Every month, millions of gallons of water are wasted around the Country. Some of this is because of broken plumbing or even poorly planned plumbing. But, most of it is due to behavior of using water for things when it could be easily conserved or reduced.
A big portion of your plumbing system is buried in the ground under your home. So, when the weather outside is very cold, your plumbing system could bear the brunt and wind up with some significant damage.
This damage could easily lead to wasting water and an increased water bill. One way that you can tell if your plumbing system is damaged and leaking is to do a water meter test. First, you check your water meter and write down the number that is displayed.
Next, make sure that no one in the home uses the water for at least 30 minutes. Finally, go back to the water meter and check the number again. If the water meter shows a different number, then you likely have a water leak in your home and should have a professional plumber come and take a look.
Here are some ways that you and your family can improve your behaviors and habits to reduce the amount of water your household uses:
- If you have pets, make sure to use the old water in their dish to water houseplants or shrubs outside rather than just pouring it down the drain.
- Consider planting succulents to improve curb appeal landscaping rather than shrubs or bushes that require a lot of watering.
- Talk with your landscaper about aerating your lawn for maximum water efficiency and optimization.
- Create a reward system for your kids for specific water-saving activities. For instance, taking a shorter shower could be incentivized with extra TV time.
- Always plug the bathtub before you turn the faucet on to fill the bathtub with water. The cold water that comes out will mix in with the hot water and make the tub a perfect temperature.
This time of year, when the sun shines a bit and we remember those spring and summer activities that we enjoy so much, it is a good idea to check-in on your plumbing system to make sure that it survived the winter temperatures undamaged. And, to make sure you and your family are saving water where possible.