As concern for the environment grows, many of us are looking for ways to go green. One of the best things you can do for Mother Nature is to use less water - a surprisingly easy task when it comes to the bathroom. Here are some simple ways to conserve. 

  1. Keep it off
    Do you tend to leave the water running while you brush your teeth or wash your face? If so, you could be wasting gallons each year. After you wet your toothbrush, turn the faucet off and see what a difference it makes in your water usage. You should even be careful about how much water you use while washing your hands.
     
  2. Be smart while shaving
    If you tend to let the water run while you shave in the morning, consider filling a bowl with water and using that to shave with instead. Chances are you'll put far less water in the bowl than you would use up by letting the faucet run. 
     
  3. Grab a bucket
    When you turn the water on in the shower and wait for it to heat up, you're wasting all of that cold water. Rather than letting it escape down the drain, consider placing a bucket in the shower during this time. Later, you can use the water you collect to clean your bathroom or water your plants. 
     
  4. Showers vs. baths
    As a general rule, showering uses less water than taking a bath, so if you prefer to soak in the tub on a daily basis, you may want to take that into account. You can test this by closing the drain the next time you shower. If the rule doesn’t hold true for you, you may want to consider switching up your routine. 
     
  5. Set a timer
    Limiting the length of your showers can help you conserve water -- and time. Consider setting a timer for anywhere between five to 10 minutes before you jump in. This will not only save water but could also help you get ready faster each morning. Brushing your teeth in the shower can save you time and water in the morning as well. 
     
  6. Call a plumber
    If you have a leaky pipe in your bathroom or your faucet has been dripping, call a professional to get it fixed. Each day you ignore a leak you're wasting more water.
     
  7. Replace your toilet
    Older toilets use more water than newer, more efficient ones, so if yours is more than 10 years old, go shopping. Take comfort into account, as well: most people find a toilet with an elongated bowl more comfortable, and there are also higher toilets on the market now, which you may find more convenient. 
     
  8. Keep a garbage can in the bathroom
    Resist the urge to toss things like tissues and Q-tips in the toilet to dispose of them. If you do, you'll end up flushing the toilet more than you should, so always keep a trash can nearby.

For more tips and help with water conservation, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing at 1-877-BEN-1776 or contact us online. Whether it's replacing your old, inefficient toilet or fixing a leaky pipe or fixture, we're always here to help.