Kid sitting in tub.

Ways Homeowners Waste Water Without Realizing It

7 Ways You’re Wasting Water at Home

All of us are a little guilty of wasting water at home. And, keeping a watchful eye on how much water your entire family uses is a big job to take on. A lot of our water-wasting habits seem normal, but normal daily tasks can end up costing you more money on your monthly water bills.

It’s true that a lot of the freshwater we use is being wasted, but you can make a difference starting in your own home. You can begin your water-saving journey by making better use of your home’s plumbing system. Here are some examples of how you may be wasting water at home.

Taking Long Showers

Okay, who doesn’t love a long, hot shower after a long day? We can’t think of much else that’s as refreshing as a shower, however, taking a shower that’s too long can not only drive up your water bill, but it’s also one of the easiest ways to waste water without noticing.

Ignoring Leaking Pipes

On average, about 10,000 gallons of water are wasted a year. Sometimes, homeowners let small leaks go ignored for long periods of time, resulting in wasted water and a higher utility bill. It may not be a cause of concern for you at first, but seeing a spike in your water bill is a first indication and cause for concern.

Hidden Leaks

What about the leaks you can’t see? Just like any other indication of a leak, the first place you will notice a hidden leak is the water bill. You may be able to use your sinks, toilets, showers, and other plumbing fixtures and not notice a leak, but hidden leaks are a thing.

 

Check under the sink, in the yard, on walls and ceilings for discoloration, water pockets, or moisture. We also suggest contacting a local plumber for leak detection services to locate and repair leaks for you!

 

Older Toilets

Depending on how old your toilet is, it may not be efficient for today’s standards. Older toilets use more water to flush and can use 3-7 gallons of water per flush. That’s a lot compared to today’s typical 1.5 gallons per flush.

Running Water While Brushing

Okay, this is one we’re sure most people do without noticing — brushing your teeth without turning off the water. Running the water while brushing your teeth is one of the most common causes of water waste. Why? We do it daily.

Instead, try turning the water off every once in a while to cut back on water waste. It may not seem like it will help enough, but a little bit of effort goes a long way.

Washing Clothes

Maybe not actually washing clothes, but washing half loads of clothes is one way you could be wasting water at home. You may think you’re doing some good by only washing half of a load, but sadly, you’re wasting water in the process.

If you have a smaller load of clothes that you want to wash, we suggest you try an alternative like handwashing. You don’t need constantly running water to hand wash clothes, and it can be a simple everyday task.

San Diego Plumbing Services

If you tried everything mentioned in this blog, and still feel you want to do more and conserve water while saving money, our plumbing professionals at HPS Plumbing Services are here to offer solutions and help! We offer residential plumbing services like leak detection, water filtration, drain cleaning, and more. Schedule your appointment today at (858) 217-4112!
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