Learn These Money-Saving and Water Conservation Tricks
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the average family spends over $1,000 on water costs each year. That’s a lot of money! But homeowners don’t have to accept this. Instead, they can employ the following water-saving and money-saving tips.
Get Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures
Eco-friendly plumbing fixtures can help conserve water and save money. Some popular water-saving appliances and fixtures include low-flow toilets, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, and dual-flush toilets.
Low-flow toilets are designed to reduce the water used in each flush. They use only 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to 3.5 gallons for a standard toilet, dramatically reducing the amount of water used in the home. Faucet aerators are designed to mix air into the water as it comes out of the faucet, allowing homeowners to use much less water when washing their hands or dishes.
Showerheads are also available in low-flow models, using only around 1.5 gallons of water per minute compared to the standard 2.5 gallons per minute. Dual flush toilets feature two buttons – one for a full flush and another for a partial flush, allowing homeowners to choose how much water they want to use depending on the job.
Practice “Green” Habits Every Day
Saving water isn’t just a once-in-a-while thing. It’s something that homeowners must practice every day. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some considerations include:
- Taking short showers instead of baths
- Turning off the water while brushing one’s teeth
- Only running the dishwasher or washing machine when it’s full
- Only water the lawn every other day
Fun fact: washing the dishes by hand doesn’t actually save water. Dishwashers (especially those produced by EnergyStar) are designed to conserve water and maximize efficiency. It’s also recommended that homeowners promptly get any plumbing issues, like leaks, repaired immediately. The longer they persist, the more water (and money) they will waste.
Trash These Items (and Don’t Flush Them)
Clogged toilets can waste a massive amount of water if not fixed promptly. Toilets use gallons of water per flush; even a minor clog can cause the need for multiple flushes before the problem is resolved. A toilet constantly running due to a clog can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily, which is a significant amount, so another way to conserve water and prevent spikes in the water bill is to avoid toilet clogs. The only thing that someone should flush down the toilet is toilet paper.
To help prevent a clogged toilet and polluting the ocean, homeowners should avoid flushing:
- Menstruation products
- Medications, even those in liquid form
- Toxic chemicals, such as motor oil
- Grease
- Napkins, paper towels, tissues, and cotton balls
- Diapers
- Q-tips
About JD Precision Plumbing & Air
JD Precision Plumbing & Air is a local contractor with over a decade of experience serving Spring, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, proven methods, and the latest technology. Call them today for clogged toilet repair or kitchen plumbing services in Spring, TX.
