Homeownership is generally a sound investment and a great way to grow wealth. However, the ongoing maintenance and bills can be very costly. That’s why savvy homeowners are always looking for ways to cut household costs, like water bills.
The bonus? Cutting your water consumption also helps the earth at the same time. It’s a win-win. We’ve assembled this list of tips and tricks to help you kick-start your water conservation here in Tacoma, WA.
Visit the Carwash
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a newly clean car, but doing it yourself at home is more costly than you might think.
The problem is that when you run the hose, you are letting water (and dollars) flow down the driveway. You are far better off to visit your local carwash. Ideally, choose a carwash that recycles water.
Greywater for Your Plants
Greywater is water that is “used” (i.e. water that has been used for bathing or cleaning). This water is no good for consumption, but it is still perfectly good to water your plants. In some cases, this water is actually better to fertilize the plants.
It’s possible to reconfigure your plumbing to set up a greywater collection, particularly from your sinks, tubs, showers and laundry. If you want something simpler, try washing your dishes in a basin and re-using that water.
Shower vs. Bath Debate
Which do you prefer: the shower or the bath? When you find out how much more one costs than another, you may change your mind. A bath is nice and relaxing, but a shower is far cheaper.
It takes about 36 gallons of water to fill a tub, vs. the five gallons a minute to take a shower. Where you get into trouble is if you let your shower run for very long. To rectify this, simply put on a timer when you get in the shower so that you don’t go too long.
Plumbing Leak Detective
When you discover a plumbing leak, especially if it is small, it can be tempting to put off fixing it until later. What’s the harm, right? Small leaks add up to large water bills, so as soon as you discover a leak get it fixed. Inspect your plumbing regularly for signs of trouble.
There are other ways to make your plumbing more efficient, like installing eco-friendly plumbing fixtures. What do you know about dual flush toilets or motion activated faucets?