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Improving the efficiency of your water use is not only environmentally friendly, it also reduces your water bills and wear and tear on your plumbing. If you would like to know how to reduce water usage in your household, read on for our top tips and tricks.
The first step to reducing water usage is to know more about your current water use and weak points where you are using more water than is needed. Looking at the usage on your water bill is only the beginning of the information you can gather. You can audit the flow rate of taps and showerheads by collecting water in a bucket, with the tap on full blast, for a set amount of time.
Once you have calculated the flow rates, compare these to the advertised flow rates of other taps on the market. There are taps and showerheads which have lower flow – and cleverly engineered designs so you will not notice any difference. Replacing taps and showerheads with more efficient versions can save plenty on your water bill, even without taking any other measures. Similarly, any older toilets should be replaced with dual-flush models which allow you to select the appropriate flush volume for your needs.
Another way to boost the water efficiency of your household is to determine if there are any leaks and to fix them expediently. Check all taps in your home – those that drip should be earmarked for repair. This is a simple and cheap fix which many handy homeowners can even do themselves. Toilets are quite prone to leaks, which you may not even notice. If you can often hear the toilet running when it is not in use, it sounds like you have a leak on your hands. You can also determine the presence or absence of a leak by putting a few drops of food colouring in the cistern. Wait fifteen minutes (of course, you cannot flush the toilet in this time) and check if the coloured water has migrated to the bowl. If so, then you have a leaky toilet.
There may also be hidden leaks that you are unaware of. You can determine the presence of water leaks by ensuring all taps are off, then checking if your water meter is still indicating usage. This gives you a fairly good idea of if there are any unknown water leaks. You can also bring in a professional to complete a full and thorough audit of your house and repair any leaks.
Finally, having efficient habits is one of the most powerful ways to reduce water usage in your home. Ensure you and your household members close the tap when brushing your teeth. Be vigilant about the length of your showers. Using the dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand actually uses much less water – even though this may seem counterintuitive to some. When you run your dishwasher or washing machine, it is best to wait until you have enough dirty items for a full load. These everyday reductions of water usage can add up to huge savings over the course of a year.
At Sydney Blocked Drains, we are able to assist with all plumbing issues. We are also available for plumbing emergencies and can be reached around the clock on 1300 403 201. Get in touch with us for your plumbing needs.
