Water conservation is not only great for the environment, but it's also beneficial for your wallet. Our professional Edmonton plumbers have come together to provide a quick guide on how to save water at home. We've broken it down by each room of your home and the fixtures that are inside it. That way, you can quickly review each section to find a solution for reducing water usage in your home. There are numerous ways to reduce water usage, all of which are relatively easy to implement. Our team is happy to help you reduce water waste. It makes a big difference for the environment and on your utility bills.
One step you can take is to keep your plumbing system in order. A properly running plumbing system helps you reduce water consumption and avoid wastewater from leaky faucets, pipe leaks, and poor water flow. Keep reading for additional water conservation tips.
Bathroom
Showers
Showers are great. They require less water than your average bath, depending on the type of showerhead you are using. The first step is water management. Keeping your showers to 5 minutes or less can save you hundreds of gallons of water in a year. You can save even more water by turning the shower off while you lather your hair and body. Additionally, you can collect some water in a bucket while your shower heats up, but that’s a bit much for most folks. And finally, you can save gallons of water a minute by installing a high-efficiency shower head that reduces water use without sacrificing much performance.
Baths
You can help conserve water by reducing the amount of water you use in a bath. Minimize water spillage by plugging the tub before the water has reached the desired temperature. Fill the tub only about halfway, although we’ll admit that this takes away from the cozy nature of a bath.
Toilets
You can save gallons of water per year by installing or replacing your old toilet with a new low-flow or WaterSense-labeled model. These use only 4.8 litres of water or less per flush, saving you money and helping you use water wisely. You can also retrofit your old toilet with a tank back, early closure flapper, or toilet dam to help you save water and on your water bill with each flush. However, generally speaking, old toilets don’t perform very well compared to modern quality toilets, so if you’re investing in your toilets, we generally recommend replacement.
Toilets are also the number one source of leaks in a home. It can be difficult to detect these leaks if you aren’t watching very carefully. If you suspect you may have a leak, we recommend putting a bit of food coloring into the tank and waiting a few minutes to see if it leaks down to the bowl. If it’s leaking, this is a quick fix that can save a lot of water.
How to Save Water at Home: Kitchen
Faucets
Your faucets are one of the main ways to save water at home. The first thing is to avoid running water while brushing your teeth. That is a simple way to significantly reduce water waste. Another way to reduce your water footprint is to install low-flow aerators, which mix air with water to reduce the flow while maintaining proper water pressure. A simple way to reduce your water usage is to check for leaks in your plumbing system, including drains. If you notice any leaks, have a plumber help you fix them to start saving water.
Dishwashing
Considering how you wash your dishes is one way to save on your water bills. For those with a dishwasher, use it only when you have a full load. It maximizes water efficiency. It is also important to scrape off any food residue before loading your dishes.
If you wash your dishes by hand, one tip to conserve water usage is to fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water, rather than running the tap. Another way to conserve water is to install an Energy-Star-rated dishwasher. They use less water per cycle, which can help you use far less water per cycle.
Food Prep
Food preparation can use a lot of water; it's not something everyone thinks about. A tip for your home water conservation efforts is to wash your produce in a bowl or pan, rather than running water under the tap. You can use that bowl to water your plants. It is also important to thaw food in the refrigerator, rather than running water over it to thaw. It helps you avoid water wastage, although it does require some planning. You can also keep water cool in the fridge using a storage container. Water is a finite resource, and using it each time you need a drink and waiting for it to get cold can result in a significant daily water consumption.
How to Save Water at Home: Laundry Room
The laundry room is a great place to save on your water bill. In this how-to-save-water-at-home guide, the laundry room cannot be left out. A great way to conserve water is to wash full loads of laundry at a time. If not, you can adjust the water level to match the size of the load you are doing. While costly, choosing to install an Energy Star-labeled, front-loading washing machine can help you conserve water at home. You should also avoid using the extra rinse cycle whenever possible.
Conserve Water at Home: Outdoor Spaces
When watering your lawn, it's essential to deliver water directly to the plant roots to minimize water wastage. You should also water your lawn, trees, and flowers in the early morning or late evening to conserve water by reducing evaporation. If you're looking for other ways to save water at home, consider installing an irrigation system. It can be programmed to water your lawn at specific times of the day. And it controls the amount of water you use.
Looking to Conserve Water at Home? Get the Plumbing Experts from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton: Call us Today!
Water scarcity is a significant issue we are facing now and will continue to face for years to come. It is important to consider sustainable water use for future generations. We hope you utilize our tips to use less water in your yard, laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton has quality plumbing solutions to help you conserve water. Whether you have a water line leak that requires leak detection services and a quality repair or a drain repair to restore proper flow, we have you covered. We proudly provide plumbing solutions in Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, and Leduc. Call us today to schedule your plumbing services. We understand the importance of water conservation and are happy to assist you in this endeavour.
