3 Pro Tips for Conserving Water At Home

Most people use Earth Day as an opportunity to take a close look at the impact they’re having on the planet and think of ways to make that impact a more positive one. People go about this in many ways, whether it’s picking up trash at their local park, setting up ride-sharing systems with their colleagues, or buying an electric car. As powerful as these things are, not everyone is in a position to do them.

On the other hand, Conserving water is something anyone can do as part of their daily routine - and it costs a lot less than an electric car! Household water waste needlessly squanders a precious resource and increases the energy consumption of water treatment facilities and the reclamation infrastructure. Here are three simple tips for combating water waste at home.

Leave Faucets Off When Not In Use

The first way to help conserve water is by exercising a little vigilance with the home’s faucets. Most people realize that it’s wasteful to let the tap run while they’re brushing their teeth or shaving, but they may not be aware of how much water they’re losing on other tasks. 

For example, leaving the water on for just 5 minutes of dishwashing can waste upwards of 10 gallons and make the water heater expend enough energy to power a typical lightbulb for an entire day. 

The same principle applies to handwashing - especially these days, as people are more diligent about washing frequently and for a full 20 seconds!

A Long Bath May Be Better Than a Long Shower

Another way to reduce water waste is by taking shorter showers or, if that’s not preferable, taking a bath instead. There’s something to be said for the stress-relieving power of a long, hot shower. The trouble is, even with a low-flow showerhead, this can waste a lot of water. Filling an average-sized bathtub takes around 40 gallons of water, whereas running a low-flow showerhead for 20 minutes will use about 50 gallons. 

Many homes still feature old showerheads that use as much as 5 gallons per minute. Homeowners should consider replacing these with EPA-approved water-saving showerheads if they’re serious about reducing waste. But no matter the head, if relaxation is part of the purpose of a given bathing session, a long soak in the tub may be the better option.

Have a Pro Check the Plumbing System for Leaks

Finally, the third tip for saving water is to hire a professional plumber to inspect the home for leaks. Water leaks can cost the average household nearly 200 gallons of water per week - that’s 9,600 gallons every year! A plumbing inspection every one to two years will help ensure that existing leaks are caught and issues that may cause future leaks are identified and resolved early on. 

A typical inspection involves the following items:

• Examining the pipes for evidence of wear, corrosion, or pinhole leaks
• Checking that pipe fittings, couplings, and appliance connections are secure
• Testing faucets for valve leaks
• Measuring the home’s water pressure for anomalies
• Ensuring that the plumbing system is leak-free and functioning correctly

About Shamrock Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Inc.

Shamrock Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Inc. have served Orlando, Florida, with pride since 2003. They have earned several awards and 5-star customer ratings for their exceptional service, affordable rates, and fast turnarounds. Shamrock provides free estimates and 24/7 emergency service with no overtime charge. Give them a call today for expert plumbing services in the Orlando area!

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