Now, more than ever, we need to do our part in helping the environment out and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy our amazing earth. The good news is that we can implement small changes in our day-to-day lives that will have a positive overall effect on the environment. The perfect place to start doing this is right in your own home.
To celebrate Earth Day this year, we have compiled a list of 9 easy ways you can make your home more water-efficient today and for years to come. Reducing water waste will not only keep your water bill lower, but will help the environment too! And remember, if any of these seem a bit too complex to implement, our plumbers in Rancho Cucamonga are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help you outfit your home with eco-friendly utilities and tools.
Keep reading to learn our 9 simple tips and easy switches that will instantly reduce the water waste in your home.
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1. Be Mindful of Your Taps
One of the easiest ways you can save water is to simply remember to turn off your taps when they aren’t being used. You might not realize it, but a running tap can waste up to 12 liters of water every minute. So when you’re brushing your teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and lathering your hands with soap, be mindful and turn off the taps. By consciously making this a habit, you will end up saving a lot of water without even realizing it.
You should also look for any leaky faucets since this also contributes to a lot of water loss. Don’t delay if you find a leak: either try to tighten the loose element or call your Rancho Cucamonga plumber to fix it as soon as possible.
2. Find Ways to Reuse Water
It might seem weird to reuse water, but it is much better to reuse than to simply let the water wash down the drain. For instance, when rinsing vegetables, you can collect the used water in a bowl and then use it to water any house plants or even splash it over your lawn for an extra pick-me-up. This can also be used to soak pots and pans, so that it takes less time —and water— to wash and scrub them later.
Another option for reusing water is called a greywater system. This option will be more of a commitment and will require the assistance of a professional plumber who will install the system for you. Essentially, a greywater system collects used water and recycles it right back into the home to be used in the toilet or outside taps. Using a greywater system can reduce your home’s water usage by an impressive 50 percent!
3. Change Your Showerheads
Another easy way to reduce your water use is to switch out your current showerheads for a more eco-friendly model. If you are a fan of strong water pressure, don’t worry. These showerheads rely on air pressure to streamline the water. This results in up to 30% less water used, but a shower that is just as satisfying.
4. Upgrade to Eco-friendly Utilities
When your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine stops functioning properly, it is the perfect time to replace them with eco-friendly options.
A great switch to make is installing a tankless water heater. These use less water daily because they rapidly heat water, meaning they only use water on an ‘as-needed’ basis. They are also more energy-efficient, which means you will save money and help the environment by using less water and power. While a tankless water heater might cost more than other models, your household will save upwards of $100 every year, meaning the extra upfront cost will be paid off quickly.
Plumbers in Rancho Cucamonga will be able to discuss different utility options with you to help you determine which will be best for your home.
5. Dual Flush Toilets
Another great way to save water is to install a toilet with a dual flush option. These toilets let you choose how much water to use with each flush. This means you will end up saving hundreds of gallons of water without any sacrifice on your part.
6. Take Shorter Showers
This water-saving method might just take a little more work and commitment than the other items on this list, but it can have a hugely beneficial impact on the environment, not to mention your water bill.
A shower that is kept under 5 or even 10 minutes greatly reduces your water usage. Not sure you will be able to stick to a shorter shower? Try setting a timer on your phone or even bringing a small hourglass into the shower with you so you can see how much time you have left.
7. Fill a Basin to Wash Dishes
A great way to save water while hand washing your dishes, is to fill your sink or a basin with water instead of letting the water run continuously. Not only will this allow your dishes to soak, making it a faster process overall, but it also eliminates the need to keep the faucet on the entire time.
8. Use a Watering Can or Xeriscape Your Garden
If you are lucky enough to have a garden, it is only natural to want to keep it green and in bloom. While sprinkler systems are convenient, they can lead to a lot of wasted water and overwater plants. Instead, try using a watering can as much as possible.
You might also consider changing the landscape of your garden. Many homeowners have found satisfaction from xeriscaping, which greatly reduces and sometimes eliminates any need to water the plants yourself.
9. Install a Cistern Displacement Device
Our final suggestion is another quick fix that only requires a few moments for results that last years. To install a toilet cistern displacement device, all you need to do is place it inside the cistern. The device reduces the amount of water within the cistern, which means each flush will use less water. It is an easy and quick change to make and you won’t even remember it’s there!
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