How to Save Money and Water with Your Plumbing
While every homeowner may have different goals and priorities regarding their homes, we can all agree that saving money is at the top of our lists. And most likely, you wouldn’t mind saving some water while you are at it. With a few simple tips and a few upgrades, you can do just that.
High-Efficiency Toilet
Did you know toilets have become more advanced over the years? Now, you can find HET on the market that uses considerably less water. The dual flush system allows you to choose the amount of water and water pressure, ensuring that you conserve water each time you flush. These toilets use up to 5 fewer gallons of water per flush! This can really add up over time. Coupled with the fact that these are often sleeker, make them a win for most homes that pay off quickly.
Water-Saving Shower Head
While it may not seem like much, a water-saving shower head can save a .5 gallon of water each time you shower. Over the course of a year, that really adds up! One thing you don’t need to worry about is less water pressure. These shower heads are designed to deliver the experience you are looking for. If you purchase a new shower head, ensure it fits properly so it doesn’t leak. It’s always wise to call a professional if you need help finding the right shower head and valve for your home.
A Quality Faucet
Did you know that by switching out your faucet, you could save up to 30% a month on your water bill? This adds up to gallons of water per minute! If you are concerned about water pressure, check out faucets that use the aerator method. This adds air to the stream of water, ensuring you have great water flow without an impact on the water pressure. If we could recommend one area to switch to first, it would be here.
A High Impact Washer
We all know that our washing machine is one of the most used appliances in our homes and is also one of the most costly regarding water usage. The average washing machine uses 23 gallons of water per load. The water-saving washing machines can reduce this number by half, resulting in tons of water and cash saved.
Stop Hand Washing Those Dishes
You may be surprised to learn that hand-washing your dishes actually uses more water than running a dishwasher. While you are soaping and sudsing those plates, your faucet is actually using much more water than what it takes to run your dishwasher. The new energy-efficient models use 4 gallons less per load. When you are running your dishwasher multiple times a week, that really adds up. So save those hands and place those plates in the dishwasher for time, money and water efficiency. That’s a win-win-win all around.
Check Your Day to Day
If you aren’t ready to invest in any of the above, there are still plenty of ways you can save a little money and water in your day-to-day life. First, make sure you turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth. Shaving is also another great time when you can save water by turning off the faucet. While most of us don’t like to do it, taking a shorter shower, even a few times a week, can really make a difference. In the section above, we recommended running your dishwasher, but we recommend only turning it on once you have a full load. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting water over time. Lastly, be sure to check your home’s pipes and faucets for drips and leaks regularly. This will help you spot a problem before it becomes a much bigger one.
As we mentioned above, making smart, simple investments can add up to big savings on your monthly water bill. Every gallon of water saved makes a difference, and at the end of the year, you’ll likely be shocked at how much water you save. With our Preventative Maintenance Program, our technicians will check your pipes and faucets to ensure that your faucets and appliances are connected properly and not leaking while performing a test of other key systems. Call Blaton and Sons today to learn more, schedule a service or for a free estimate.