Although we may try to conserve water, when possible, summer is H-O-T.
High temperatures can also lead to increased water use. This could include more frequent showers to cool down, drinking more water or filling up the back yard pool.
This highlights the importance to save water during Australian summer. We all know the importance and necessity of water conservation. But who can forget the terrible drought that occurred in the early 2000s? And the water restrictions that followed it?
As Perth plumbers, we have seen the best and the worst when it comes to saving water. We think everyone can do more, so have come up with a few tips that you could implement into your life. Although they may seem small, these little changes can make a big difference.
Read more from the Perth plumbers at Fremantle Plumbing to find out.
Summer is a great time to find creative ways of recycling water
Our daily lives are filled with water waste.
- Waiting for your shower to warm up
- Brushing your teeth
- Washing vegetables and fruit
This summer, it is a good idea to start by looking for ways to reduce how much water we use in our daily lives.
You might consider as the water warms up, using a bucket under your showerhead. Or you could reuse the water used to wash vegetables or fruits to water plants.
Tap troubles
Do you turn off the tap when you clean your teeth? What about when you shave in the shower?
You would be amazed at how often water is wasted in the smallest ways.
It is a waste to let water flow and not use it. Recognizing the tiny ways that precious water is being wasted is the first step to fixing the problem. And if you’re not using the water, turn off the tap!
Wait for your washing machine
One way to save water is to be more efficient with your usage.
While you might not be able to stop doing your washing, or control how much water your machine uses per load, you can be more efficient!
You could stop doing half loads of laundry. Instead wait until your machine is completely full before doing your washing. This not only increases the amount of washing you got done in a day, but also reduces the need for a second load later to catch up.
Does your tap leak?
A leaking tap is the worst way to waste water. One leaking tap can waste 20,000 litres water per year.
Invisible leaks
Many of the plumbing fixtures and pipes in a house run through the walls, ceilings or under your floorboards. A leaky faucet can accumulate water that can build up over time. Additionally, stagnant water can cause damage to walls, ceilings, and the foundation of your house.
When one of these fixtures’ leaks, you may not notice until your quarterly bills arrive or your ceiling begins showing water stains, and it is too late.
It’s easy to check if you have hidden leaks in your home. Just turn off the water taps, and after a set period, look at your water meters for any changes.
Finding the leaks and fixing them without damaging your home, is a whole different story.
But that is where Fremantle plumbers can help.
Take a shower instead of a bath
A shower is a better option than a bath for time, money and energy. When it comes to our daily showers, however, there are still some bad habits that we continue to do. Running the shower before you’re ready can cause between 6-45 litres of unused water.
So, make sure to get in the shower quickly, when you are turning it on.
Choose water-efficient appliances in your home
Whether it is to fulfil your environmental conscience or to save money long-term opting for water efficient products is a great idea.
While we all know we must have short showerers, no longer than 4 minutes. An alternative option is to purchase an aerated shower head, this combines air with the water. Or, you can install a low-flow showerhead, They generally use 1.5 to 2.5 Gallons of water per hour, which is considerably less than older showerheads.
Another great tip is to use a regulator, which places a limit on flow rates and helps you conserve water. Other house products we can make more water efficient include wet room taps, toilets and washing machines.
Turn off taps when you brush your teeth
Are you like most people and keep your taps running when brushing your teeth? For every five minutes that you don’t leave the tap on, you can save as much as five litres of water. This can quickly add up to a lot of wasted water. Let’s not forget, you also have to pay for your water waste.
Install a rainwater tank
Installing a water tank inside your home can help you save up to 5000 litres of water per year, weather dependant of course A water tank can be installed in your house, regardless of how you decide to use it.
You can reduce water consumption by as much as 33% by making your own water for plants and gardens. It can also be used to wash your windows and cars. Natural water is better than treated water for your flowers and plants.
Need an emergency plumber to help you through Christmas?
Fremantle Plumbing is here to help you with all your plumbing emergencies this summer. You can call our 24/7 emergency plumber for any type of plumbing problem, including toilet overflows, blocked drains or the unmistakable stench of gas.
Fremantle Plumbing have proudly been the blocked drains experts since 1952 and offer a range of diverse plumbing and gas services around Perth.
It’s a smart idea to save our number on your mobile phone, you never know when you’ll need a Perth plumber for a blocked drain or other maintenance. PH: (08) 9337 1414.