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What does the environment have in common with your bank account? Both can be greatly improved with smart home water-saving trends! At Premier Plumbing, Inc. we are always on the lookout for ways to cut down on water costs for our customers, while also improving the effect our homes have on the world around us. Check out ten water-saving trends that we think are worth considering for your home!
1. Take a leak check
You might think because your home or plumbing is newer that you shouldn’t have to worry about leaks, but you could be very, very wrong. Unfortunately leaky plumbing is all too common and can pop up seemingly out of nowhere even in the newest of installs. Taking some time to check your toilets, sinks, showers, hoses, appliances, and pipes could pay off on your next water bill, while also preventing a small leak problem from turning into a large nightmare.
2. Be thoughtful
We know…we know…being thoughtful is like a catchall suggestion for all issues in your life, but hear us out! You might not realize that standing an extra five minutes in the shower or running the water while brushing your teeth is adding up quickly on your water bill. Not only that, but using all that extra water every day really takes a toll on the environment over time. Taking a second to really think about what you are doing during your daily routine, can help you start developing better water habits.
3. Get an intelligent shower head
If you are looking for one of the biggest culprits to a high water bill, look no further than your shower. The average person uses about 17 gallons of water during a standard shower. Think about how many milk jugs that is! Installing a water shut-off valve can help you easily save water while sudsing up. These valves make it so you can easily turn the flow of water off and on while in the shower. Don’t worry the water will stay hot and you typically will be flipping it right back on after applying something like shampoo to your hair, so you won’t start shivering. It might sound strange, but give it a try, and you will see it’s an easy option to make your showers more eco-friendly!
4. Lean on efficient faucets
There are many water-saving trends when it comes to faucets. One of our favorite options is using enhanced flow restrictors, also called a faucet aerator. These are simple items to install in your kitchen and bathrooms to reduce the amount of water that comes out of the faucet. Essentially flow restrictors are small screw-on items that have holes in their screens that add air to the water as it streams out of the faucet.
5. Don’t do things halfway
When you get in a hurry, it may be tempting to start a half-empty dishwasher or washing machine, but think about all the extra water you are using up for not even a full load! If at all possible, waiting until you have enough dirty clothes or dishes to completely fill your machine will help make the water you are using really count.
6. Go low-flow
One of the best water-saving trends to emerge in recent years is the development of true low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads. Low-flow is exactly what it sounds like – using significantly less water than older models. These options are becoming increasingly available and come in practically as many colors and styles as their predecessors.
7. Repurpose outdoors
You might think the only way to water your lawn and plants is to use a traditional hose and sprinkler that connects to your house’s water. An alternative is to use something called a rain barrel, which is an easy way to reuse rainwater that comes off your roof through your gutter system. Collecting this natural water gives you easy, and free access to water for your yard. The main thing to be aware of with using a rain barrel is how fast it may fill up during large storms.
8. Bring the heat
Updating your water heater to a tankless option can go a long way in reducing your utility costs each month. You should also see a noticeable difference in the amount of water you are using, as tankless water heaters can be 25% to 35% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. While tankless options can be more expensive than their counterparts upfront, they will save you a lot of money in the long-run.
9. Two is better than one
You have probably seen a few dual flush toilets in your time. If you were wondering why there are two options for flushing, it’s actually quite simple. One option uses less water to flush than the other, and users are meant to select the option that lines up with whatever their business in the bathroom was. It may seem silly to take the effort to install a dual flush toilet, but the water savings can really add up over time.
10. Be efficient! Be, be efficient!
Of course, a water-saving trend that is here to last is upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. Almost all appliances now come in an efficient option, including washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Investing in this upgrade for your home will give you peace of mind that you are saving on a variety of energy sources – helping your budget and your home’s energy usage.
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It is so great to see all the water-saving trends in 2022 that have been developing, and the technology in this space is sure to just keep improving. If you want to figure out a way to save water in your home, Premier Plumbing is always just a phone call away!
Metro-Detroit Plumbing Problems Hotline:
Location: White Lake, Michigan
Phone: (248) 363-5864
Location: Hartland, Michigan
Phone: (810) 632-7420
Location: Fowlerville, Michigan
Phone: (517) 223-4360
Email: [email protected]
Request a FREE repair quote with Premier Plumbing, Inc. online at premierplumbing-mi.com/get-a-plumbing-quote/