Although most of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 1% of it is freshwater that is suitable for drinking and domestic consumption. Most of the remaining water is either saltwater or it is frozen into the polar ice caps and glaciers. That means that conserving freshwater is essential, and with most households in the United States using an average of 300 gallons per day according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there is much room for improvement. Even minor changes like replacing dripping faucets, taking shorter showers, or shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth can make a huge difference in your water usage, and with water bills increasing at a dramatic rate, especially around Baltimore and the DC area, conserving water can also help you save money.
Do you have pipe leaks or plumbing problems that are increasing your water bill? Contact Len The Plumber today at (800) 950-4619 or visit us online to schedule plumbing services in MD, VA, or the DC area today!
How You May Be Wasting Water
Between old fixtures, inefficient appliances, faulty plumbing, and old habits, it is easy to waste a considerable amount of water each day in a typical household. A toilet that has a faulty flapper valve, for example, can waste gallons of water per hour as it constantly runs and refills the tank. Here are 10 ways that you may be wasting water without being aware of it:
1) Using your toilet as a trash can. Representing almost a third of a household’s total indoor consumption, toilets are the biggest source of water use in your home. Every time you flush a facial tissue or feminine product, you waste five to seven gallons of water. Not to mention flushing something other than human waste and toilet paper is bad for your pipes and drains!
2) Taking baths and long showers. Think of it this way: The average American shower uses 17.2 gallons of water and lasts up to 8 minutes – that’s a lot of water.
3) Conventional showerheads. You should consider switching to a low-flow showerhead, which uses about 2 gallons of water per minute.
4) Leaky pipes. The US News reports that an average household can leak more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. It’s important to keep an eye out for leaks around your toilet, faucets, hose bibbs, and any other plumbing fixture that you use often. Repair or replace leaking water lines as soon as possible, and keep an eye on your water bill month to month to spot hidden leaks.
5) Laundry loads that are only half full. Ensure that each load of laundry you do is pretty full. This will be more cost-effective in the long run.
6) Running a dishwasher that’s not completely full. Make sure your dishwasher is completely full before you run it. In fact, you should consider running it on a “light” cycle if a “normal cycle” isn’t necessary.
7) Washing dishes with running water. Instead, fill up your sink with soap and water and let the dishes soak. After a few minutes, go ahead and wash them off!
8) Conventional toilets. If you have an older toilet, it could be using up to 2 gallons more water than a newer low-flush or high-efficiency toilet.
9) Overwatering your lawn. During the summertime, it’s best to water your lawn in the morning (5-10am) because the air is cooler and water evaporates more slowly. Additionally, it’s really only necessary to water twice a week … MAX!
10) Running the water while brushing your teeth. If you have the habit of running the water when you’re brushing your teeth, simply remind yourself to turn it off. If you think about it, there is no reason the water needs to be running.
Home Plumbing Services in Baltimore, Washington, DC & Northern Virginia
Start saving water today—contact our plumbing professionals at Len The Plumber to help with plumbing repairs, fixture replacements, water conservation, and more! We serve homes throughout the Baltimore area, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Our company offers respectful service, quality workmanship, and experienced, professional plumbers who are here to help with all your plumbing problems, seven days a week.
Call (800) 950-4619 or contact us online to learn how we can help you save water in Baltimore or the DC area! Be sure to check out our coupons page for valuable special offers!
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