A study revealed that a leaky faucet wastes up to 3,000 gallons per year. That seemingly small leak in your faucet can impact your water bill, the environment, and even your home. You should call a professional plumber and do the necessary steps to address any of your plumbing issues at home.
Unfortunately, there are small daily routines you don’t realize you are wasting water that could cost you lots of money on repairs later on. That is why you should keep an eye on your water usage so you won’t waste water and money and save the environment.
Ways you are wasting water without knowing it
You might be doing these seemingly harmless routines but waste precious water. Here is how you could be wasting water without realizing it and what to do instead.
You are using an old toilet.
The toilet is one of the many home appliances that use up a lot of water every year. That is why saving water on toilet use can do a lot on lowering your water bill. However, not all homes have water-saving toilets yet. Some houses still use older toilet models installed before 1992 and use more water than the eco-friendly ones. The former uses up to 7 gallons of water per flush, while the latter uses only up to 1.5 gallons per flush.
You wait for the water to get cold.
Households in some areas tend to run the faucet for a few seconds until it becomes cold enough for a refreshing drink. However, such a little routine can also waste precious water. The Alliance for Water Efficiency reports that a new kitchen faucet flows at an average rate of half a gallon per minute. That means you could be wasting about a gallon of water for every 30 seconds you keep the faucet running. Instead, you can fill up a container and store it in the refrigerator for some ice-cold refreshing water later on.
You hose down your dirty patio or driveway.
Hosing down your dirty driveway or patio can be a wasteful way to clean your property. A garden hose can use up to 24 gallons of water a minute. Instead of using the garden hose, it might be better to sweep the dirty outdoor area using a broom and keep your backyard tidy.
You water your plants at the hottest time of the day.
The Royal Horticultural Society recommends watering outdoor plants in the early morning or evening. You’re wasting water if you water the plants in the afternoon, leading to water loss due to evaporation.
You’re not using a shower aerator.
A high-efficiency showerhead or faucet aerator can save you 3,500 gallons of water a year. It’s time you buy water and money-saving fixtures and appliances such as this one.
You use appliances when not in full capacity.
Do you wash a few dirty clothes in the washing machine or use the dishwasher when it’s not full? It’s time to stop these habits now because you are wasting water. Make sure to use these appliances to their recommended capacity so you can make the most out of their use.
Water is a free source, but it is still important to conserve and use it properly. But for more serious water source issues at home, it is better to call a professional plumber in Mt. Pleasant, TN, and have it fixed today.
