Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of activity and also a major source of water waste. Small changes can make a huge difference.

• Use smaller pots when boiling water
• Thaw food in the refrigerator instead of running it under cold water
• Install aerators on faucets to reduce the amount of water used when washing dishes, filling a pot, or even getting a drink of water
• Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of running water over them

Laundry Room

Purchasing a high-efficiency washer can save as much as 16 gallons of water per load. However, if a new appliance purchase isn’t in your budget, there are still ways you can save money and conserve water in the laundry room.

• Wash large loads of laundry
• Use cold water to save water and energy (cold water also helps retain color)
• Soak clothes in a small amount of water to remove stains instead of running them under water

Bathroom

Water usage in bathrooms can get out of control quite quickly. It is hands down the costliest room in a home. With a little bit of conscious effort, you can control the amount of water you use when taking a shower or brushing your teeth.

• Running the water while shaving can waste as much as 300 gallons of water every year; fill the sink or a small bowl with water and use this to rinse your razor when shaving.
• Turn the water off when lathering your hands or brushing your teeth. Only turn the water on when you need to rinse.
• Install high-efficiency toilets and frequently check for toilet tanks leaks.
• Don’t use the toilet as a waste basket to avoid clogs.
• Turn off the shower while washing your hair.
• Install low-flow showerheads.

Outdoors

Ideally, rainwater would be used to water lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds. Unfortunately, with the drought conditions this isn’t always possible. If you must water your lawn, keep these tips in mind.

• Water early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler, and less water is absorbed.
• Use drip irrigation to water trees and bushes, taking care to turn the system off when not in use.
• Plant drought-resistant plants, trees, and other vegetation.

For a repetitive action to become a habit it usually takes 21 days. To develop better water conservation habits, consider making small changes a little bit at a time. Start with something simple like turning the water off when you brush your teeth for 21 days and then the next 21 days add another action. In no time at all, you’ll be saving thousands of gallons of water and reducing your water bill in the process. For additional conservation tips, call a Rooter Hero Plumbing associate or read through our other informational blog posts.