At Plumbers911, we know you care about how much water you use, and how much it costs you. If you want to help conserve this precious resource, and save money at the same time, here are a few simple ways you can save water this summer!
When the weather heats up, water use generally increases too. In places like California’s Central Valley, where the climate is dry and hot, residential water use often spikes during the summer season. Many people increase their irrigation of dry lawns and landscaping, fill seasonal pools, and cool off with sprinklers. If you’re not mindful of your water usage during the summer months, you may be shocked to see your water bill! If you are interested in saving water, and money, you may be wondering, “How Can I Save Water This Summer?”
5 Helpful Tips for Saving Water
1. Practice Smart Water Use Outside
If your outside lawn and garden require irrigation in the summer months, you might consider installing a drip irrigation system. An irrigation system can work even better than sprinklers, because it sends targeted amounts of water exactly where you want it.
If you are using sprinklers, you want to be watering the lawn, not the sidewalk, so make sure it’s targeted correctly where you want the water. You can also make sure to water your lawn at the most optimal times of the day; water evaporates quickly when the sun is high, so it’s best to water your lawn in the early morning or in the evening, when it’s more likely to stay in the soil.
2. Check Your System for Leaks
Did you know a leaky toilet can waste up to 100 gallons of water a day! Here’s a simple test to check your toilet for leaks: put a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet into your toilet tank; if the color shows up in the bowl, your tank is leaking and should be fixed. Leaky faucets, toilets, appliances and sprinklers can also waste a lot of water over time. Fix those leaks, and save water and money.
3. Take Short Showers
If you want to maximize your water savings, you’ll want to take showers, not baths. A shower for five minutes will use about 10 to 15 gallons of water, while a bath can use several times more – up to 70 gallons of water!
4. Turn off the Tap While Brushing Teeth
Try turning the tap off while you brush – leaving the water running while you brush teeth is a huge water-waster. According to the EPA, you could save more than 200 gallons of water in a single month by turning off the water while you are brushing your teeth!
5. Wash Laundry and Dishes Wisely
Make sure you use washing machines and dishwashers wisely, because these appliances can use up dozens of gallons of water. It’s best to wait until you have enough for a full load before you run the machine – this will save you water, as well as electricity.
Want to Take Your Water Saving Efforts to the Next Level?
Consider purchasing water-efficient faucets, laundry washers, toilets and dishwashers. Making the move to purchase water- and energy-efficient appliances will save you not only on your water bill, but also on your electricity bill. You may even be eligible for a program to help pay the expense of switching over!
If you want more help identifying ways you can save water, just contact Plumbers911! Plumbers911 is a nationwide network of experienced, trustworthy plumbing experts, and we have plumbers throughout Tracy, Fresno, Stockton, and Modesto. Our plumbing professionals can perform a thorough audit of your home, checking for leaks or any other sources of wasted water. If you have any other plumbing issues, we can help with that too. Call Plumbers911 today!