When it comes to water waste, most homeowners know the fundamental ways to save water — turning off faucets when brushing teeth, and only running the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load.
But did you know that utilizing the proper plumbing fixtures can reduce water waste and save money?
Water conservation is quickly becoming a priority for many homeowners. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that leaks account for 9,400 gallons of water wasted yearly.
Water conservation is using water efficiently, reducing unneeded water use. Conservation is essential because fresh, clean water is a limited and costly resource. Most homeowners probably already know the financial costs of inefficient water use, so conserving this natural resource is vital for the environment and our wallets.
Check for and Repair Leaks
Household leaks cause an average of 10,000 gallons of water yearly. One of the most productive methods to reduce your water footprint is repairing leaky faucets and toilets.
Check for Leaks in the Pipes
Remember to check the outdoor faucets and pipes too. Hopefully, you’ll notice if you’ve sprung a leak somewhere inside, but it can be easy to miss outside. Keep an eye on them, and check your water bill. If you notice that it’s gone up, you might be leaking somewhere.
Commit to Regular Maintenance
The leading cause of water waste is leakage, although you may not know it until you need to repair it. Plumbing issues that you initially thought were irrelevant can cause considerable damage and inconvenience to those using them.
A well-maintained plumbing system can help you reduce costs. A plumber will look for leakage in the faucets, drainage, and toilets.
Install a Quality Shower Head
Broke or outdated shower heads are often known for water waste.
Plumbers often suggest using updated shower heads since traditional models use up to two and a half gallons of water per minute. Newer models effectively reduce the amount of water passing through the shower head.
Switch to High-Efficiency Toilets
Older toilets use about 3.5 gallons every flush and are a significant source of water waste. Newer, highly efficient models can cut flush volume to as little as 1.3 gallons. These toilets can reduce flushes by incorporating gravity and air pressure into the design. The upgraded feature provides waste removal without consuming much water.
Install Water-Saving Faucets
Lessening the volume of water you use will help you save money and energy. According to the EPA, faucets account for 15% of indoor residential water use, and another study found that water-saving taps can reduce water consumption by 15%. As a result, upgrade your faucet to one suitable for your plumbing fittings.
Consider purchasing gaskets and aerators for your tap. Your investment can reduce water flow while keeping the pressure, and this improvement will reduce your water consumption from 2.2 gallons to 1.5 gallons per minute.
Gene Wagner Plumbing is committed to making water conservation a priority. If you believe one of your home’s plumbing fixtures needs repair, you may want your faucets and water supply assessed by an experienced plumber. Gene Wagner Plumbing is proud of being one of the best plumbers in Milwaukee. Check out our profile on Expertise. For more information, contact us or call us at 414-541-9217.
