Fix Leaks ASAP
The first thing you can do is look for any leaking pipes or taps on your property. Examine inside and outside your home. Even with newer houses, hoses, pipes, and faucets can leak, so it’s essential to be vigilant. Look not only for signs of moisture, such as pools of water, but also rust, worn elements, and blocked pipes.
Deteriorations occur over time and can end up leading to significant water loss if you don’t discover them before there’s a big burst or downpour. It pays to have a plumber check fittings and do a moisture check at least once per year. Get any leaks seen to ASAP. In particular, keep an eye on all your appliances that use water when they run. If even small leaks appear, call in a qualified tradesperson to perform a shower, washing machine, or dishwasher repair.
You should also take the time to read the numbers on your water meter occasionally, when you know no one is currently using any taps, showers, etc. There could be unseen leaks happening underground with the pipes that service your property, particularly if your block was developed a long time ago. Avoid getting a huge, unexpected water bill by checking to see if the meter is ticking over at any point when it shouldn’t.
Don’t Leave Faucets Running
Be mindful of how much water you lose if you leave faucets running unnecessarily. One of the easiest ways to reduce your family’s water consumption is to turn off taps when you’re doing tasks such as shaving, cleaning your teeth, washing your hands or face, or rinsing or cleaning dishes in the kitchen sink.
Bathroom and kitchen taps pour water out at a high rate; higher than you probably realize. This means that by teaching yourself not to let them run needlessly, you can save thousands of gallons of liquid each year.
Repurpose Water
Another tip is to repurpose water around your home wherever possible. For instance, save water when you’re washing fruits and veggies in the sink by placing a bowl underneath the colander with the produce in it. Similarly, capture the water that comes out while you’re waiting for the temperature to heat up in your kitchen sink or your bath or shower.
You can then re-use all the water in your washing machine or on your garden, watering your lawn or plants. This activity adds up to impressive savings over time. Keep in mind, too, that you can also capture rainwater by installing tanks or using buckets or other containers. Use this pure liquid to keep indoor plants happy, wash your pets or car, or clean your clothes, amongst other things.
Opt for Water-Efficient Products
Do you need or want to replace a water-using appliance in your home? If so, choose the most efficient product you can afford. While older machines tend to go through a high level of water as they work, newer models are more economical and help reduce a family’s water consumption.
When you shop for products, look for Energy Star-certified machines. The higher the number of stars an appliance has, the more efficient it is. Plus, buy only the size machine you require. The smaller a device is, the less water it uses. Once you get the product home, also take care to run it when it’s at capacity, rather than only partially full.