Daily Home Renovation Tips

Editor’s Note: To view the 500+ different energy and water conservation tips for the home we have collected, simply access our Un-Official Guide To Home Energy & Water Conservation, 2nd Edition

Today we begin to review the collection of ideas on how to reduce home water conservation inside the house, starting with the first 19 of the 55+ tips received from literally hundreds of people over the past 18+ months which cost absolutely nothing to do.

Number 382, Full Dishwasher Loads. Yes, if you use a dishwasher make sure you only use it when, if at all possible, you have a full load of dishes, plates, pots, pans, etc. Simple. Don’t over stuff it, however, as some of your dishes, glasses, etc. won’t come out clean. Simply use every spot available. Of course this will reduce the number of times you use your dishwasher which will reduce the amount of water it uses.

Number 383, Take Showers vs Baths. Absolutely, a water saver … as long as you don’t spend forever in the shower.

Number 384,  Don’t Leave Faucets Running and Number 385, Don’t Run Water When Using It. What? Think about it.  If refilling a re-usable water bottle, turn the water off as soon as the container is full. When filling the kettle with water, turn the tap off before you place the kettle on the burner or on the electric kettle plate. Lot’s of applications here.

Number 386, Don’t Let Water Run Unnecessarily. Sounds simple, so why don’t we always adhere to it? 

Number 387, View Water Meeter for Water Leaks. A great tip, one that I never thought of. Yet, the person who gave us this tip said they know if there are water leaks, even those not readily visible, in their home if there is no water usage (shower, faucet, etc.) going on inside or outside the house yet the water meter continues to show that water is being used. Great idea! 

Number 388, Take Shallow vs Full Tub Baths, if you must bathe rather than taking a short shower. 

Number 389, Use Dehumidifier Water for Indoor Plants. I never thought about this, but of course. Even if your dehumidifier has the tube to take the water straight to the basement floor drain, adjust it so you can capture the water to keep your indoor plants’ soil nice and moist. 

Number 390, Turn Off Water While Brushing Teeth. We now come to what I refer to as the turn off tips … because if you don’t follow even some of these you will be turned off when you see your water utility bills; especially those of you who live in drought ravaged areas. This one is simple and was the water conservation tip we received more than any other. Just turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth; turn it on again when you need to rinse. So easy.

Number 391, Turn Off Water While Shaving. I’m as guilty as anyone for not doing this … I just let the clean water run and run and run. I can do better, can you?

Number 392, Turn Off Water While Washing Hands. Especially if you like to really scrub and scrub your hands, this tip could save you a little or more than a little.

Number 393, Turn off Water Thile Washing Face. Of course … every little bit helps.

Number 394, Turn Off Water While Washing Hair In Sink. Yes, a very useful tip to save lots of clean water. When you are ‘lathering’, turn the water off. When you are ready to rinse, then turn the tap back on. 

Number 395, Turn Off Water While Hand Washing Dishes. Arguably preferred to using a dishwasher, certainly if you have only a few to clean. Use less clean water if you first partially fill the sink, turn the water off, hand wash the dishes, then turn the water back on to rinse.

Number 396, Turn Off Water While Shaving Face In Shower. Some men prefer to shave in the shower. Personal preference. However, if this includes you, consider turning of the shower when you are shaving if you don’t have the water hitting your face during this activity.

Number 397, Turn Off Water While Saving Legs in Shower. Ladies, this one was submitted to me by several people. Would this work for you?

Number 398, Turn Off Shower While Lathering. I never thought about this before. Bit it makes sense. Sure the hot water feels nice against the skin during the shower. However, what price comfort? Drought area folks, am I wrong?

Number 399, Turn Off Shower While Shampooing. This one could be a bit more challenging in that if you are shampooing, how will you find the On switch for your shower with your eye’s closed? ;)  Practice makes perfect.

Number 400. Be sure To Turn Faucets Completely Off. The last of the turn off suggestions we received was to be sure that taps / faucets you use in the home are completely turned off. It does not have to be a leaky faucet which will drip and waste clean water; a fully functioning tap will drip just as much and waste just as much clean water if it is not turned off properly.

To continue reviewing the suggestions we received on ways to reduce your clean water usage inside your home which cost nothing to do, simply select this link to Part 2.