Water is an essential natural resource. In many areas of the country, water is piped into your home from the city’s or town’s municipal source. You pay a water bill each month for the amount you and your family use. Use these tips to save water at home and reduce your utility bills.
Install a Water-Saving Showerhead
Before 1980, most showerheads used 5 gallons of water per minute. Today, the average showerhead has a flow rate of around 2.1 – 2.5 gpm. To save water at home, install a low-flow showerhead that consumes less than 2 gallons of water per minute. Modern showerheads use less water without compromising on pressure.
Turn off the Tap to Save Water at Home
The average person uses 4 gallons of water to brush their teeth with the water running. If you’re brushing twice each day, that’s 8 gallons wasted. And multiply that by the number of people in your household.
Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving. Use water to moisten the toothbrush or your skin (if you’re shaving) and then turn it off. Shave or brush your teeth and turn the tap back on when you need to rinse. You will save several gallons of water each time you use the sink by following this tip.
Repurpose Water Around Your House
A great way to reuse water and save money is to repurpose water used daily around the home. The water used to cook pasta or wash produce is good for watering your houseplants. If your family members leave half-full glasses of drinking water around the house, pour it in your pet’s bowl.
If you have to wait a while for your bath or shower to warm up, use a bucket to catch the cooler water. Even though it’s technically greywater, this water is great for cleaning or to repurpose in the garden.
Save Water at Home by Repairing Leaks
A dripping faucet or an under-sink leak wastes water every day. Smaller leaks may only be using a few gallons of water, but a leaking toilet can waste 200 gallons of water each day, significantly increasing your water bill. If you notice a leak, fix it promptly or call a professional who can make repairs.
District Home Inspection provides inspection services in the Washington D.C. area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.