According to the Environmental Protection Agency, on average, the daily consumption of water in U.S. homes is approximately 100 gallons per person. Also, hot water flowing from a faucet for five minutes uses the same amount of energy as a 60-watt light bulb burning for 14 hours. Needless to say, finding ways to conserve water at home is cost effective and energy efficient.
Implementing a few simple solutions can conserve water at home, save money, extend the life of your septic tank and reduce soil saturation and pollution caused by leaking pipes:
- Check pipes and faucets for leaks - Even a small leak can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. Repairing leaky pipes and replacing worn washers will help eliminate waste and reduce your water bill.
- Put plastic bottles in your toilet tank - Placing two plastic bottles filled with approximately two inches of sand or pebbles in the toilet tank can save approximately 10 gallons of water per day. The plastic bottles reduce the amount of water needed to fill the tank, but you want to make sure three gallons of water are available for each flush. Also, make sure the bottles don't interfere with the toilet's flushing mechanism.
- Replace shower heads and faucets - Using water-saving or low-flow shower heads and faucets reduces water usage by 2.5 gallons per minute. This is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to conserve water usage.
- Take shorter showers - A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 30 gallons of water, and one way to reduce consumption is to turn the water off while soaping and then turn the water back on to rinse.
- Only wash full loads - For maximum water conservation when washing dishes and clothes, wait until you have a full load before you start the wash cycle. When possible, replace old appliances with energy-efficient equipment designed to use 30 to 50 percent less water.
The professional technicians at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has provided service to the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts since 1928. For more information on how to conserve water at home or for any other home comfort issues, contact us today!
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