Plumbing Mistakes You Will Never Make Again

Water conservation is something that is on everyone's minds, especially when droughts become prevalent. As a natural resource that could someday run out, it is important that your family do their part. Here are some easy and effective ways to start conserving water at home. 

Fix Drips and Leaks

The sound of a dripping faucet or a leak around your toilet is more than just an annoyance; it is also using up water one drip at a time. It may seem like a small amount, but these types of leaks are wasting water that is not being used by anyone in the home. Any time you notice leaks or hear drips in the shower or sink faucets, you should call a plumber to have them fixed. It might be something as simply as tightening a fitting, or there may be something more serious going on. Another way to look for a potential leak is by checking the meter on your water heater on a regular basis. It can tell you a lot about your water usage.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

While this requires an investment, it is one that is well worth it. Installing new plumbing renovation fixtures is a great way to have brand new plumbing that is more effective while also being better for the environment. One of the easier and cheaper things to do is by switching your current shower heads with energy-efficient ones. The flow of water will be a little lower during showers and pauses at regular intervals. You can also get a low-flow faucet aerator, which also controls how much water is being used. For a bigger investment, consider a low-flow toilet.

Don't Leave the Faucet Running

There are many instances when you keep the sink faucet running when it doesn't need to be. For example, if you are washing your kitchen counters, you can turn the water on to get the sponge wet, then turn it off when washing the counters. When you need more water, turn it back on, then turn it off again. Soon you will get used to this method and will be wasting less water. Another good example is when brushing your teeth. You should only need to run the bathroom sink when getting the toothbrush wet and when it is time to rinse your mouth and the toothbrush. Stop keeping the water running for the entire 2-3 minutes you are brushing.

Wash Full Loads of Laundry Only

Another way to stop wasting water is to only run your washing machine when you have a full load of laundry. You are wasting a lot of water when washing a few towels or a half load of clothes. Unless you have absolutely nothing else dirty, keep the clothes in the washer until you have a full load. The same goes for your dishwasher as it uses the same amount of water whether it is full or not.