Conserving Water at Home This Summer

Residential water usage skyrockets during the summer. Finding ways to conserve water at home is not only a great step towards a healthier environment, it’s also a wonderful way to save money on your utility bills. Water conservation at home isn’t difficult or inconvenient, it simply requires a little knowledge and a few small lifestyle changes.

Wash Clothes Wisely

Summer fun in the sun often results in more dirty clothes that need laundering. You can conserve water when doing laundry by only washing clothes when you have a full load. Alternatively, if your washing machine has a water level setting, use only as much water as needed. Wash clothes predominantly in cold water to reduce the load on your water heater, saving you on the costs of heating your water as well. Check your washing machine hoses regularly—the rubber hoses used in most homes should be replaced every three to five years to prevent leaks and floods. If you notice any wear or damage on your hoses or standing water on the floor of your laundry room around the washing machine, replace the hoses immediately.

Water Your Lawn Properly

Your summertime outdoor water usage can comprise up to 55% of your annual water consumption. You can cut this number significantly simply by watering your lawn in the morning or evening whenever possible. Watering when the temperature is lower gives your yard more time to absorb water before it evaporates. Check your outdoor faucets and hoses regularly for signs of leaks or drips; replace hoses when they become worn and address any leaking faucets to avoid wasting water. If you have a home sprinkler system, watch it in action once a month to make sure all sprinkler heads are functioning properly. Leaking or damaged sprinkler heads can cause damage to your lawn in addition to unnecessary water usage.

Shower Smarter

Summertime houseguests and more frequent showers make the bathroom another great place to conserve water this summer. Check your shower fixture to make sure it isn’t leaking or clogged with mineral deposits. A showerhead that drips at a rate of one drop per second can waste almost 200 gallons of water in a single month. You can also swap an older fixture for a low-flow showerhead to use less water during showers. Additional ways you can save water in the bathroom include turning off the water when you shampoo your hair and setting a timer to remind you when you should be finishing up your shower (aim for five to ten minutes).

Heat Water More Efficiently

Even in the summertime, you’ll want hot water for showers and other household tasks. Flush your water heater to remove sediment and buildup inside the tank, which can affect the performance of the heating elements. If you haven’t had the sacrificial anode rod replaced recently, talk to your plumber about checking and replacing this component if necessary. You can also reduce the time it takes to get hot water from the tank to the tap by fitting exposed pipes with pre-slit insulation. This will reduce heat loss so you can get hot water faster, wasting less water while you wait for the temperature you want.

Are you ready to begin saving money by conserving water this summer? Remember that household leaks and drips can account for up to 14% of your water usage each day, so contact your Houston plumber promptly for repairs. Visit our website to learn more about our 24/7 plumbing services in your area, or check out our blog for more ideas and information that can help your household cut your summer water usage to enjoy lower bills.