 | Fix leaky faucets--Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. |
| Check for leaks--How can you tell if you have a leak? Read your
water meter. If possible, turn off any water-using appliances such as
an ice-maker or humidifier. Take a meter reading before going to bed
and do not use any water overnight. Then take another reading in the
morning. The readings should be the same. If they are not, you
have a leak. |
| Check the toilets--Toilet leaks are notorious for contributing to very
high water bills. It pays to check them periodically; and if you find
that you have a toilet leak, repair it as soon as possible. |
| Check for silent toilet leaks--Put some food coloring in the tank and wait
30 minutes. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, then you
have a leak. |
| Other ways to check the toilet--a.) Make sure the water level in the
toilet tank is about 1/2" to 1" below the top of the overflow
pipe. Otherwise, water could be draining continuously down the
pipe. b.) After flushing, check to see if the water shuts off after
the tank has filled. If you continue to hear water running, then you
have a leak. |
| Install flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets-- A shower without a
flow restrictor can use 4 to 5 gallons per minute. A ten minute shower
would use 50 gallons of water. Installing flow restrictors would
reduce the flow to 2.5 gallons per minutes. The savings will add up
over time. |
| Use full loads in your washing machine--When washing clothes, wait until
you have a full load. The same applies for using a dishwasher.
Run it only when full. |
| When cleaning sidewalks, driveways and garages, use a broom or leaf
blower, rather than a hose, to remove debris. |
