3 Ways for Homeowners To Save Water In Honor of Earth Day
Conserving water is one of the best and easiest ways for everyday people to help protect the environment. On the scale of an individual household, it may not seem to make much difference. But if every household in the nation were to eliminate just a few of the most common sources of water waste - such as small leaks, running faucets, and outdated fixtures - they could save more than 1 trillion gallons of water every year.
Fortunately, saving water doesn’t have to be difficult - it can even be fun! Read on to learn about three simple ways to reduce water waste at home.
Turn off the Tap Whenever Possible![tap water](https://www.magicplumbing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/turnoffthetap.jpg)
Perhaps the most obvious cause of household water waste is turning on the tap and letting it run even when the water isn’t used. Doing this while brushing teeth or shaving can waste hundreds of gallons per month.
Less obvious examples include handwashing and dishwashing - turning the tap off to scrub makes a huge difference. Instead of running the faucet to wait for cold or hot water, homeowners can start washing with lukewarm water or keep a pitcher full of cold water in the fridge. Thawing foods overnight in the fridge rather than running cool water over them can further reduce waste.
Bath or Shower - Which Wastes Less?
In terms of conserving water, a shower is usually better than a bath. But this isn’t necessarily true in every situation. Some homes still feature older showerheads with very high flow rates - as much as 5 gallons per minute in some cases. Taking a shower with one of these heads can consume massive amounts of water, especially for those who like to take their time.
Filling an average bathtub just enough to bathe effectively may take less water than a fairly short shower with an outdated showerhead. Homeowners can ask their plumber about measuring the capacity of their bathtubs and the flow rates of their showerheads to make an accurate comparison - and while they’re at it, they can ask about upgrading to newer water-saving showerheads.
Call a Pro To Spot Pipe Leaks
Household water leaks waste billions of gallons of water in the U.S. every year. This is why finding and fixing leaks is one of the best things homeowners can do in the fight to conserve water. Keeping an eye out for leaks is a start, but nothing beats a thorough inspection by a professional.
A pro will check every faucet, toilet, valve, pipe coupling, and appliance connection for evidence of leaks. They can examine the water meter for irregularities and measure the water supply pressure to indicate a slow leak. A pro can also provide information about eco-friendly fixtures, recommend additional good-sense water usage habits, and provide solutions to prevent future leaks.
About Magic Plumbing
Magic Plumbing has served San Francisco, CA with pride since 1980. As a 5-star-rated local business, they are committed to honesty, safety, eco-friendly solutions, and unparalleled customer care. They offer 24-hour emergency service, flat-rate pricing, and membership perks. Call now for plumbing services!