5 Tips to Conserve Water in Your Home

In parts of New York City, such as Brooklyn and Manhattan, per capita water use can exceed 130 gallons in a single day – higher than the national average. Reducing water consumption is generally desired by homeowners as it is not only beneficial to the environment, but it can also reduce utility bills as well.

In an effort to reduce residential water consumption, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection has created specific water efficiency programs that aim to save the city more than 10 million gallons of water per day. While such projects are highly welcomed, it takes more than state-backing to reduce residential water use.

Here are five top tips from the pros at Petri Plumbing.

1. Be mindful in the bathroom: Between 50 and 70 percent of all residential water use occurs in the bathroom. If you’re looking to reduce that percentage, try simple steps like taking shorter showers to save up to seven gallons a minute, filling the bathtub only halfway to save up to 15 gallons, and shutting off water while shaving or brushing your teeth to save approximately three gallons a minute.
2. Install efficient toilets: Many homes in Manhattan and Brooklyn tend to be old, and while the items inside may still work, they are not as efficient as newer units. For example, toilets built before 1980 can use up to seven gallons per flush – drastically more than today’s low-consumption units and High Efficiency Toilets (HET) that use less than two gallons per flush.
3. Install new fixtures: While they may seem less significant, standard plumbing fixtures such as showerheads and faucets use more water than necessary. By installing newer, more efficient low-flow showerheads, you can save five, if not more, gallons per minute. Faucet aerators can be installed as well to reduce water flow by a gallon per minute.
4. Improve kitchen and laundry habits: Kitchens and laundry rooms can also be a heavy source of water consumption. In an effort to reduce usage, only run both dish and clothes washers with full loads. If you wash dishes in a sink, fill it with water instead of leaving the tap running. Standard kitchen faucets can use up to three gallons per minute.
5. Have your home checked for leaks: Water leaks can be disastrous for a home’s structure and your utility bill. Even a slow drip can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day, and some can occur unbeknownst to homeowners. Having a professional home inspection can help identify any and all plumbing leaks.

Water conservation in Brooklyn and Manhattan doesn’t have to be conducted alone. The experts at Petri Plumbing not only understand your system, but as the first licensed green plumbers in New York City, Petri is also dedicated to green plumbing tactics. To find out more, contact us today by calling 718-748-1254.