How to Save Water With Each Plumbing Fixture

Do you open up your water bill each month and take a deep sigh when you see the amount you have to pay? Stop paying more than you need to on your monthly bills and start learning how to save water! With each plumbing fixture in your home, there are a few ways you can cut back on your water usage.

The Dishwasher

• Out With the Old – Opt for an Energy Star dishwasher as they are roughly 15 percent more water efficient than the average model. Less water, less noise; more savings, more happiness!
• Only Full Loads – Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load of dishes (do not overload). Running half loads is wasteful of water and overloading can result in dishes not being cleaned. Thus, some dishes will have to be washed again.

The Sink

• New Aerator – Install a WaterSense aerator on each of your faucets. This will limit the flow of water to less than one gallon per minute, without losing any water pressure.
• Fix Leaks – Faucets can leak at the base, handles, and head, so inspect and replace any that have a leak. Some leaks might be slow and unnoticeable, so conduct a thorough inspection. (This also applies to your shower head).
• Soak, Don’t Scrub – After preparing a delicious meal, soak all of your pots and pans in warm, soapy water. Scrubbing these pieces of cookware under a running tap can be extremely wasteful and ineffective.

The Washing Machine

• Time to Upgrade – Replace your old washer with an Energy Star model as they use up to 40 percent less water. Not only are they more water efficient, but they also spin faster to reduce drying time.
• Pick the Right Size – When doing laundry, try to accurately measure the load and pick the appropriate load size. Picking the wrong load size can either waste water or cause your clothes to not be washed properly. Luckily, newer energy efficient models will have a sensor that does this for you.
• Use Cold Water – Whenever possible, try to use the cold water setting. Using cold water will require less energy as there won’t be a need to heat the water.

Saving water means you are saving money AND doing your part to save the environment! To repair any leaks or have new plumbing fixtures installed, contact Len The Plumber. If you’re looking for a reliable plumber, check to see if you live in one of our many service areas!