When the term "efficiency" comes up, most people first think of energy efficiency. However, while it is important to conserve energy, it's also important to save water. Freshwater is a limited resource, and water efficiency is essential to reduce strain on public sewer systems and water treatment centers. How water efficient is your home?This post lists some common threats to water efficiency in the home, and what you can do about them.

1. Leaky Toilets

Toilet leaks often go overlooked if they don't result in puddles of water on the floor. However, leaks between the tank and the bowl can waste a lot of water without making a mess. If you haven't flushed your toilet recently but the tank begins to fill, then there is probably water leaking from the tank to the bowl. A leaky toilet can waste 6,000 gallons per month, making it a huge threat to water efficiency.

Plumbers can usually fix a leaky toilet with a new part or two. You'll only need to replace the entire toilet if there is a crack, which is not common.

2. Old, Inefficient Toilets

Even if your old toilet seems to be working just fine, it is probably wasting water. Old toilets were designed in such a way that a lot more water was needed for an effective flush. Many old toilets use 3.5, 5, or even up to 7 gallons per flush - whereas newer models use only 1.6 gallons per flush.

The EPA has a new program called WaterSense that promotes water-efficient products and these toilets only use 1.28 gallons per flush.

If you flush just five times per day, switching from a 7-gallon to a 1.28-gallon toilet will save you more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. The new toilet will pay for itself within a few years.

3. Dripping Faucets

Drippy faucets are easy to get used to and overlook. While it may seem like those little drips are insignificant, when a single faucet drips just three times a minute, 34 gallons of water are wasted per year. Every little bit adds up, so have your drippy faucets repaired. Chances are, your plumber will only have to replace a few parts.

4. Wasteful Showerheads

Everyone loves a powerful shower, but you don't have to waste water to enjoy a powerful stream. Older showerheads typically use about 4 gallons of water per minute. New, low-flow showerheads use about 2 gallons per minute, so you save about 50 percent of your water use. These showerheads are specially designed to aerate the water so the stream feels just as forceful, even though less water is coming through the showerhead.

You should be able to replace your showerhead yourself; just unscrew the old one, and screw the new one into place.

5. Inefficient Irrigation Methods

Water efficiency is important outside in your yard, too. If you are not focusing on efficiency when watering your plants, chances are you're wasting a lot of water. Some ways to make outdoor water use more efficient include:

• Switch to more efficient sprinklers.
• Water your plants early in the morning or late at night when less water will evaporate.
• Test the soil for moisture before watering; only water if the soil is dry.
  

Conserving water is good for the planet, and it saves you money on water bills, too. If you have a leaky toilet, an older toilet, a drippy faucet, or other inefficient plumbing that you'd like to improve, contact the friendly team of professionals at Cox Plumbing. Our dependable technicians will make the updates you need to boost your water-efficiency.