Saving money is extremely important to everyone, especially during seasons when heating or cooling bills are higher. Most people are aware of a large amount of money being spent on utilities, so here are a few tips to save some money and save water in the process:

Check for leaks

First and foremost, if your bill seems high or there is a sudden spike in your water usage, it’s best to check for any leaks. The easiest way to see if you have hidden leaks in your home is to look at your water meter. Read the meter before and after a two- hour period when no water is being used, if it does not read exactly the same then you know you have a leak and further investigation will be required.

Household

• Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators which limit the water flow through the faucet, but increases the velocity of the water so that pressure still feels high.
• Insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You will get hot water faster and avoid wasting as much water while the temperature heats up.
• Check shower heads, faucets, and pipes for leaks. A small drip caused by a worn faucet washer can waste as much as 20 gallons of water a day and larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons and cost a lot of money in utilities.

Kitchen

• Don’t leave the water running when washing dishes. Utilize the double-basin by filling one side with soapy water and the other with rinse water.
• Run the dishwasher only when full. Also, many dishwashers do not need dishes to be rinsed before loading.

Bathroom

• Add food coloring to the toilet tank to check for leaks. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 15-30 minutes. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install. TIP: Be sure to flush as soon as your test is done so the food coloring doesn’t stain the tank.
• If you turn off your tap when you brush your teeth it can save up to 8 gallons of water a day.

Laundry

• In the washing machine, do only full loads of clothes. Also, be sure to lower the water setting for smaller loads or purchase a sense fill washer with only the water needed.

Outside

• Water the lawn or garden only during cool morning hours instead of at midday to reduce evaporation.
• Make sure sprinklers are not watering the street or sidewalk.
• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, couplings and faucets outside.
• Mulch around plants and trees to reduce evaporation and control weeds that will steal water.
• Water only when needed. A good way to know if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back when you move your foot, it does not need water. It only needs water if it stays flat. Allowing your grass to grow taller than 3” will promote water retention in the soil and allow you to water less. TIP: When watering your lawn a good way to know if you have watered enough is to put an empty tuna can on your lawn, when it’s full you have watered the correct amount.

A final way to save water is to involve the entire family. When everyone is aware of how important it is both environmentally and financially you will find conserving water is easier than going it alone.

Give Swartz Contracting &Emergency Services in Lima, Ohio a call with any questions!