How to Reduce Water Waste

Although over two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water, only around 1% of that water is available for domestic use. With finite water supplies, every water-saving strategy that consumers can employ helps protect this critical resource.

Reducing water waste helps Sacramento homeowners save money on water bills and allows a home’s plumbing system to work more efficiently and last longer. Fortunately, there are a number of home energy saving ideas for almost every room in the home that people can employ to conserve water.

Whole-House Conservation

According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), dripping faucets, constantly-running toilets and other leaks can cause the average American household to waste over 10,000 gallons of water each year. A faucet that drips one drop of water per second wastes 2,700 gallons per year. The EPA recommends an annual plumbing fixture maintenance for all of a home’s fixtures and irrigation systems.

In the Bathroom

Over 50 percent of a home’s water usage occurs in the bathroom. The toilet alone can consume over 25 percent of the water used in a household. Low-flow toilets have been mandatory since 1994, and the technology has greatly improved over that last decade. Toilets with new canister flush valves are available that allow a powerful flush and can reduce water usage by 20 percent.

Short showers use far less water than baths. Those savings can be compounded with a low-flow showerhead, reducing a home’s water waste by up to 50 percent. Today’s low-flow showerheads are well-designed, offering a satisfying shower experience. Low-flow aerators for bathroom and kitchen sinks have also improved, with water-saving technology that doesn’t impact performance. Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving can save a significant amount of water as well.

In the Kitchen

Washing dishes in a dishwasher saves more water than washing them by hand. In most modern dishwashers, pre-rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher is unnecessary, according to a study conducted by the nation’s leading consumer publication. Scraping food off dishes instead of rinsing them conserves about 6,500 of water per year. Disposing foods scraps in a compost pile instead of the garbage disposal also saves water.

Residents of the Golden State’s capital can discover more water-saving strategies by calling an experienced Sacramento plumber. A qualified Sacramento plumber will be well-informed about the latest products and will have the necessary expertise to install them properly.