It never fails: as soon as the weather heats up across the country, the water starts to dry up, too. Luckily, we usually don’t have to worry about this serious problem here in Cincinnati, but it’s still very important to do everything we can to conserve water here at home.
Using less water isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also a great way to save a little money, and it can even help keep plumbing problems at bay. By monitoring your water usage on the regular, it will be easier to spot a potential issue once you see you’re using more water than usual.
Below are eight ways to conserve water at home:
1. Water lawns twice a week
Doesn’t sound like enough, right? Fact is, though, watering your lawn just two times every week will lead to stronger, deeper roots. In turn, your yard will have healthier grass that’s more tolerant of the heat. Note, however, that we’re only talking about the grass. Flowers and shrubs will still need to follow a different watering routine to stay healthy.
2. Use a nozzle
Left unattended, a running garden hose can waste over 100 gallons of water in just minutes. Use a shutoff or pressure nozzle so you only use what you need when you’re watering the plants, cleaning the house, or washing the car.
3. Water when it’s cooler outside
In the summertime, water will evaporate quickly in the warmer air. So, if you’re watering your yard and plants during the hottest part of the day you’re wasting water. Conserve water instead by watering before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. In fact, if you’ve never gardened at night, we highly recommend it!
4. Wash when full
Use this mantra for cleaning dishes and clothing. Dishwashers and washing machines use an incredible amount of water. That’s why it’s important to wait until they’re full to turn them on. It takes practice to get into the habit, but once you do, you’ll likely notice a reduction in your water usage and maybe even on your water bill!
5. Check for leaks
Take an hour or so and check your sinks, faucets and your ceilings and walls for any signs of a water leak. Another great way to tell if you have a leak is by turning off the water supply, checking the meter, and waiting a couple of hours until you read the meter again. If it’s moved, it’s time to call the plumber.
6. Take shorter showers
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you want to conserve water, you’ll need to take short showers. In fact, every minute you’re in the shower, you use between three and six gallons of water. As for baths? While they certainly can be relaxing after a long day, take them sparingly.
7. Turn off the faucet
Even though most of us let the faucet run while we’re shaving, brushing our teeth, or doing the dishes, we really shouldn’t. Soak dishes in a pan of soapy water and rinse them with running water quickly. And turn off the faucet while you’re doing routine tasks like brushing your teeth.
8. Choose energy saving fixtures
Use an aerator on your kitchen faucet to save about four gallons of water a day. And if your toilet is older, consider switching to a newer model that can save about five gallons of water every time it flushes. You could also install a water saving showerhead and faucets in the bathroom.
Concerned you have a water leak or otherwise wasting water? Give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or Contact us. We can inspect your home’s plumbing and make sure it’s working properly and efficiently! We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.