Blue paper cutouts of faucet and water droplets

Daniel Edelman

8 Ways to Conserve Water at Home

Water is life—but we often take it for granted. In fact, the average American family uses a staggering 300 gallons of water per day at home. With a population projected to hit 420 million by 2050, we’re quickly whittling away at our finite water supply.

The good news? We can all make a significant difference right where we live. This article will guide you through practical water conservation methods at home, from simple fixes to significant changes, helping you save on your water bill and play your part in addressing a global crisis.

Toilets

Bathroom with plants and white toilet

Source: Canva

According to the Water Research Foundation, toilet flushing accounts for a whopping 24% of our indoor water use. Here are some ways to reduce water usage when you need to go:

Install High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs)

These toilets use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) compared to the older standard of 1.6 gallons or more by using water velocity rather than more water volume to flush waste. This reduction can save nearly 13,000 gallons of water per household each year and help lower your water bills significantly.

Some of the industry’s best HETs include:

TOTO Eco Soiree One Piece Toilet - Features 1.28 GPF using TOTO’s signature Tornado flushing system that combines gravity and centrifugal force to flush waste
Liberty Ascent II Macerating Complete Toilet - Macerating toilet with a 1.28 GPF for improved flushing efficiency

Do Regular Maintenance To Prevent Leaks

Regularly check for and repair leaks in toilets, as a leaky toilet tank can waste substantial water resources. The flapper or fill valve are two of the most common causes of a toilet leak. Check these parts first if you suspect a leak.

🚽Tip: Replace your universal flappers with adjustable ones like Toiletmaster’s Adjustable 2” Flapper to adjust the water used in every flush.

Use Water Displacement Devices In Older Toilets

For toilets manufactured before 1994, using water displacement devices like a stone-filled water bottle or a commercial displacement bag can reduce the volume of water used per flush. This is a temporary measure until you can install a newer, more water-efficient model.

Faucets

Source: Canva

There’s not a day you don’t use your faucet—whether it’s for washing dishes, brushing your teeth, or getting filtered drinking water. Aside from not letting your faucet run, here are some water conservation tips when using your faucet:

Get Faucet Aerators To Reduce Flow

Faucet aerators are simple attachments that fit onto the end of faucets to reduce water flow while maintaining water pressure. By mixing air into the water stream, low flow aerators can cut water waste by up to 50% without sacrificing performance. Plus, they're inexpensive and easy to install.

🚰Tip: One of the most proactive ways to conserve water at home is installing faucets with pre-installed aerators as early as construction.

Use Hands-Free Faucets

Motion-sensor or hands-free faucets automatically turn the water on and off when they detect hand movement, conserving water, especially when soap or scrubbing is involved. Use these faucets in kitchens and bathrooms where water efficiency is important.

Fix Leaks Promptly

A dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year—enough to fill several bathtubs. Get into the habit of regularly checking your faucets and pipes for leaks. Some leaks may be harder to spot, so consider installing a smart home water system. These clever devices detect even small leaks and automatically shut off the water supply, preventing major waste and potential damage.

Showers

Source: Canva

A good long shower with warm water feels fantastic after a hot day, but it also shares a big portion of our indoor water use, after the toilet. You don’t have to skip the shower to save water—just follow these water conservation methods and you’re good.

Install Low-Flow Showerheads

Low-flow showerheads typically use about 1.5–2 gallons per minute (GPM) or less, compared to traditional models that use 2.5 GPM. By making this switch, you can save thousands of gallons of water annually, reduce your water heating needs, and lower your utility bills.

🚿Tip: Take it a step further with low-pressure valves on your plumbing to reduce the water used for every shower.

Shorten Bath Time

Even trimming just a minute or two of your shower time can save up to 75 gallons of water per month. Encouraging all family members to take shorter showers is an effective way to conserve water. Use a shower timer to remind everyone to keep their showers as brief as 5 minutes!

Save Our Water, Save Our Earth NYDirect

Every drop counts. By incorporating these water conservation tips into your home, you can make a significant impact on your home's water consumption. Remember, even the smallest water conservation strategies can collectively create a wave of positive change.

We at NYDirect have been in the plumbing business for over 70 years, so we know best just how precious water is. As America’s leading plumbing supplies retailer, we only offer top-quality plumbing supplies that ensure your water system lasts for decades and conserves as much water as possible.

Not sure what you need to help save water? Give us a call today. We’re always happy to help!