Practicing water conservation as a homeowner may not seem like it’s worth the effort. After all, how much of a difference can one house make? Well, according to the EPA, an average family can save over 13,000 gallons of water every year just by replacing old toilets. That doesn’t even take into account the other things you could do! Conserving water will help the environment and lower your water bill. It’s great for everyone!

Here are a few tips for homeowners interested in practicing better water conservation habits:

Invest in water-efficient fixtures and appliances

This can help you use, at minimum, 20 percent less water each year (EPA). The average American uses around 88 gallons of water each day. That means new appliances can help you save over six thousand gallons of water per person each year. It adds up!

So how do you know which fixtures will help you save water? All you have to do is look for the WaterSense labels on any water-using fixture you install. The WaterSense label is an EPA-sponsored program for designating products that mean certain high standards for water conservation. To earn a WaterSense label, a product has to meet several requirements. First, it must perform as well as or better than similar products. Second, it has to be at least 20% more water efficient than those products. Finally, it has to use future-facing technology to accomplish these goals.

Turn off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth

On average, a running faucet uses two and a half gallons per minute. If you spend one minute brushing your teeth twice a day, turning off your faucet during that time will save approximately 1,825 gallons of water a year.

If there are leaks in your plumbing, don’t let them go unchecked

According to the EPA, the average household’s leaks account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.

It’s easy to miss leaks, even while they’re wasting lots of water. Look for hidden leaks in places like  underneath sinks, behind the toilet, and around outdoor fixtures and pipes.

Don’t wash your car at home

You’d be surprised how much water can be wasted via a single haphazard hose.

Water plants in the morning

Cooler morning temperatures keep water from evaporating too quickly for your plants to soak it up. You’ll be able to use less water and keep your garden healthy at the same time.

Use appliances like your washing machine more sparingly

Approximately one quarter of indoor home water use comes from doing laundry. Save water by adjusting the settings on your washer to the proper load size. Only use your washing machine when you’re washing a lot of clothing at once.

Interested in installing more efficient fixtures and appliances? The trained technicians at Ben Franklin Plumbing are always happy to help choose the right solutions for your needs.