Although water is in short supply in some areas of the world, most of us have more than enough to drink, cook with, do laundry, and clean our homes and vehicles. But when the monthly water bill rolls in, sometimes it can jump sky-high, making us wonder what happened. One possibility is that you may be wasting water at home without realizing it. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get the problem under control.
Inspect Your Home’s Plumbing
At least once a year, check out your home’s plumbing system. Start with the basement water pipes to look for drips, leaks, or condensation. Examine the hot water tank for signs of leakage. Then walk through your home to assess every toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub for evidence of constant dripping. If your fridge has an icemaker, make sure it is working properly. Monitor the washing machine while running a load of laundry through it to see if water appears beneath or around the washer. For a thorough evaluation, contact a plumber to double-check all water lines, valves, and faucets in your home.
Repair Leaks
An inspection might locate tiny leaks or hairline fractures in your plumbing system. You might feel that small drips have little to no effect on your water bill. But they could be running up your monthly cost if there are several of them or they have been around for a long time. Major leaks or water line damage should be repaired immediately, and you may need professional help with this type of issue. It is best to handle the problem right away rather than wait for the damage to accumulate and possibly lead to a bigger problem and more expensive repair later.
Monitor Children’s Water Usage
If you have kids at home, keep an eye on their water usage. Young children often leave the water trickling into the sink after washing up. Sometimes they will push the toilet handle so hard that it jams, causing the toilet to continue “running” to fill the tank. Remind children to ensure all faucets are completely turned off and to let you know if the toilet tank continues to fill after flushing.
Use Less Water
Consider shortening your shower or bath by a few minutes to save water. Try watering your outdoor plants or grass once a day instead of twice, weather permitting. Choose shorter wash cycles for the laundry and dishwasher. Your savings on water and utility costs can quickly add up.
Water is a precious resource that we cannot afford to waste. Try these tips to conserve water use in your home.