How to Conserve & Save Water at Home

Do a Routine Maintenance Check

At the start of every season, it's good to spend time going through a water-based home maintenance checklist to ensure everything is working properly. That way, you can catch any water-related issues before they get worse. Here are some actions you can take:

• Perform a leak check
• Clean faucet traps
• Test your sump pump (if applicable)
• Inspect your supply hoses
• Replace your water filters

Repair Leaks as Soon as Possible

Look out for dripping faucets, leaky showerheads, worn toilet flappers, and other leaking valves around your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water or more per day. Luckily, leaks are usually easy to fix if you catch them early enough. Plus, the EPA also mentions that fixing household leaks can save you around 10% on your water bill.

Update Your Bathroom Fixtures

According to the EPA, bathrooms account for more than half of all the water that families use indoors. Most of this usage comes from standard bathroom fixtures such as toilets, showerheads, and faucets. If you want to conserve water, here are some things you can do to maximize these fixtures:

• Toilets — Check to see if you have a low-flow toilet, which uses only a third of the water older toilets use. Most new construction requires low-flow toilets, but you may still use an outdated toilet if you live in an older home.
• Faucets — Ensure your faucet comes equipped with an aerator. This accessory reduces water usage by mixing air bubbles into the stream, so you get as much pressure with less water.