How to Conserve Water at Home

Leaking pipes, dripping faucets and lawn overwatering all impact our daily water use. To cut back on costly water bills,  here are some tips on how to conserve water at home.

Monitor Indoor Water Usage

There are many things we can do to stop wasting water in our homes.

Fix leaks.  Small household leaks can add up to gallons of water lost everyday.  The EPA reports average household leaks can add up to nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water annually.  Common ones found in the home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and leaking pipes.  These can easily be repaired and can save homeowners about 10% on their water bills.

Overusing Bathroom Water.  This is where over half of all water use in our home takes place.  To cut back, turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.  Take showers – they use less water than baths.  Remember to keep them short.

Cut Back in the Kitchen.  When washing dishes by hand, plug the sink, or use a wash basin.

Scrape your plate instead of rinsing it before you put it in the dishwater.  Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded. Keep a pitcher of cold drinking water in the refrigerator.  Thaw food in the fridge instead of running hot tap water to warm it up.

Laundry Room Savings. Wash only full loads of laundry, or reduce the load size on the washing machine.  Don’t use warm or hot water to wash clothes. Set your washing machine to use cold water.

Outdoor Water Use

A lot of the water we use is wasted when we overwater our lawns and aim sprinklers toward our sidewalks and driveways.   Here are some ways to cut back on outdoor water use and help our communities.

Drop the hose and sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps instead.  Wash the car using a bucket of soap and water. Cover your swimming pool to reduce water evaporation.  During the hot summer months, water your lawn in the early morning or evening. Also, inspect irrigation systems, fix leaks and repair broken or clogged sprinkler heads.

Conserve Water Resources

There are other ways you can help ease the burden on your local water supply.  Collect rainwater in a rain barrel and use it for outdoor watering.  Plant a rain garden to catch stormwater runoff from your roof and driveway.  Check your water bill and monitor how much water you use.  Ask your local government about a home water audit.

Save Water, Save Energy

It takes a lot of energy to deliver and treat the water we use daily for bathing, shaving, cooking and cleaning.  Homes with electric water heaters spend one-quarter of their electric bill just to heat water.  The best way to save both water and energy is to invest in water-efficient products.

Got Water Damage?

When it comes to water, flood or fire damage,  Flood Department is here to help. We provide water damage repair and clean-up services for homeowners and businesses. We cover Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.  We are dedicated to helping reverse the damage done by water, mold, sewage, smoke and more.  Contact us at 301-829-2600 or visit us online.

Sources/Links

https://www.americanrivers.org/rivers/discover-your-river/top-10-ways-for-you-to-save-water-at-home/

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-summer-infographic

How to Spot Water Damage in Your Home

When the weather outside is frightful, it can get into your home as well.  Clogged gutters, drain pipes and downspouts can lead to indoor water damage. Look for leaking pipes and clogged drains inside your home too.  If you know the signs of water damage in your home, it can prevent bigger issues.

Signs of Water Damage

Many people tend to put off repairs or try to fix the issues themselves.  However, the damage you see may only be the tip of the iceberg. It’s best to have a professional check it out before you take action.  Here are some signs to look for that could indicate trouble is brewing.

 Stains.  A key sign of water damage is discoloration or stains on your walls or ceilings.  For instance, a beige or brown spot that appears on a white surface is a clear indication of damage. Water damage on darker colored walls or ceilings can appear as a patch that is deformed or sunken.

Paint.  Drywall isn’t waterproof. If moisture seeps in, the paint on the wall will begin flaking and peeling.  Excess moisture also causes paint to lift off its surface.

High Water Bill. If your water bill is gradually increasing or suddenly spikes, it could indicate a water leak. Have a professional check your home.   According to the EPA, about 10% of all homes have water leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.  Fix these and save money on your water bill.

Strange Sounds.  If you hear running water when no one is showering or using appliances, you may have a problem.  Try to pinpoint where the sound is coming from and look for water damage on the wall.

Damaged Drywall.  If your drywall is warping, swelling or sagging, it’s likely water is weighing it down. This could eventually lead to structural damage in your home.

Mold and Bad Smells. Damp, musty or moldy smells often mean water damage is present.  If something smells off in your home, check it out. Mold looks like light green to black spots and has a distinct odor.

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

There are some things you can do to protect your home from water damage.  Install smart water leak detectors.  They will alert you to leaks and can prevent costly damage.  Make roof repairs.  Fix missing, rotten or damaged shingles.  Clean out your roof gutter as well.  Fix water damage quickly.  Mold, mildew, or structural damage can result if you put off repairs.

What Insurance Covers

A standard home insurance policy normally covers water damage that happens abruptly.  This includes appliance or plumbing related damage caused by an unexpected event in your home. However,  water damage caused by lack of routine maintenance is not included. Be sure to address persistent leaks and recurring maintenance issues right away.

Let Us Clean it Up

When it comes to water, flood, or fire and smoke damage,  Flood Department is here to help. We provide water damage repair and clean-up services for homeowners and businesses. We cover Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.  We are dedicated to helping reverse the damage done by water, mold, sewage, smoke and more.  Contact us at 301-829-2600 or visit us online.

 Sources/Links:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/signs-of-water-damage-in-walls/

https://www.kadecleaning.com/have-you-seen-the-signs-of-water-damage-in-your-home/

https://www.amfam.com/insurance/home/coverages/water-damage

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/watersense/pubs/fixleak.html

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/bid/179265/six-tips-to-protect-your-home-from-water-damage