Summertime means sunshine, fun, and unfortunately, increased water usage. With droughts becoming more frequent and water resources stretched thin, picking up some timely water-saving tips can help you manage those unpredictable water bills. The Stadler Plumbing has a little advice to help you navigate water usage during the summer and beyond.
What Are Some Indoor Water-Saving Tips for the Summer?
Looking for easy ways to cut back on water usage indoors while you enjoy the comfort of your air conditioner? Here are some water-saving tips for the summer:
- Fix leaks as soon as possible. Every drop of water makes a difference. Leaky faucets, toilets, shower heads, or other appliances should be addressed right away. When you suspect a leak, reach out to Stadler Plumbing for an appointment.
- Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures. Swap out old and rusty shower heads, faucets, and toilets for water-saving upgrades. Despite a reputation for not working as well, there are models available that provide efficiency without the sacrifice of comfort.
- Shower quickly. While your shower has the perfect acoustics for your solo karaoke performances, too much time in the shower is costly. Try to keep showers limited to five minutes. To get used to this practice, try using a timer.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Don’t let the water run nonstop while brushing your teeth. Turn it off until you’re ready to rinse and finish up.
- Let your dishwasher do the job. Running a full load in a dishwasher is generally more water-efficient than washing dishes by hand.
- But avoid halfloads. Wait until your dishwasher or washing machine is full before running a cycle. This saves water and energy.
- Capture and reuse water. Collect the cold water that runs while waiting for it to heat up. Use it to keep your plants hydrated or for other non-drinking purposes.
- Keep a pitch of water handy. To reduce water consumption, consider storing drinking water in a pitcher in your refrigerator. This eliminates the need to run tap water until it cools to a desired temperature.
- Be patient when defrosting. Allow frozen foods to thaw gradually in the refrigerator rather than under running water. This may take longer, but the water savings are worth the wait.
How Can I Reduce Water Usage in My Garden During the Summer?
Summer heat can be really rough on your garden, but it doesn’t need to have the same impact on your water bill. With a little planning and some strategic choices, you can keep your plants happy and healthy without draining your water supply.
Choosing the right plants is a great place to start. Plants that love the sun and can handle dry spells are a lot easier to maintain during the summer months. Coneflowers and lavender look great but don’t require much care. You can also try grouping thirsty plants to better target your watering efforts. And remember, timing is key. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening helps the water soak into the ground instead of evaporating, meaning you’ll end up using less water over time.
There is a secret weapon for retaining moisture in your garden in high heat – mulch. It helps hold in moisture, keeps the soil cool, and reduces evaporation. Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or compost can also improve soil health in the long run.
Are There Ways To Save Water With a Swimming Pool?
Summertime usually equals quality pool time for the family, but that doesn’t have to mean water waste is inevitable. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the cooling-off benefits of your pool while being kind to the planet.
One of the best things you can do is cover your pool when it’s not in use. A pool cover acts like a lid, stopping water from evaporating – especially on those hot, sunny days. It also has the bonus of keeping leaves and bugs out of the pool, so you’ll spend less time cleaning and refilling.
Regular check-ups for your pool are important too. Tiny leaks can waste a surprising amount of water if they’re not addressed promptly. Give your pool a quick look-over now and then to make sure everything is okay. Also, keep your pool water clean and balanced with the right chemicals. This helps prevent algae and other problems that might make you want to drain and refill your pool.
How Can I Save Water While Cooling My Home During the Summer?
Opt for fans over air conditioners whenever possible as they use less energy and no water. If you must use your HVAC system, set it to a higher temperature – ideally around 78°F – to reduce strain and water consumption.
Insulation also plays a vital role here. Consider reinforcing your house’s insulation to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering. Consider energy-efficient windows and window treatments to keep the sun’s heat out. Smart thermostats can help. Program your air conditioner to run only when needed which saves both energy and water.
Leaks Can Lead to Water Waste
Don’t let a leaky faucet cast a cloud over your summer. A persistent drip can quickly turn into a flood of wasted water and sky-high bills. If you have a leaky appliance, contact Stadler Plumbing to make things right. Give us a call now at 586-803-1200 or reach out to us online.