Water and electricity bills can take a big chunk out of your savings. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your water bills, you’ve come to the right place! Check out these tips to start saving today.
1. Save Water in the Bathroom
Check for Leaks in Taps and Toilets
Regularly check your taps and toilets for any leaks
Leaks can be a major cause of water wastage, and you might not even know it! A small leak can add up to a significant amount over time. So, make sure to regularly check your plumbing, especially taps and toilets, for any signs of leaks.
If you do find a leak, get it fixed as soon as possible. For more serious issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber.
To check for toilet leaks, add food coloring to the tank and wait for about 30 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak that needs to be addressed.
Turn Off Taps When Not in Use
Remember to turn off the tap when not in use
It’s easy to leave the tap running while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face. But those little moments of water waste can add up to a lot over time.
Instead, get into the habit of turning off the tap when you don’t need the water. When washing your face, turn off the tap while lathering up, and only turn it back on when you need to rinse. The same goes for shaving and brushing your teeth.
Use Water-Saving Showerheads
Consider installing water-saving showerheads
Low-flow showerheads can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing your shower experience. They have lower water pressure and flow rate, using only half the water of a standard showerhead. You can also install a shut-off valve to easily control the water flow.
Shorten Your Shower Time
Long, leisurely showers can be a water waster’s nightmare. If you want to save water, try setting a timer and challenging yourself to finish your shower within a set time, like three songs or ten minutes.
Use Low-Flow or Dual-Flush Toilets
Reduce the amount of water used per flush by placing a brick or a full plastic bottle in the tank. Alternatively, consider investing in a dual-flush toilet, which offers two flush options: a smaller flush for liquid waste and a larger flush for solid waste.
Use the Toilet Wisely
Only flush when necessary to avoid wasting water.
2. Save Water on Laundry
Choose an Efficient Washing Machine
Invest in a water-efficient washing machine
Select a washing machine that maximizes efficiency while minimizing water usage. Always wait until you have a full load before running the machine, and adjust the water level accordingly. Many machines also offer a water-saving mode, which can help reduce water and energy consumption.
Use Laundry Detergent
Switch to laundry detergent
Laundry detergent may be more expensive than traditional powder detergent, but it goes a long way. It also solves the issue of detergent residue on clothes and buildup in your machine.
3. Save Water in the Kitchen
Only Run the Dishwasher When It’s Full
Wait until the dishwasher is full before running it
Dishwashers can be a great water-saving tool in the kitchen. However, running it with only a few dishes is wasteful. So, make sure to only run the dishwasher when it’s fully loaded, and skip the pre-rinse—just scrape off any large food particles and load the dishes correctly.
If you don’t have a dishwasher, consider washing dishes in a basin of water instead of under a running tap.
Defrost Food in the Fridge
Defrost food in the fridge instead of under running water
Planning your meals ahead of time can help you save water. If you know you’ll need to defrost something for tomorrow’s dinner, take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge to thaw gradually.
Reuse Water Whenever Possible
Reuse water from washing dishes or vegetables to clean the house or water plants
Don’t let that water go to waste! The water you use for washing dishes or rinsing vegetables can be reused for cleaning the house or watering your plants. If it’s not soapy, it’s perfect for giving your plants a drink.
4. Save Water Outdoors
Install a Water Meter
Consider installing a water meter to monitor your water usage
A water meter can help you keep track of how much water you’re using for different activities. This awareness can encourage more mindful water usage. Additionally, a water meter is great for detecting leaks. If the meter shows an increase in water usage when everything is turned off, you know you have a leak that needs fixing.
Smart Gardening to Save Water
Use drip irrigation or a watering can to water your plants
Drip irrigation or a simple watering can be a more water-efficient way to keep your plants happy. Water your plants when they need it, and avoid watering when it’s raining. Morning or evening is best, as the water won’t evaporate as quickly, allowing plants to absorb more.
Collect rainwater in a barrel or cistern to water your plants naturally.
Maintain Your Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems
Regularly inspect and maintain your irrigation and sprinkler systems to prevent leaks and water wastage. Check the sprinkler heads and nozzles to ensure they’re spraying in the right direction and not wasting water.
Wash Your Car on the Lawn
Wash your car on the lawn to water your grass at the same time
Use an environmentally friendly car wash solution and wash your car on the lawn. This way, you’ll water your grass while cleaning your car. Use a hose with a trigger nozzle to easily control the water flow.
Avoid Washing Driveways or Patios with a Hose
Use a broom to sweep leaves and debris instead of hosing down your driveway or patio
Using a hose to wash down your driveway or patio can waste a lot of water. Instead, use a broom to sweep away leaves and debris, and let the rain do the rest. It’s more water-efficient and often more effective than a hose.
Water conservation is a team effort. Encourage your family to adopt these habits, and teach your children about the importance of water conservation from an early age.
Start implementing these easy tips today and watch your water bills go down. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save, and you can put that money towards something more meaningful!