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Choose to Combat Rising Water Bills

3 Tips to Save Green for St. Patrick's Day

March is the month of green, so why not focus on saving your wallet some green? It’s no secret that energy bills are rising globally, so now is the time to learn how to be financially conscious. Besides saving money, energy conservation also improves the world for the next generation.

Turn Off the Tapwater

Many water users leave the water on when washing hands, brushing teeth, hand washing dishes, and many other household chores. It doesn’t seem like a lot of money is being wasted, but 4 gallons of water on average is used each time one person leaves the water on while brushing their teeth, meaning a four-person household that brushes twice per day would waste 32 gallons a day.

Hand washing dishes uses about 27 gallons of water when the water is left on while scrubbing. Experts recommend using one sink to wash and the other to have clean water to rinse dishes in after washing before putting them into the drying rack rather than leaving the tap on to rinse.

shower

 

 

Do Showers Save Water?

Which is the more eco-friendly bathing option, a shower or a bath? The answer depends on how much water an individual uses for each because everyone has different habits.

The average bath uses between 20-and 50 gallons of water, but this depends on how full the bathtub is. A low-flow showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons per minute, meaning a 15-minute shower would use 37.5 gallons. In comparison, an unrestricted showerhead uses about 5 gallons per minute, totaling 75 gallons for the same 15-minute shower.

Many water conservation experts recommend a 4-minute average shower to save water and decrease expenses. It may seem short, but it can be achieved by turning off the water in the shower while lathering or applying shampoo.

Flush Approved Items

Many homeowners are flushing items that could cause clogs. It is recommended to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Common items to avoid flushing include:

  • Wipes (yes, even flushable ones)
  • Diapers
  • Feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons)
  • Cigarettes
  • Plastic wrappers
  • Cotton balls, pads, Q-tips
  • Condoms
  • Medication
  • Hair
  • Dental floss
  • Cat litter
  • Grease
  • Food or food waste
  • Paper towels
  • Chewing gum or candy
  • Fish (sorry for the loss!)
  • Bleach or cleaners that contain bleach

Many of these items degrade the integrity of the household plumbing or contribute to clogged toilets over time. Flushing these items once or twice may not cause a clog, so homeowners feel like it’s not an issue until that dreaded day when the toilet backs up and a plumber is needed. This can be a big repair, so it’s best to avoid it by disposing of these items properly in a waste bin.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is an award-winning, local, family-owned and operated company whose customers are their top priority. Their trusted technicians are background checked so homeowners can feel at ease. Call them today for plumbing service in Huntsville, AL.

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