The toilet is a haven for relaxation and hygiene, but it is the biggest source of water waste in our homes.
Did you know that the average home uses 400 gallons of water daily, most of which comes from showering? Taking a long shower or soaking in the tub can take a toll on your wallet and your precious water resources.
The good news is that simple changes to your bowel habits can significantly reduce water use. Here are 10 water-saving tips from expert plumbers in Essendon that you can easily use:
Turn off the Tap
This may seem obvious, but leaving a tick while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face is very common. Letting the water run for two minutes while brushing your teeth wastes up to 12 litres (3 gallons) of water – enough to fill a large water bottle! Make sure to turn off the tap when you are not going to use water. Wash quickly at the beginning and end.
Embrace the Energy of the Shower (But Not Too Long!)
Running water from overhead showers accounts for about 20 per cent of domestic water use. Here’s how to make your shower more comfortable:
Install a small shower head: A small shower head reduces water usage by up to 50% without reducing the efficiency of the shower. Many new low-flow models offer a fine jet pattern for a comfortable shower experience.
Make your showers better but last longer: Try to make your showers shorter. The EPA recommends bathing for no more than 5 minutes. Create your own shower playlist – choose your favourite songs and try to finish your shower before the music ends!
Turn off the water when showering: Turn off the shower when washing, heating or shaving. Every second counts!
Multiple Wonders: Ember Wonders
Don’t let your precious water escape while you wait for your shower to reach the perfect temperature! Collect the first cold water in a bucket. You can use the collected water for different purposes, such as watering the plants, cleaning the toilet (if flushed once), or washing the floor.
Leak Detection: Leakage is Invisible
Even a small leak in a bathroom can waste gallons of water daily. Here’s how to spot leaks:
Water meter test: Take a water meter reading before going to bed and again in the morning if no one has used water. If the panel changes, there may be a leak.
Hearing test: Listen for the sound coming from the toilet tank, faucet, or pipe. These could be signs of a leak.
Food colouring test: Add a small drop of food colouring to the toilet tank. If colour appears in the bowl within 10 minutes of not being rinsed, there is a leak. Call a licensed 24 hour Melbourne plumber to repair any leaks you find. Early detection and repair can save you hundreds of dollars on your water bill.
Check the Efficiency of Your Toilet
The toilet is one of the largest consumers of water in the bathroom. Here are some ways to improve water quality:
Check Flush: One flush is enough to remove waste. If you need to wash often, consider a toilet with a double flush option, which provides a small amount of water for wastewater.
Transfer: Place a heavy plastic bottle filled with water (or store-bought transfer) in the toilet tank. This replaces some of the water used in each generation without affecting performance.
Regular maintenance: Make sure your toilet shut-off valve is working properly. Damaged valves can cause damage and increase water usage. If you suspect a problem with your bathroom’s internal components, visit a plumber in Essendon.
Faucet Aerator
This device is attached to the end of the faucet, and the air is mixed with water, making it flow better with less water. These are inexpensive and easy to install, making them a great water-saving investment.
Upgrade Your Equipment
This EPA-certified product meets water efficiency standards without compromising performance. Although it may cost less upfront, the long-term savings on your water bill can be huge.
Think Eco-Friendly
Everything needs to be changed after it has reached its maximum potential. Whether it’s a gutter replacement or the installation of a new showerhead. However, when doing so, look for water-saving models with features like a pause button that lets you stop the flow of water while showering. These features give you more control over water retention and shower discomfort.
Water Replacement
A good drainage system plays an important role in saving water. When it rains heavily, damaged or broken gutters can overflow, wasting water and not draining into the yard or garden. Gutter replacement and cleaning as often as possible will effectively collect and use rainwater, reducing your reliance on municipal water for outdoor irrigation.
Embrace the Power of Intuition
Awareness of water conservation is key to achieving long-term change—place water conservation reminders around your bathroom sink or shower. Get your family involved in water conservation – make it a fun challenge and see how much water you can save.
Wrapping Up
By implementing these simple tips, you can reduce the amount of water you use in the bathroom. There are two benefits: you save money on water bills and contribute to the sustainability of our planet. Remember, every drop counts!
And now, if you need more suggestions, connect with NLK Plumbing, the best plumbers in Essendon and nearby areas, for an efficient service.
