Don't Let Rising Water Bills Pinch You This St. Patrick's Day!

Three Easy Ways To Save Water This St. Paddy’s Day

Everyone knows they risk getting pinched if they don’t wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day. Likewise, homeowners who don’t get into the “green” spirit of water conservation may feel the sting of higher utility bills! Fortunately, saving water doesn’t require a heroic effort or a painful sacrifice. Instead, homeowners can generally conserve water by building a few little habits and replacing old, outdated plumbing fixtures and appliances. Read on to learn what simple changes every homeowner can make to help save water and lower their water bills!

Keep the Faucet Off (When It’s Not Being Used)

The first way to save water is to practice turning off the water taps whenever possible. Most people are already in the habit of turning off the faucet when they brush their teeth, only turning it on to rinse the toothbrush and swish a little water around. But this principle can also be applied to other activities to further reduce water waste. 

For instance, when homeowners wash their hands or hand-wash dishes, they can leave the water off while they scrub with soap, then turn it on again to rinse. Likewise, when taking a shower, it may be a good idea to leave the water off when lathering up - provided it doesn’t get too cold! These small habits may not seem like much, but they can dramatically reduce the amount of water the household uses!

Upgrade To Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

The next tip for saving money on water bills is replacing old fixtures and appliances with new water-saving models. Take the home’s toilets, for instance - the single biggest source of water consumption in a typical home. Most standard toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, while some older models may use double that amount. However, toilets bearing the EPA’s “WaterSense” seal of efficiency use only 1.28 gallons per flush. That 20% decrease from the current standard can save thousands of gallons of water annually!

WaterSense faucets and showerheads boast significantly lower flow rates than standard models without sacrificing performance. This is typically done using aeration, which infuses the water with air to increase water pressure without increasing the amount of water being used. Similarly, high-efficiency appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines are designed to perform better than older models while using less water and energy.

Watch What Gets Flushed

Another way homeowners can reduce water waste is by preventing toilet clogs. It seems counterintuitive, but a partially clogged toilet can use significant water. One reason for this is that homeowners will likely have to flush multiple times to get the contents of the toilet bowl past the obstruction. But a partial clog can also cause a pressure imbalance between the bowl and the drainage pipe. This can cause water to siphon out of the toilet bowl - a telltale sign of this is if the toilet bowl slowly empties.

Over time, this can send many gallons of water uselessly down the drain, so homeowners will want to take steps to avoid toilet clogs. The best way to do that is to limit what gets flushed - only toilet paper and human waste are appropriate for flushing. Paper towels, sanitary wipes, and disposable hygiene products should always be in the trash. Not only will this help save water, but it also prevents the annoyance and frustration of a toilet clog!

What is About Plumbing Inc.?

Founded in 2016 by industry veteran Greg Glore, About Plumbing has quickly grown into one of the most highly-rated plumbers in Jefferson County. Their technicians are all courteous, licensed professionals who have undergone background checks and drug testing for every customer's safety and peace of mind. With their competitive up-front pricing, personalized solutions, and 100% satisfaction guarantee, there’s no one better to call for plumbing services in Jefferson County, MO!

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