How much money did you spend on water bills in the last year? Water is a necessary commodity, but the price of using it adds up. This year, make it a goal to save water at home. With a few simple adjustments and upgrades, you can noticeably lower your water bill.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures to Save Water at Home
You can’t force everyone in your house to change their habits to use less water, but they will passively use less water if you have low-flow fixtures installed. Modern faucets and showerheads use aeration to push air through the water stream, keeping the water pressure high while using fewer gallons per minute. Replace the fixtures throughout the house. You’ll shave dollars off your water bill over the month.
Time Your Showers
The average showerhead uses 2.1 gallons per minute, so reducing the amount of time spent in the shower will save a great deal of water. If you are able to change your normal 10-minute shower into a 5-minute shower, you can save over 10 gallons of water. Use a timer and lower it by one minute every day. You’ll adapt to showering more efficiently. Shortening your showers also saves energy by using less hot water.
Wait for a Full Load
Running the dishwasher and the washing machine when it only has a few items loaded wastes water. Some machines have a half-load option, which should be used if you must run a load that isn’t full. However, waiting until the load is full to run the machine is always the best way to use less water. Washing dishes by hand generally uses much more water than using a dishwasher. If you don’t have a dishwasher, consider making this investment to save more water.
Save Water at Home With a Rain Barrel
Attach a rain barrel to the bottom of a downspout to collect rainwater. The best use of rainwater is watering the lawn or garden. Rainwater isn’t clean so shouldn’t be used to drink, bathe with, or wash dishes. A rain barrel is best-suited for a property with a large yard or garden. Buy one with a spigot that a garden hose can be attached to for easy watering.
Fix Plumbing Leaks
Leaking pipes and malfunctioning fixtures or appliances can waste a great deal of water and cause damage. If you notice signs of plumbing problems like dripping, pools of water, or running water sounds, address them. By fixing these issues, you will lower your water bill.
MN Pro Home Inspections provides home inspection services to the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin. Contact us to schedule an appointment.