Summer is almost here, which means you are probably looking forward to getting out in the sun and making the most of the season. But what you’re probably not looking forward to is the spike in your water bill.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average family’s water use can go from 320 gallons per day to up to 1,000 gallons per day in the summer. These numbers may seem scary, but if you set reasonable goals to save water this summer, you won’t have to worry.
Luckily, the professionals at OnTime Service have some tips to help you lower your water bill so you can really enjoy yourself this summer.
Fix any leaks indoors and outdoors
Leaks in your home start off as small nuisances but can turn into big problems. Tackling these leaks can save homeowners 10% on their water bills (EPA). Here are some ways you can pinpoint a leak in your home:
To identify toilet leaks, place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, there is a leak in the toilet. Toilet leaks can generally be fixed by replacing the toilet flapper or chain.
Watch your water meter. If you have not used water and there is a change in the meter within a two-hour period, you probably have a leak.
Don’t forget your sprinklers. If your sprinklers are spraying water on the sidewalk instead of the lawn, consider changing the sprinkler heads.
Time your sprinklers
According to the EPA, 50% of the water used to water lawns is wasted because of overwatering. This is especially high in the summer months, when homeowners use 2 to 4 times more water. To prevent this waste, see how much water your landscape needs before you water your lawn or set your sprinklers. Try to water your lawn in the evening or early in the morning so your landscape fully absorbs the water before most of it evaporates in the afternoon sun.
Install a rain barrel
A rain barrel placed under your downspouts stores water that would normally be lost in runoff. This can especially come in handy during dryer spells. It costs between $50 to $200 to purchase one, or you can fashion one out of a plastic garbage can.
Try a cold shower
Brave a cold shower occasionally so you won’t be tempted to stay in there for too long. Cutting your shower time by just a couple of minutes can save you 150 gallons of water every month. There are also many health benefits of taking a cold shower and it’s going to feel great in the summer heat.
Reuse your water
Think about how you can reuse water. Instead of dumping it out, you can use stale water that has been left out to water your plants or wash utensils. Water used to steam vegetables can make for some delicious vegetable stock. The possibilities are endless!
You can save a lot of water just by making small changes to your routine. Turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth or turn the shower off when you’re lathering up or conditioning your hair. Learn more about the ways you can save water and don’t hesitate to contact OnTime Service for expert plumbing maintenance and repairs.
