KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – WATER CONSERVATION
KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – WATER CONSERVATION
The average home wastes hundreds of gallons of water a year. WaterSense in partnership with the EPA created "Fix a Leak Week" to encourage and educate consumers about leaks and how to eradicate them.
Saving water can save you money and the environment. There are ways to save that you don’t even think about. My grandchildren informed me at their first sleepover that I was wasting water keeping the water running while we were brushing our teeth. You really don’t realize you can waste a gallon of water every time.
Check for toilet leaks using food coloring. Put a few drops in the tank. If you see the color in the bowl within 15 minutes there is a leak in the tank. A good fix is to replace the flapper. This is a fairly easy DYI.
If you have a pan with cooked on food fill the pan with hot soapy water and put in a low oven for 30-60 minutes. The low heat will soften the crusted on mess and make it easier to clean. This is especially helpful with pans too large to soak in the sink.
You can insulate your hot water pipes with pre-slit foam insulation. You will get the hot water faster and waste less while waiting.
Make sure you do full loads in the washer and dishwasher.
The sites Earth Easy and Water Use It Wisely give over 100 ways for you to conserve water.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
