Have you noticed your water bills creeping up? Saving on your water bill is not only great for your pocket but also for the environment. Reducing your water consumption begins with identifying areas in which you are wasting water. The following are some common ways people waste water in their homes. 

 

Taking long showers 

Taking a shower is refreshing and can be very relaxing. However, if you’re in the habit of taking long showers, you’re using more water than is necessary. The average 8-minute shower results in the use of 17.2 gallons. That is a lot of water for a single shower. You can save a lot of water and money by cutting down on the length of your shower. You can also save water by turning the shower off while applying soap or scrubbing your body down. 

 

Using a conventional showerhead 

Are you using a regular showerhead? Replacing your showerhead with a low-flow showerhead can help to save water while ensuring you still enjoy the same water pressure while taking a shower. A low-flow showerhead will use as low as 1 gallon of water per minute. This will significantly lower your water consumption. 

 

Flushing everything down your toilet 

Do you use your toilet as a garbage disposal? Many people use their toilets to get rid of items such as feminine hygiene products, facial tissue, flushable wipes and much more. This may result in flushing the toilet more often than you would need to if you were only flushing human waste. With every flush using 5 to 7 gallons of water, you’re wasting thousands of gallons of water every year on flushing things other than human waste. 

 

Leaky pipes

Thousands of gallons are lost every year as a result of leaking plumbing. A report by US News revealed that the average household loses over 10,000 gallons of water annually due to leaky pipes. 

It’s important to be on the lookout for leaky pipes. Check your faucets, hoses, toilets and other plumbing for leaks. Be sure to repair or replace the leaks as soon as possible. You will soon notice an improvement in your water bill. 

 

Running half loads 

This goes for both washing machines and dishwashers. Your washing machine and dishwasher will use the same volume of water they use for full loads even when they are only half full. Always ensure you only run these appliances when they have a full load. This will significantly lower your water consumption. It will also help you save money on soap and electricity. 

 

Leaving the water running 

Do you leave the water running while washing dishes or brushing your teeth? This habit could be resulting in the waste of thousands of gallons of water every year. Simply turning the faucet off when you’re not using water will help to reduce your consumption. Consider filling the kitchen sink with water and soaking your dishes in the water before you wash them. You should also consider using a cup for holding water while brushing. 

Use the tips above to reduce your water consumption and save money. You will also be dong a world of good for the environment.