For most of us, summertime means the whole family’s home, which means more swimming, barbeques, and get togethers with family and friends. However, this also means that summer is a peak time for water usage as your family will be taking more showers, your garden will require more watering, and your water using appliances will be used more frequently. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your water usage use our top 7 ways to save water this summer.
1) Recycle Water
This is an obvious one, yet so much water is tipped down the drain everyday that could be reused. For example, if you’ve boiled some veggies in water, why not recycle that water by using it to water your plants. Not only will this reduce the amount of water you use to water your garden, your plants will flourish from the added nutrients of the veggies left in the water. (Pro tip: make sure you wait for the water to cool down first!).
Another simple way to recycle water is taking those half empty glasses of water you find around the house and, rather than tipping them down the sink, use them to fill the water bowls of your pets.
2) Cover Your Pool
Another easy way to reduce your water usage in summer is by ensuring that your pool is covered after every use. This will stop the water from evaporating in the sun, and reduce how often the pool needs to be topped up with water.
3) Replace Your Old Hot Water System
Replacing an old hot water system can reduce both your water usage and your energy bills. This is because newer hot water systems are more energy efficient. Additionally, as hot water systems tend to last for 10+ years, it’s likely that your hot water needs have changed over that time.
Unfortunately, an incorrectly sized hot water system can increase both water usage and energy efficiency which will cost you money. If you’re not sure whether or not your hot water system is correctly sized for your needs talk to your local hot water specialists at Sun City. Call us today on 1300 728 122 for expert advice.
4) Check Your Toilet For Leaks
A leaking toilet can waste over 4 litres of water each day, and you may not even be able to tell that it is leaking. In preparation for summer, check your toilet for leaks. An easy way to check for leaks is by adding a few drops of food colouring to the water in the tank. If the coloured water makes it into the bowl you’ll know that there’s a leak.
Luckily, a leaking toilet is generally an easy fix for a plumber, which means inexpensive for you. If you notice a leak in your toilet contact a plumber immediately to reduce water wastage. For reliable plumbers Sunshine Coast contact Sun City Hot Water & Plumbing on 1300 728 122.
Top Tip: With the kids home for summer, it’s a good time to have a talk about recreational toilet flushing. This is important as the average toilet flush uses over 13 litres of water.
6) Fix Dripping Taps
After checking for a leaking toilet, check for any dripping taps. Although it may seem small, a tap that is dripping once a second can waste up to 19 litres of water each day. If you have a dripping tap, call your local plumber to replace the washer and service the tap wear. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive fix that can significantly reduce your water usage.
5) Install A Water Saving Shower Head
Another easy way to save water this summer is by installing a water saving shower head. In summer, the kids are home from school which means dirty clothes and more showers. And even the adults will be taking more showers as higher temperatures means more sweating.
A water saving shower head can reduce shower water usage by up to 15 litres per minute. Plus, water saving shower heads are relatively inexpensive. You can either buy one yourself to have your plumber install or ask your plumber to recommend one for you.
7) Keep Cold Water In The Fridge
In the hot temperatures of summer it’s important to stay hydrated. However, running the tap with your finger under it waiting for it to get cold (we all do it) is simply wasting water. Instead, keep a jug of cold water in the fridge and make sure your ice cube tray is full. Not only will this reduce your water usage, you will also benefit from ice cold water all summer long.
Worried about your water usage this summer? Contact your local Sunshine Coast plumbers at Sun City for personalised tips on how your household can save water this summer. Call us today on 1300 728 122 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
