet save precious resources. The benefits of reducing water consumption are plentiful, from saving money on monthly bills to helping conserve natural habitats. With that in mind, here are eight water conservation tips from plumbers that you can use right away.
1. Take Shorter Showers
No one likes to be told to “hurry up” in the shower, but this is a great way to conserve water without sacrificing comfort. You can shave off a few minutes each shower by timing yourself and knowing how long you spend in the bathroom. If you need help staying on track, try setting a timer or using the song trick! Pick a favorite song, and make it your goal to finish your shower before the song ends.
2. Fix Leaky Faucets Quickly
Don’t let a leaky faucet linger too long once you notice it. A single dripping faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water daily. To save water, get a plumbing repair done promptly by a qualified plumber. In cases where the faucet is too old to be repaired, consider replacing it with a new, eco-friendly fixture.
3. Reuse Water
Reusing water is another excellent way to save water and resources. Collect the water you use for things like rinsing vegetables and washing dishes, and use it to water your plants or fill up a birdbath. You can also install a rain barrel to collect precipitation from your roof and use the water for gardening.
For an even bigger impact, install a greywater system. This will allow you to irrigate your lawn or garden using your shower and sink water. It’s easy to do and can save up to 50% of your water usage.
4. Practice Good Plumbing Habits
Even the most experienced plumber can’t fix an issue if they aren’t called in time. So, don’t wait until you have a flooded bathroom to call for help. Regularly maintaining your plumbing systems and pipes will save you from many water-related disasters, so get a pro for regular maintenance.
Basic habits like not flushing anything down the toilet apart from human waste and using a sink strainer to catch any food particles before they get into your pipes will help you save water and money in the long run.
5. Upgrade Your Toilets
If your toilet is over 20 years old, you’re probably wasting a lot of water. Toilet models from the 1990s and earlier can use up to 3.5 gallons per flush. If you upgrade to a modern toilet, it’ll be much more efficient, using as little as 1.3 gallons per flush.
Another great way to save water is to install a “dual flush” system. This allows you to use less water for liquid waste and more for solid waste. It can save up to 25% of your total toilet water usage.
6. Invest in Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures
Low-flow fixtures are a great way to save water, and they’re also relatively inexpensive to install. Invest in low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce water use without compromising pressure. These fixtures can help you save up to 50% of your water usage. You can also opt for a tankless water heater, which will provide hot water on demand without wasting energy and resources.
7. Turn Off the Sprinklers
As great as they might be for keeping your lawn pristine, outdoor sprinklers can waste water. To save on your water bills and reduce your water usage, switch to manual watering or invest in a smart irrigation system that will track weather conditions and adjust accordingly.
To ensure you do not over-water, check the soil before you water to determine if it is dry. This will ensure that your plants get enough water without wasting resources.
8. Educate Your Family
Teaching your family about water conservation is an easy way to ensure everyone is on the same page and doing their part to save our planet. From simple things like not running the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes to more complex solutions like installing low-flow fixtures, everyone can be aware of their water usage and do their part to reduce it. You can also get creative with your family’s water conservation activities and challenge them to see who can use the least water daily.
Contact Us
These are just a few tips from plumbers on how to start conserving water today. With a few simple changes, you’ll be well on your way to making a big difference for the environment and your wallet. If you need help reducing your water usage, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified plumber like Next Level Plumbing. We are a professional plumbing company that can help you with drain cleaning, water filtration, faucet installation and repairs, water heater installation and maintenance, and sewer line installation in Sarasota and surrounding areas. Contact Next Level Plumbing today to find out more about our services.
