Go Back

Don't Lose Money on Expensive Water Bills!

Posted on April 1, 2022 by

Three Ways To Save Water (and Money) This St. Patrick’s Day 

While the world is 71 percent water, less than one percent of that supply can be used for showers, cleaning, and drinking. This makes conserving every drop of water possible crucial for the environment and one’s wallet. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the average home uses 300 gallons of water a day. Still, this number can be much higher without practicing eco-friendly water-saving habits. 

This St. Patrick’s Day, homeowners can take charge of their water consumption with three simple steps.

turn off the tap

Turn Off the Tap When Not in Use 

Turning off the tap when not in use can save gallons of water each month. Some tips include: 

  • Turning off the tap when brushing one’s teeth: A homeowner can fill up a cup of water and use that liquid to brush and rinse their teeth. While having the tap running for a few seconds won’t immediately impact one’s utility bills, this usage can add up over time. 
  • Turning off the tap when washing one’s hands: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that everyone should periodically wash their hands for 20 seconds. In that 20 seconds, with the tap running, this could waste ⅔ of a gallon. One may use hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes instead of washing their hands in the sink. 

One can check their home’s water consumption by checking the meter located on their property. The meter can reveal how much water the house uses a day and whether water-saving measures are working. 

Taking Showers Instead of Baths 

baths vs showersThe EPA notes that showers are more eco-friendly than baths. Why? Well, the average bathtub needs about 30 gallons of water. A two-minute shower will use significantly less water than this. 

Other ways to conserve water while bathing or showering include: 

  • Not showering or bathing every day: Unless one works a labor-intensive job, there is no reason to bathe every day. 
  • Taking a “navy shower”: This method comes from those who served in the armed forces. One turns on the shower to wet themselves, then turns the shower off. They lather themselves with soap and then turn the shower on again to rinse off. This measure could conserve many gallons a year. 
  • Bathing two children at once: Some parents prefer to bathe their small children separately. However, if they feel comfortable doing so, they should clean both children simultaneously, limiting how long the faucet must be on. 

These are just a few tips that could protect one’s shower plumbing system. 

Flush with Care 

The EPA notes that toilets use the most water in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a family’s water use. On average, these appliances use 1.28 gallons per flush––and some models might use even more. 

No one can control how often they need to use the restroom. However, they can control what they flush down the toilet. If debris builds up inside the system, this could affect the toilet’s efficiency or lead to clogs or leaking pipes. 

One should not flush: 

  • Menstruation products, such as tampons or pads
  • Paper towels
  • Food
  • Condoms 
  • Plastic bags (even those used for picking up animal waste) 
  • Q-tips and cotton balls

One should also be careful about what goes down the bathroom sink. Even hair from shaving or globs of toothpaste can affect the system’s efficiency. 

About First Choice Plumbing Solutions 

For years, First Choice Plumbing Solutions has served its community in Port St. Lucie, Florida with old-fashioned customer service and same-day service. All their technicians are licensed and insured so clients can have peace of mind. Call them today for plumbing services in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Distribution Links +