The average Canadian uses about 329 litres of water every day — that’s enough to fill about 5 and a half beer kegs! Since water is one of our most important resources, if not the most important resource, it makes sense to conserve whenever possible.
Follow these simple water conservation tips to cut back usage at home. Not only will you save water, but you’ll also cut down the size of your water bill.
1. Hack your toilet tank
30% of household water usage goes towards toilet flushing, but the truth is that your toilet tank doesn’t need a large volume of water to flush effectively. This bottle-sand method displaces tank water, so it doesn’t use as much to fill up again after each flush. Don’t worry — your flushing will still have that oomph you expect.
This DIY is simple enough that anyone can do it. Just fill a bottle with water and sand and place it in your toilet tank. A plastic bottle, like a water bottle, will do the trick. Choose a large, narrow bottle that will fit in your tank without interfering with the flushing mechanics.
Note: Modern 1.6 L toilet tanks may not benefit from this bottle-sand method. Check your toilet model and size to see if lower water volume is needed.
2. Repair leaky water sources
Even a small leak can start to add up to a geyser in wasted water. It’s important to stay on top of your faucets, toilets, appliances and sprinklers to ensure small drips don’t turn into big leaks!
One way to stay ahead of potential leaks is to inspect your home’s sources of water regularly — every 6 months should do the trick! Take note of leaks big and small. If you have trouble tracking your home maintenance tasks, the Rümi app can remind you of the regular maintenance tasks and checks that help keep your home running smoothly.
Fix those leaks today. Rümi’s plumbing experts are happy to help.
3. Replace your top-loader
Traditional top-loading washing machines use a lot more water than their front-loading counterparts. High-efficiency designs are now available in both front-loading and top-loading setups, but keep in mind that the wash cycle on the top-loading, high-efficiency variety runs longer. If your machine is getting to the end of its life cycle, consider choosing a front-loading washing machine. You’ll be saving water and time on laundry loads. Win-win!
If you’re not yet in the market for a new machine, a good way to conserve laundry water is to wait until you have a full load ready before running the washer.
4. Purchase water-efficient fixtures & appliances
Water- and energy-efficient products have come a long way in the last two decades. New toilets, faucets and appliances are significantly more efficient, which can help you save on your water and your electricity bill.
If it’s been a while since you last replaced your water- and energy-draining home appliances and fixtures, put efficiency at the top of your list when you shop for new products.
5. Maintain your water heater
A happy water heater is an efficient water heater. Keep it running in tip-top shape by regularly draining sediments from the bottom of the tank and ensuring that the heating element is working as it should. Rümi’s plumbing experts can repair or replace most makes and models — even in an emergency.
We also carry a line of tankless water systems that take up less space, provide a continuous supply of hot water, and use up to 40% less energy than a traditional tank water heater.
6. Insulate hot water pipes
Insulated hot water pipes reduce heat loss and deliver water that is 1°–3°C hotter than their uninsulated counterparts. This means you can lower the temperature setting on your hot water tank to save energy and money.
As an added bonus, you won't have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or shower head, which also helps conserve. Most importantly, proper maintenance of water pipes in colder months helps prevent a potentially disastrous pipe burst when the weather gets warmer.
The more you know
It’s easy to warm up to water-saving tips and tricks with just a little know-how. Remember, even if you can’t do it all, or all at once, making just a few small changes can have a huge impact on your home’s water usage.
