Top 10 Ways You’re Wasting Water

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(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

Water is one of our most precious resources, but it’s also one of the most commonly wasted—especially inside the average home. Between aging fixtures, bad habits, and inefficient appliances, the gallons can add up fast. In fact, the EPA estimates that the average American household wastes nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually due to leaks alone.

Here are 13 common ways you may be unintentionally wasting water—and how to fix them:

Using Your Toilet as a Trash Can
Toilets account for nearly 30% of indoor water use. Each unnecessary flush—like disposing of tissues, cotton swabs, or feminine hygiene products—uses 5 to 7 gallons of clean water. Not only is this wasteful, but it can also lead to clogs and plumbing issues. Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Trash everything else.

Taking Long Showers or Frequent Baths
The average 8-minute shower uses 17–20 gallons of water. Baths can consume even more—often 35–50 gallons. Reducing your shower time by just a few minutes each day can save thousands of gallons per year. Consider installing a shower timer and skipping the tub unless necessary.

Using Conventional Showerheads
Older or standard showerheads use up to 2.5 gallons per minute. A family of four could be using over 14,000 extra gallons a year just from outdated showerheads. Upgrading to WaterSense-labeled low-flow models can save water without sacrificing water pressure.

Ignoring Leaky Pipes and Fixtures
Dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky hose bibs can waste hundreds of gallons a month. Even a small drip can waste over 3,000 gallons annually. Check under sinks, behind toilets, and around your water heater regularly. If you notice a spike in your water bill, it might be a sign of a hidden leak.

Doing Half-Loads of Laundry
Washing machines use 15–45 gallons per load, depending on the model. Running small or partial loads wastes water and energy. Always wait until you have a full load or use the machine’s load-size setting to adjust water usage accordingly. Consider switching to a high-efficiency front-loading washer to save even more.

Running a Half-Empty Dishwasher
Like your washer, your dishwasher should be full before you run it. Modern dishwashers use about 3–5 gallons per cycle, and running them unnecessarily can add up. Use eco or light wash settings when available, and scrape plates instead of rinsing them beforehand.

Washing Dishes with Running Water
Leaving the faucet on while washing dishes wastes an enormous amount of water—2 gallons per minute on average. Instead, fill one sink with soapy water and another with rinse water. Soak dishes first to loosen food debris and cut down on scrub time.

Flushing with Outdated Toilets
Older toilets can use 3.5–7 gallons per flush, while new high-efficiency toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons. If you live in a home built before 1994 and haven’t updated your toilets, you could be wasting thousands of gallons every year.

Overwatering Your Lawn
Many homeowners water their lawns far more than necessary. In most regions, twice a week is sufficient. Water early in the morning (between 5–10 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and maximize absorption. Installing a smart irrigation system can automate watering based on weather and soil moisture levels.

Leaving the Tap Running While Brushing Teeth
This is a classic example of habitual water waste. If you leave the water running while brushing, you’re wasting about 4 gallons per session. Turn off the tap after wetting your brush and only turn it back on to rinse.

Washing Your Car at Home with a Hose
Washing your car in the driveway with a running hose can use 100 gallons or more per wash. Either use a bucket and sponge method or visit a commercial car wash that recycles its water.

Neglecting to Mulch Garden Beds
Without mulch, your garden loses water faster to evaporation. Mulching retains soil moisture, reduces the need for frequent watering, and helps cut outdoor water use by up to 25%. Use bark, wood chips, or composted leaves to insulate the soil and reduce runoff.

Using a Hose Without a Nozzle
Leaving a garden hose running freely is like turning on a faucet full blast. If you’re watering plants or rinsing off the driveway, make sure to use a hose with a shut-off nozzle to control flow. Otherwise, you could waste 10 gallons per minute or more.

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(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!