Happy Earth Day! This is a great day to take a moment and reflect on ways you can be more conscious of how your everyday habits affect the Earth. Doing so has many benefits, not just for the planet, but for your wallet as well. By making small changes around your home, you can not only reduce your carbon footprint, but you can save money as well. It’s a real opportunity for a win-win for homeowners.
So, how can you be more eco-friendly as a homeowner? One of the easiest ways is to take a look at your water usage in your home. We don’t mean checking your water bill, although that might come in handy (see #5 below). There are simple ways to reduce water usage in your home. Here are 6 ways to be more environmentally conscious of your water use.
1. Just Say No To Drain-Cleaning Chemicals
A slow-flowing drain is a frustrating issue. That’s because many homeowners feel like it’s something they should be able to take care of themselves. But we don’t recommend the use of drain-cleaning chemicals to fix a slow or clogged drain. That’s because they do more harm than good–not to mention the fact that they don’t even really fix the problem in the long term!
For that, you need a professional plumber for drain cleaning in Chatham, NJ. That way, you know the problem will be fixed once and for all without the use of caustic chemicals that aren’t good for Mother Earth.
2. Turn Those Faucets Off Between Tasks
Unless you’re directly using the water coming from your faucet, it shouldn’t be running. It’s amazing how much water you can save by turning off those faucets in between tasks such as shaving, brushing your teeth, rinsing dishes, and even washing your hands for 20 seconds. According to the EPA, It’s estimated that the average home can save up to 8 gallons of water per day by simply switching the water off when not in direct use.
3. Upgrade Your Appliances
Are the water-using appliances in your home the original ones? If so, they’re definitely water hogs. Earth Day is a great opportunity to upgrade your washing machine and dishwasher to energy-efficient models that’ll use a lot less water and energy.
4. Upgrade Your Fixtures and Toilets
Replacing outdated faucets and showerheads with low-flow models is a relatively inexpensive way to reduce your water usage and water bill. In fact, the EPA estimates that just replacing a toilet with a low-flow model can save $110 per year on water bills alone! That means you’ll recoup those costs within years. Although you’ll need a professional plumber to switch out a toilet, replacing faucets and shower heads is a fairly simple DIY task for the savvy homeowner.
5. Know the Signs of Leaks
Here’s an alarming factoid: the average US home loses 10,000 gallons of water every year due to hidden leaks. Not only do hidden leaks result in a lot of water wastage, but they also have the potential to become readily apparent, major leaks.
The best way to “spot” hidden plumbing leaks in your home is to monitor your water bill. Be on the lookout for steady increases or alarming spikes that can’t be accounted for through usage. If you’re ever concerned about a potential leak somewhere in your plumbing system, hire a professional plumber for leak detection services.
Established in 1912, Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. is your trusted resource for reliable plumbing services. Reach out to us today.