Did you know that a single leaking faucet can waste around 20,000 liters of water annually? Think about how much money that will cost you overtime. Not only do small leaks waste money, but it is a waste of resources and can also cause damages to your home. If ignored, those damages can worsen, causing even further problems that cost thousands of dollars to repair.
If you want to save some money and keep your plumbing in working order, follow the tips below:
1. Do preventative maintenance
Continuously running toilets, dripping in the sink, leaks from the pipes, and even clogged drains can lead to issues with your plumbing that inevitably cost you a lot of money overtime. Make sure you are doing plenty of preventative maintenance to keep plumbing and appliances functioning properly. This includes hiring a professional plumber for routine inspections. Repair issues before they worsen. Winterize your pipes during the colder months.
2. Install low-flow fixtures
Low-flow fixtures such as faucet aerators, showerheads, and toilets are a smart way to save on your water bill and are eco-friendly too. For example, low-flow showerheads come in two types, such as laminar-flow for better temperature control or aerating low flow, which produces a misty spray, ideal for dry climates. Furthermore, low-flow toilets in a four-person household can save around 20,000 gallons of water per year. Low-flow fixtures are ideal for retrofitting and come a wide variety of colors and styles, so you should have no difficulty finding fixtures to upgrade your home.
3. Do your laundry smartly
Good news! You no longer have to wash your clothing in hot water. Most liquid laundry detergents have been improved and will now be just as effective in cold water. Changing to cold water can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Additionally, you can use generic store brand detergents since they use the same ingredients as name brand. You can also opt for all-natural detergents that are more concentrated, so a single bottle lasts longer and is also better for the environment. Or, you can make your own detergent.
4. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth
You should get into the habit of switching off the water when you are brushing your teeth. Doing so will save you an amazing 8 gallons (or 30 liters) of water in a single day.
5. Take a shower
Although a lot of people will argue that taking a shower may use more water depending on how long you want to wash, most showers actually use far less water than filling a tub. You can still take a bath once in a while, but if you switch to a 5-10 minute shower a couple of times per week, you waste less water.
6. Purchase high-efficiency appliances
Aside from low-flow fixtures, you should also consider making an investment in high-efficiency appliances that are Energy Star certified. Such products are designed to use less resources, reducing the overall negative impact on the environment. You can find dishwashers, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances with the Energy Star seal of approval.
We all want to save money and help our planet stay green and beautiful. These simple tips will definitely help with saving your hard earned money while making your household more eco-friendly. It’s a win-win.
