Save Water, Save Money: Essential Water-Saving Tips

Potable water is not as abundant as we might think. Of all the water on Earth, only about 3% is freshwater. Of that, scarcely more than 1% is available for us to drink. Certain locations are prone to greater stress on water reserves, largely because of drought, high temperatures, agriculture, and threatened reservoirs and aquifers. 

Clearly, there are environmental incentives for conserving water, but effective water management at home can also result in significant savings on the water bill. Here are some easy ways we can save water.

6 Different Ways to Conserve Water at Home

1. Invest in high-efficiency appliances.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE),modern washing machines and dishwashers that meet the Energy Star program’s criteria use 30% less water than traditional machines. As a bonus, they use 50% less energy as well.

Investing in new home appliances may involve a steep upfront cost, but they pay for themselves over time in water and energy savings—and those savings don’t require any changes to your habits or lifestyle.

2. Find and repair leaks.

Even what seems to be a minor leak can lead to many gallons of wasted water in a single day. Keep an eye on your faucets and showerheads and repair leaks as soon as you notice them. Such leaks are often the result of a worn valve or washer, which can be easily and affordably replaced.

Also examine exposed plumbing under cabinets and in the basement, attic, crawlspaces, or other locations for signs of leaks. If you notice anything amiss, contact a professional or make a claim with your home warranty provider.

And don’t neglect your appliances. Make repairing a leaky washing machine or dishwasher a priority if you notice water trickling from the appliance. You can check for hidden leaks in your toilet by adding a few drops of food dye into the tank. If the dye appears in the toilet bowl before you flush, you have identified a leak that a qualified plumber can repair.

3. Install low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Data from the DOE suggests that modern faucets and showerheads can use up to 50% less water than those manufactured before 1995. If your home has older plumbing fixtures, replace them to use less water while bathing, doing dishes, and washing your hands.

You can also install dual-flush toilets. These toilets give you the option of flushing with less water.

4. Exercise mindful water conservation practices.

Many efficient methods to save water are simple adjustments to your daily routine. Consider some of the following conscientious practices:

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.

• Use a washcloth while washing your face in the bathroom sink.

• When washing a large load of dishes, fill the sink with soapy water instead of running the tap the entire time.

• Take shorter showers.

• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when you have a full load.

• Wipe off dishes with a damp paper towel or rag before placing them in the dishwasher instead of rinsing them under a running tap.

• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of placing them under the tap.

5. Maintain your lawn responsibly. 

Careless lawn watering is a major source of water waste. There are several lawn care practices you can adopt to significantly cut down on how much water you use.

• Water your lawn and plants in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. The cooler temperatures and lack of direct sunlight will reduce evaporation.

• Maintain your irrigation systems so that they water only plants and grass. Adjust your system if water is falling on your driveway, sidewalk, walkway, porch, and so on.

• Provide the appropriate amount of water to different plants in your yard. Larger plants with greater root systems don’t need to be watered as frequently as smaller shrubs and grasses.

• Remove weeds that compete with other plants for moisture and apply mulch or compost to limit evaporation from the soil.

• Mow high or keep your grass taller to retain more moisture among the soil and grass. This will require adjusting the height of the blades in your lawnmower. You may also consider mowing your lawn less often.

• Populate your lawn and garden with native plants and grasses. If feasible, also landscape with drought-resistant plants.

• Use drip or trickle irrigation systems instead of spraying systems. These tend to be more efficient in delivering water to the plants that need it.

• Once or twice per season, check for and repair leaks in your irrigation system.

• Use rainwater instead of municipal or well water whenever possible. Store a couple of rain barrels on your property to keep a save of water. Use this water to irrigate your plants instead of relying on the hose or sprinkler system.

6. Cover your pool.

If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when you’re not going for a swim. You can also keep your water level slightly lower to limit water loss from splashes on the pool deck. These tips will keep you from needing to top off your pool as frequently throughout the summer.

How a Home Warranty Can Help

A home warranty can be an excellent resource when it comes to conserving water in your home. Liberty Home Guard has a suite of plans that cover plumbing systems, plumbing fixtures, washing machines, dishwashers, well pumps, refrigerators, irrigation systems, and other systems and appliances that use water. When you sign up for coverage, you can make a claim whenever you notice a problem. We can tap our network of professional plumbers and technicians to resolve your problem in a flash.

And remember that Liberty Home Guard covers so much more. You can customize a plan to also include electrical and HVAC protection, kitchen appliance coverage, and even home services, such as pest control and gutter cleaning.

Get started on crafting the plan for you and your home by calling (866)-432-1283.