Part of being a homeowner is the responsibility of paying bills every month. For most of us, it would be an ideal world to start saving some of that money. One option that can help is water conservation. At first glance, the realistic question might be: “is it really possible to make changes that save money?”
As a matter of fact, you can start saving money as soon as today. There are many ways to conserve water, and while some of them might be expensive, there are plenty of low-budget ideas that will help decrease water expenses.
Nonetheless, water conservation is a great and easy option that can be applied on every property, both indoors and out. Get started now with one of these ideas and watch the savings in your water bill rise!
Indoor water conservation can be done anytime throughout the year. Some of these ideas will have the greatest impact during the winter while water is being used in excess due to holiday parties or family gatherings. Here are a few ideas:
- Do dishes, the right way! Scrape off the dishes instead of rinsing them. Most homeowners have a dishwasher (and we’ll get to that next), and leaving the faucet running can waste dozens of gallons of water. The average dishwasher uses 10 gallons of water, while rinsing dishes in the sink can use the same amount in just four minutes.
- Choose the most effective dishwasher. If you’re buying a new one, your local plumber suggests buying an ENERGY STAR qualified unit. It will not only help save money for the water bill, but will do the same for the electricity bill as well. There are also different options for toilets and washing machines that can help save thousands of gallons of water. Be sure to research the most efficient option beforehand to save money in the long run.
- Invest in an aerator. What’s an aerator? It’s simply a device that can be installed on a faucet. It reduces the flow of water to save about 1 gallon per minute while maintaining good water pressure.
- Have your pipes been checked out? During the cold months, pipes can freeze and crack. This can lead to more serious problems and potential bursts. It’s important to know where the home’s water supply shut-off valve is in case of an emergency. We also recommend having your plumbing system regularly checked because even the smallest of leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
- Limit shower time. Yes, everyone loves a good warm shower. But every minute a shower is in use, up to 2.5 gallons of water goes down the drain. Limit your shower time and save more money.
Outdoor water conservation is important for summer months while the sprinklers are running and the sun is shining. Here are a few ideas:
- Know how and when to water. When it comes to watering plants or the lawn, it’s important to know the best times to maximize effectiveness. It’s smart to begin early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or later in the evening (after 6 p.m.) because temperatures are cooler and water doesn’t evaporate as quickly. Be sure to know what the right water schedule is as well.
- Check for leaks in your irrigation system. If you notice a patch of lawn has been growing unusually quicker than the rest, there might be a leak under that area. Any underground leaks can have a significant impact on the water bill, so be sure to have a professional check it out.
- Invest in a shut-off nozzle. By adding a shut-off nozzle to the end of a hose, it can save 5-7 gallons for every minute it runs. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to prevent wasting water.
- Mow the lawn at the right height. It’s common for homeowners to cut their lawns too short in the summer so that it looks nice or is more comfortable to walk on. However, when a lawn is too short, the soil receives less shade and requires a more constant supply of moisture.
Start saving money on water today, and be the friendly neighbor who can share their story with others. Make sure to call a local plumber if you need any help or expert advice before starting any work.