5 Great Water Conservation Tips for Summer
Putting water conservation tips to use saves a valuable natural resource and will reduce energy expenses associated with water heating. If you’re looking for new ways to conserve water, try the following tips.
Look for the WaterSense Label
When you need to replace toilets and shower heads, narrow your options by looking for the WaterSense label. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that half the water you use inside occurs in bathrooms. Low-flow toilets are available that use 1.5 gallons per flush, and WaterSense shower heads use 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm) and less.
Advances in the engineering for both of these fixtures have made them much more efficient. A toilet installed before 1980 uses 5 to 7 gallons per flush, and less efficient shower heads exceed 2.5 gpm. A low-flow shower head also cuts your water heating bill, which follows cooling your home as your highest energy expense. Fix All the Leaking Faucets Leaky, dripping faucets waste as much as 190 gallons of water per month, so be sure to repair them right away.
Collect Rain Water or Use Greywater for Landscaping
Rain barrels placed under gutter downspouts will easily capture the run-off from the roof during a rain storm. Using laundry water and other forms of greywater for the landscape is possible if it’s feasible to run your washer’s drain hose outdoors and capture the water. Do note that you’ll have to use eco-friendly detergent to avoid damaging your plants and soil.
Install a Recirculating Pump
If the bathrooms are a good distance from your water heater, a recirculating pump may be helpful. Waiting for the hot water to reach the shower or faucets wastes a good deal of water.
Use Less Hot and Cold Water
Water conservation tips must include the idea of using less. Turn the faucets off when shaving or brushing your teeth, and soak dishes with dried-on food instead of running the tap.
At Sobieski Services, Inc., we strive to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about home comfort, conservation and energy issues.
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