Tips for Conserving Water in Your Home

Tips for conserving water in your home can always be useful. Each year it we hear about stories about our drought-ridden country. California has seen some really bad drought years lately. You can do your part to start conserving water now, so that if your local area ever sees a really bad drought, you will be prepared. Because so much of our world is covered by water, we often forget that only a fraction of it is actually drinkable. Therefore, I have a few tips for conserving water in your home now so you will be prepared later.

Tips for Conserving Water in Your Home:

Check for Leaks – Make sure all the pipes and faucets in your home are free from leaks.  A leaky pipe or faucet can waste gallons of water per day.  Check your water meter for leaks by writing down the number on the meter and not using water for at least two hours.  Then go back to your water meter and read it again.  If the readings are different, you have a leak.  Be sure you know how to shut off your outside water valve in case of a leak.

Install Water Saving Devices –  Toilets use about five to seven gallons per flush.  A water-saving toilet only uses about 1 1/2 gallons per flush.  Low-flow showerheads use less than 2 1/2 gallons of water per minute compared to 5 to 10 gallons when using a regular showerhead.

Take Shorter Showers – Cut your shower water down by turning the water off during your soap up, then turn it back on to rinse off. This can help save an average of 20 gallons of water per shower.

Tooth Brushing – Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Wet your brush, then turn off the water while brushing. Use the water again for rinsing only. This will save a ton of water.

Insulate Your Pipes – Water will heat up quicker if your pipes are insulated.  This saves water down the drain while we wait for water to heat.  Likewise, insulating your pipes in the winter will help them from freezing and breaking.

Outside the Home – Placing mulch around your plans and trees helps water from evaporating quickly.  Rather than putting your sprinkler on a timer, water only when your lawn needs it.  Water in the morning when the weather is cooler to allow it to sink into the lawn.  Set up your gutter to collect water from your roof or use discarded water from inside your home (such as fish tank) and use it water your plants and garden.

These are only a few ideas and tips for conserving water in your home. You can find more tips at www.eartheasy.com. These tips will also save you money on your water bill each month.

These tips for conserving water in your home are brought to you by: Erika Rogers – your real estate leader in St. George, UT and surrounding communities. She specializes in new construction, golf course communities, gated communities, 55+ adult communities, St. George luxury real estate, and foreclosuresin all Southern Utah communities.

Photo Credit: By sxc