The one part of a Red Oak summer we don’t miss come October? The blistering heat. When the temperature tops 80 degrees, many of us seek solace any way we can, whether that means cranking up the air conditioner or using extra water to help stay cool.

Don’t let rising temperatures force you to have a rising water bill! This summer, save money – and go green – with these five water-saving hacks perfect for warmer weather:

1.) Make Your Landscaping Greener

When the warm weather starts turning our yards and flowers crispy and brown, many of us are quick to turn on the hose or break out the sprinkler. Don’t just throw your water away!

This summer, garden smarter, not harder. Consider installing a rain barrel to help conserve rain water for when you need it most, or think about redesigning your garden with water conservation in mind by avoiding “thirsty” plants, keeping your greenery close together, and using plenty of eye-catching rocks (which add beauty without needing water). When you have no choice but to break out the watering can, be sure to water your plants’ roots directly, rather than simply sprinkling the leaves (where water is more likely to evaporate than give your plants proper hydration).

2.) Be Stingy With Your Laundry

Warm weather can mean plenty of time running around the park or sprawling out near Lake Michigan, which can mean load after load of sandy towels, wet bathing suits, and sweaty clothes.

Before you launder your grungiest items, be sure to shake out sand and dirt to help keep your washing machine running at peak efficiency. And summer may be the perfect time to rethink your washer and dryer: Consider installing a water-conserving front-loading model, which is typically more efficient alternative to a top-loading unit. Wash as many garments as you can in cold water to help cut back on using hot, and look into your dryer’s cool down and perma-press functions, which can save you a lot of energy in the long run.

3.) Install Low Flow Shower Heads

Sweaty summer days often mean longer, steamier showers. To save water without cutting back on your time under the stream, try a low-flow shower head, which cuts back on waste without affecting your water pressure. These units are easy to install, and can reduce water consumption by 50-70%, saving a typical family over 25,000 gallons of water per year.

4.) Use Aerators in Sinks

Why should your shower get all the love? Start saving water by adding aerators to your bathroom faucets. This inexpensive DIY task can have a major impact on your water bill; in fact, the EPA estimates that adding aerators can save the average family 700 gallons of water per year, roughly the equivalent of 40 average showers.  

5.) Recycle Water

If you get creative, there are all sorts of ways to not only reduce your water consumption, but to actually recycle the water you do use!

For example, rather than just dumping the water you used to boil pasta or veggies down the drain, collect it in a bucket and use it to water your plants inside or outdoors. Similarly, you can put a bucket down in your shower to save the water you run as you wait for it to heat up, then use this water for household cleaning or even for a “bucket toilet flush.” Once you start looking, the options are pretty much limitless!

Of course, even the smartest summertime planner can’t always account for an out-of-the-blue plumbing disaster. That’s where we come in! Drop Combat Plumbing a line for all of your summer plumbing needs. Day or night, our team is here and happy to help out!