As Americans, we tend to take water for granted. It is always readily available, flowing magically through the tap without us having to give it much thought. However, wasting water not only raises your utility bills, it is also bad for the environment. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, only about 1% of the Earth’s water is suitable for drinking and domestic consumption, thus conserving it is essential. That’s why our team at Drain Genie Plumbing Services has put together this list of ways you could be wasting water and how you can work to change that.
1. Flushing Trash
Toilets are the biggest source of water usage in your home, with five to seven gallons used every time. So, if you flush a facial tissue or paper towel you are wasting five to seven gallons of water when you could have just thrown it in the trash. Not to mention, flushing something other than human waste and toilet paper is harmful to your pipes and drains! For list of things you shouldn’t be flushing, check out our previous blogpost.
2. Running the Dishwasher or Washing Machine When Half Full
Every time you run the dishwasher or do a load of laundry, you should make sure that the machine is fairly full. It is more cost-effective in the long run and will save water. If you simply must run the dishwasher or do a half load of laundry, see if your appliance has a “light cycle” to save as much water as you can.
3. Leaky Pipes
Nothing wastes water like leaky pipes! It’s so important to keep an eye out for leaks around your toilet, faucets, hose bibs, and any other plumbing fixture that you use often. Repair or replace leaking water lines as soon as possible, and keep an eye on your water bill month-to-month to spot signs of hidden leaks.
Start saving water today by contacting the plumbing experts at Drain Genie. We are your Orlando area source for all plumbing projects including leaking pipes, toilet repairs, and hot water heaters. Contact us today at (407) 710-0210 for a thorough inspection and advice on how to save water!