In the summer heat, it’s easy to want to let the water flow. Between the extra laundry from kids being home, sprinklers, and watering your lawn to keep the grass green – water has a way of getting away from us in the summer time. Here’s a few tips from your local Mr. Rooter plumber to conserve water around the house.
1. Check Faucets and Pipes for Leaks - We’ve discussed this before, the easiest way to conserve water and save on your water bill is to look for leaks. That tiny drip drop of your bathroom faucet can waste more water than your likely realize. Just one small leaky faucet can leak up to 34 gallons of water per year, depending on the leak though you could be wasting 20 gallons of water per day.
2. Check Your Toilet for Leaks - Add a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the color finds its way into your toilet bowl (without flushing) within 30 minutes, you have a leak that needs to be repaired. Most of the time this is an easy DIY project, but if you need assistance be sure to give your local plumber a call.
3. Use Your Water Meter to Check for Hidden Water Leaks - Read your house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the water reads the same, there’s no leak, but if it’s moved you have one somewhere and need to find out where it is.
4. Buy a Low-Flow ShowerHead - Low-flow means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute. You could also buy a converter to attach to your existing showerhead.
5. Put Plastic Bottles or a Float Booster in Your Toilet Tank - To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside the plastic jugs to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw on the lids, and put them in your toilet tank (away from the operating mechanisms). This may save you ten or more gallons of water per day. Make sure that you leave at least 3 gallons of water in the tank so your toilet will work properly.
6. Water Your Lawn Only When it Needs It - Do a step test. If you step on your lawn and it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need fresh water. If it lays flat, then your lawn needs to be watered. Letting the grass grow to about to 3 inches will help promote water retention in the soil. Most lawns only need about one inch of water each week.
7. Deep Soak Your Lawn - Don’t just sprinkle your lawn till it’s lightly moistened. Soak it long enough for the moisture to go down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkle will evaporate quickly and encourage shallow root systems.
8. Check for Holes in Your Hose - While you’re watering your lawn, be sure to check leaks in your hose and outside faucet.