Summertime Savings: A Plumber’s Perspective
Summertime is definitely our fun time; we just love being outdoors, soaking up the sun, and BBQing everything we can get our hands on. While we hate having our plans rained on as much as the next plumber, we hate water restrictions even more. Water is an incredibly precious resource, especially in the summer. So while we’re catching waves and topping up our vitamin D stores, we’re also doing our bit to live sustainably.
We thought we’d share a few things we like to implement to contribute to a more mindful use of water and help save a few pennies along the way.
Low-Flow is the Way to Go
If you’re still using the original bathroom fixtures that came over on the Mayflower, it may be a good idea to consider upgrading to modern low-flow versions. They are specifically designed to reduce water consumption without compromising the user experience. Here are a few specific designs we think are good:
Low-Flow Showerheads: Older showerheads can use up to 5 gallons of water per minute, while low-flow models use just 2.5 gallons per minute or less. This simple switch can cut your water use in half during showers.
Water-Efficient Faucets: Low-flow faucets reduce water usage without sacrificing pressure. Look for models with aerators to maximize efficiency.
High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs): Traditional toilets use about 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, whereas HETs use 1.28 gallons or less. This change can significantly reduce your household’s water consumption.
Nothing Dull About Grey
What do you know about “grey water”? According to the Water Education Foundation, gray water is “water that already has been used… This includes the leftover, untreated water generated from washing machines, bathtubs, and bathroom sinks.” It’s a fairly simple process to collect this water after we’ve used it for minimally dirty tasks. Or, if you’re not ready to commit to a dedicated system, there are smaller ideas you can implement. For instance, how cold is your shower water? End up waiting forever for it to warm up? Something as simple as using a bucket to collect shower water as it heats can prove to be very effective.
You might be wondering what exactly this gray water can be used for. Generally speaking, it’s fantastic hydration for indoor and outdoor ornamental plants and even lawns. This can be really helpful in keeping your plants thriving if your area suffers from dry spells or water restrictions during the hotter months.
Its About Time
We know that the shower is where you do your best problem-solving. Us too. Realistically speaking, though, it’s probably not great to indulge in super-long showers when water is scarce. Shower timers can be a helpful tool. Speak to the rest of the family and decide on a general time allowance. Setting a timer to help monitor our usage helps us be more mindful of the time. If you think your family needs a stronger incentive to take shorter showers, perhaps you could consider how cold (or hot) your shower water is. No one lingers in a cold shower.
Just Add Air
Aerators are one of those tiny feats of engineering technology that have huge impacts on our dedication to sustainability. They’re small, unassuming devices that can be bought and attached to your faucets. They act as tiny sieves, forcing water through minute holes. This contributes air pressure to the flow, which reduces the amount of water needed without affecting the pressure. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, Roto-Rooter plumbers are pros at installing faucet aerators.
Let’s Make it Personal
All the points made above are general, excellent guides that are easy to implement and effective in saving resources. Sometimes, though, a custom-made strategy based on your specific set-up, priorities, and abilities is the most powerful way to make a difference. Roto-Rooter Delmarva plumbers are trained to professionally assess, build, and install a personalized water conservation system in your home or commercial property. We’re also always available to provide ongoing support and maintenance so your system runs at peak performance.
We’ve discussed a few of our top recommendations to make the most of the water available to us while also reducing our utility bills. If anyone needs us, we’ll be in our favorite deck chair with something cold to sip on.