In the last few decades, water has been a scarce resource in many parts of the world. In some areas, it’s becoming more and more difficult to get clean drinking water even if you have money. This is due in part to population growth and climate change. But there are ways to reduce your water usage while still living comfortably and without compromising your quality of life. The following are three quick and easy water-saving ideas to use in your home’s plumbing:
Fix-One: Fix Leaky Faucets
One of the easiest ways to save water that many people don’t think about is fixing a leaky faucet. A simple dripping faucet can be responsible for hundreds of dollars in wasted water each year. Fixing a leaky faucet can be as easy as replacing the washer or tightening the packing nut, depending on how it is constructed. Keep an eye out for leaks and call a plumber immediately you notice one.
Fix-Two: Fix Leaky Toilets
Another easy way to save water is fixing a leaky toilet. Sometimes as little as a half-gallon of water can be lost per minute from a running toilet, which adds up quickly over the course of the day and week. If you have a leaky toilet, several things could be causing it. Sometimes the flapper needs to be replaced, or the chain may need to be shortened. However, sometimes the problem is with the valve, which can be repaired by adjusting it or getting new parts if needed.
Fix-Three: Fix Leaky Showerheads
While you are fixing these problems in the bathroom, don’t forget about the shower. Many people have shower heads that drip, which can be solved by simply tightening the head with a wrench. If it’s not leaking but splutters or sprays too much water out of the sides, then all you need is to replace the rubber washer inside of it.
You can also opt for efficient showerheads. Using these shower heads can save gallons of water each day without compromising on quality or comfort. Water-efficient showerheads have the convenience of adjustable pressure, multiple spray settings, and many other features while saving you money.
Leaks in a typical American home can waste 10,000 gallons of water each year. According to the EPA, this is equivalent to the water used for 270 loads of laundry. That’s a lot of water! It’s thus important to fix any plumbing leaks that you have immediately to save money on your next water bill and help conserve this precious resource.