Water Conservation For Homeowners
It's difficult to turn on the news without seeing stories about drought conditions across the country. Many local municipalities and even entire states have placed restrictions on water use for homes and businesses. You don't have to live in an area affected by these conditions to take action on your own, however, since water conservation should be on the minds of all homeowners. Read on to learn ways to conserve your natural resources and save some bucks on those high utility bills at the same time.
Grey Areas
Did you know that water use is categorized by color? The water that gets flushed from your toilet and goes down your sink drains is known as blackwater. Blackwater cannot be reused without considerable treatment at your local water treatment plants. On the other hand, the water that is used when you run your washing machine, dishwasher, and take a shower is referred to as greywater. This category of water can be reused without substantial treatment, and is well-suited for irrigating your lawn and to water your plants. It's important to note that using greywater on gardens that produce edibles is not recommended. Greywater can also be rerouted, with your plumber's help, to use to flush your toilets. Your plumber can assist you in creating a system to hold and reuse greywater in your home.
In Hot Water
Your choice in water heaters can make a great deal of difference in your energy and water usage. Traditional water heaters hold water at a constantly heated temperature until you turn on your hot-water faucet. This creates a 24-hour-a-day energy drain. Additionally, water must often be run for several minutes for it to reach your faucet, leading to water waste. Ask your plumber about new "on-demand" tankless water heating systems that can supply you with instant hot water.
More Water Conservation Tips
Make it habit to check your pipes for leaks on a regular basis: note the meter reading, refrain from using water for an hour and then check the meter again. It should be the same and if not you may have a leak somewhere.
- A constantly running toilet is both annoying and wasteful. A simple fix is to replace the fill valves and flappers.
- Check your lawn sprinklers to ensure that only grass is getting watered, not the sidewalks. Using a timer can ensure that your lawn is not over-watered .
To find out more ways to make your home more energy efficient and conserve our precious natural resources, talk to a local professional plumber, like one from ATA's Plumbing.