One of the most important things to consider when making home improvements is your water supply. It’s something we often take for granted, but when water becomes an issue, it can be a major problem. Whether you’re dealing with a drought or simply trying to reduce your water usage, there are some home improvement projects you should prioritize to minimize the impact on your water supply.
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1. Invest in a Water Tank
Water is an essential part of any home improvement project. Whether you’re painting the walls, installing new flooring, or simply giving the kitchen a good deep clean, you’ll need water to get the job done. However, one of the most common problems homeowners face, at least in areas where water is an issue, during home improvements is a lack of water.
This can be due to citywide restrictions on water usage or simply because your home isn’t connected to the municipal water supply. In either case, investing in a water tank can be a lifesaver. Water tanks come in a variety of sizes and can be easily installed by a professional. Not only will they provide you with the water you need for your home improvement project, but they’ll also come in handy in case of an emergency like a power outage or severe weather.
Also, if you live in an area with regular droughts or are looking for ways to reduce your water usage, investing in a water tank is the smart choice. Water tanks collect rainwater and store it so that you have a reserve in case of drought conditions. They can also be used to irrigate your garden or wash your car, which can save a lot of water over time.
2. Upgrade Your Toilets
Toilets were designed more than 50 years ago and use far more water than necessary. If you have an older toilet at home, upgrading to a low-flush model as part of a bathroom renovation can save you a lot of water over time. You can also install dual-flush toilets, which have two different flush settings – one for liquid waste and one for solid waste – so that you only use as much water as necessary.
It’s a fact that toilets are one of the biggest consumers of water in the home, and older models can use up to 3.5 gallons per flush. High-efficiency toilets (HETs) use just 1.28 gallons per flush, and ultra-high-efficiency toilets (UHETs) use only 0.8 gallons. This can make a big difference when you’re trying to conserve water during a home improvement project. In addition, upgrading your toilets can also save you money on your water bill. Over time, the savings from using less water can add up to a significant amount.
3. Fix Leaks
Home improvement projects can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a lot of work. One thing that you never want to have to deal with is a water leak. Not only can they be frustrating, but they can also cause serious damage to your home.
Water leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is simple wear and tear. Over time, pipes and fixtures can become loose, allowing water to escape. In some cases, you may be able to simply tighten the fitting to stop the leak. However, in other cases, you may need to replace the entire fixture. Either way, it’s always best to fix a water leak as soon as it’s spotted.
Leaks might seem like small problems, but they can waste a lot of water over time. A single drip from a leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day, so it’s important to fix any leaks as soon as possible. You should also have a leak detection company in Orange County check your pipes regularly for leaks, as even small leaks can add up over time and cause big problems down the line. Not only will this save you money on your water bill, but it will also help to prevent further damage to your home.
4. Pool Inspections
For any pool owner, it’s important to get regular pool inspections. Not only does this help to keep the pool in good condition, but it can also be handy when water supply becomes an issue during home improvements.
A pool inspector can identify any potential problems with the pool that could cause water supply issues, and they can also offer advice on how to resolve those issues. In addition, a pool inspector can provide a written report detailing the condition of the pool and any recommended repairs or improvements. This information can be invaluable when it comes time to make decisions about home improvements, and it can help to ensure that your pool is always in good working condition.
And although you may be convenient with your weekly pool maintenance tasks, it is always best to schedule a professional inspection at least once a year to avoid potential problems that could arise from neglecting your pool. By getting a routine check-up, you could potentially save thousands of gallons of water, which is important during home renovations when water is often in short supply. Besides those, a pool inspection can identify any leaks or cracks in your pool that could cause long-term damage if left unrepaired. Whether you’re planning a major home renovation or simply want to save water and money, a regular pool inspection is a smart idea for any pool owner.
5. Install Low-flow Fixtures
Most of us are familiar with the old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” When it comes to home improvements, a similar adage might be “When in a drought, install low-flow fixtures.”
One of the quickest and easiest ways to conserve water is to install low-flow fixtures in your sinks, showers, and toilets. Low-flow fixtures use less water than traditional fixtures, which means they’ll help stretch your water supply further. These kinds of toilets, showerheads and faucets can save gallons of water each year, which is especially important during periods of drought. They can also save you money on your water bill. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, installing low-flow showerheads can save the average family more than 700 gallons of water per year. That’s significant!
Conclusion
Water is one of our most important resources, but it’s often something we take for granted. When making home improvements, it’s important to consider your water supply and take steps to minimize the impact on this vital resource. From investing in a water tank to getting low-flow fixtures, you can help keep your home—and your community—safe during undesirable conditions while also reducing your overall water usage.
