How to Make Your Home More Water-Efficient

As a seasoned plumber at Fergusons Plumbing, I’d like to share some handy tips on how you can increase water efficiency in your home.

Solutions to make home water-efficient can be surprisingly simple and highly effective. Here are some key strategies:

• Opt for Water-Efficient Fixtures: Choosing fixtures designed to limit water use can make a significant difference.
• Regulate Outdoor Water Use: Being mindful when watering gardens or washing cars helps save precious water.
• Fix Structural Plumbing Issues: Regular check-ups and repairs prevent unnecessary losses from leaks.
• Efficient Water Heater Use: Adjusting the settings on your heater can reduce water waste and save on energy costs.
• Rethink Landscaping: Opting for drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems helps conserve water outdoors.
• Collect Rainwater: Installing a rainwater collecting system is an excellent method to recycle water for garden use.
• Recycle Grey Water: Reusing grey water for gardening or toilet flushing increases your home’s overall water efficiency.

Improving your home’s water efficiency not only saves you money but also contributes to the wider environmental preservation.

Sustainable Practices for a Water-Efficient Home

Becoming more conscious of your daily habits can also greatly improve water efficiency.

Taking shorter showers and ensuring taps aren’t left running while brushing teeth or washing dishes are small changes that can add up over time.

You’d be amazed how much making these small changes can help make your home water-efficient.

Focus On Water-Efficient Fixtures

Small leaks in household plumbing can lead to substantial water loss. It’s crucial to regularly check your fixtures and irrigation system to avoid waste.

A WaterSense labeled toilet reduces water usage by 20 percent. This means equal performance but less waste, proving eco-friendly and pocket-friendly.

To check for toilet leaks, add food colouring to the tank. If leakage is present, you’ll see the colour in the bowl within 15 minutes. Be sure to flush immediately after the test to prevent staining.

Don’t overlook the power of a WaterSense labeled aerator either. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to save on water usage without compromising on performance.

Open to an upgrade? Consider replacing the entire tap with a WaterSense labeled model. This could increase your tap’s efficiency by 30 percent. The environment, and your wallet, will thank you.

Be Conscious of Outdoor Water Use

Our environment is constantly influenced by our actions and choices. Whether it’s the garden equipment we use or how we handle lawn clippings, both can significantly impact water quality.

For instance, lawn equipment releases smog-forming nitrous oxide equivalent to 30 million vehicles, leading to air pollution and climate change. Just as concerning is how carelessly handled lawn clippings can introduce harmful nutrients into our water sources.

• Mulching: A protective layer on the soil surface that helps regulate temperature and reduces water usage by limiting evaporation.
• Collecting Rainwater: A simple and effective way to repurpose nature’s water supply for your garden needs.
• Drip Irrigation: An irrigation system that allows for slow, controlled release of water, reducing water loss by up to 60% compared to traditional methods.
• Xeriscaping: The practice of using drought-tolerant plants to conserve water in your garden. These plants often have special characteristics like deep root systems or small leaves that limit evaporation.

Choosing the right turf for your lawn can also make a big difference in how much water you use. Buffalo-grass, for example, requires considerably less water than tall fescue.

If you’re interested in xeriscaping, these five drought-resistant plant options might be a good starting point: Purple fountain grass, Kangaroo paw, Lavender, Palo verde and California lilac. All of these plants have unique features that enable them to thrive with less water consumption.

By keeping all these factors in mind, we can achieve beautiful gardens without compromising our precious water resources. It all depends on our choices and how well we adapt to better gardening practices.

Inspect and Fix Structural Plumbing

If your home’s plumbing fails an inspection, it’s a clear sign of potential issues. Non-compliance in drainages and venting are common trouble spots.

San Tee on its back is only ideal for back venting. If misused, it can lead to water efficiency issues. Therefore, ensure correct use of plumbing parts.

There’s no denying that plumbers sometimes leave things unfinished. This may result in cuts on loadbearing pipes that can cause serious structural damage to your property.

Common Plumbing Mistakes
Wrong use of San Tee
Not correctly back venting
Damage to loadbearing pipes
Lack of inspection compliance
Avoid these mistakes for a water-efficient home.

Avoid these errors to maintain water efficiency and protect your home’s structure.

Rectifying mistakes typically involves cutting the problematic pipes, installing a full stud, followed by fixing the cut pipes. The costs should be borne by the plumber.

If such issues persist, consider finding a new plumber. It’s integral to have a competent professional who abides by the plumbing code for water efficiency.

Ditching the hole saw in favour of the Sawzall might be advantageous. According to some plumbers, ‘Sawzall’ is pronounced ‘solves-all’ due to its diverse utility within plumbing projects.

Ensuring your home has well-functioning structural plumbing is crucial for maintaining water efficiency. Regular inspection and repair can offset significant issues and ensure you’re taking the right step towards a water-smart home.

Master Your Water Heater’s Efficiency

Understanding your water heater’s energy efficiency is crucial. This efficiency is represented by the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF).

The UEF is influenced by two main factors: the amount of energy the heater uses, and the energy used to power the heater itself.

Identify Energy Guide Label

Your water heater’s efficiency details and annual operational costs can be found on the yellow Energy Guide label.

This guide allows you to compare these costs with other models.

Understand UEF Ratings

UEF ratings are assigned to water heaters based on their categorisation into bins. This categorisation is formed on hot water usage.

The first hour rating of a heater dictates its UEF within its bin.

Evaluate Energy Efficiency

A higher UEF signifies a more energy efficient water heater. However, higher UEF values do not always equate to lower operating costs, particularly when comparing fuel sources.

Product literature from manufacturers typically lists a model’s energy factor. Deciding solely on this parameter is unwise.

Making the Right Selection

When choosing a water heater, also consider the size, first hour rating, fuel type, and total cost. All these factors play an integral role in your final decision.

Re-think Your Landscaping for Water Conservation

Water conservation in your garden doesn’t require extensive changes. Simple adjustments can lead to significant water savings. Consider the following tips:

1. Plant Trees: Trees provide shade, reducing evaporation and lowering your garden’s water needs.
2. Use Mulch: Mulch keeps soil moist and prevents water loss from evaporation.
3. Install Rain Gardens: These are designed to capture rainwater runoff, allowing it to be utilised by plants.

The idea of a rain barrel is brilliant. Capturing rainwater for watering plants is a smart move towards water efficiency.

4. Use Rain Barrels: Store rainwater for later use, reducing the need for tap water.
5. Use Grey Water: Recycling household wastewater for irrigation can significantly reduce water usage.

Avoiding a large lawn, opting for drought-tolerant plants, or installing an effective irrigation system can make a big difference in your garden’s water consumption.

6. Keep Turf Area Small: Lawns require substantial amounts of water; consider reducing lawn size to conserve.
7. Use Drought-Tolerant Plants: These plants thrive with less water, making them ideal for dry climates.
8. Use Efficient Irrigation Systems: Such systems direct water precisely where it’s needed, minimising waste.

To further boost your garden’s water efficiency, regularly check for leaks and wisely manage your sprinkler use.

9. Check for Leaks: Regular checks can ensure that no water is wasted via leaks.
10. Use Sprinklers Wisely: Water only when necessary and avoid midday watering to minimise evaporation.

With these tips, you’ll have a flourishing garden that’s water-efficient and fit for the Australian climate.

Implementing Rainwater Collection Systems

Rainwater collection is a centuries-old practice with manifold advantages. It not only reduces strain on the water supply but also aids in meeting local government requirements.

Implementing such systems can boost sustainability efforts, making you a responsible community steward. Additionally, it can result in considerable savings on water costs over time.

First Flush Rainwater Diverter

The In-Ground First Flush rainwater diverter by Rain Harvesting enhances the quality and safety of collected rainwater. It extends the lifespan of pumps used for irrigation and other non-potable applications.

This system effectively reduces water costs, ultimately promoting efficient use of rainwater. The diverters can be seamlessly embedded in-ground for convenience and aesthetic considerations.

RainFlo Pump Bundle

The RainFlo Rainwater Pump Bundle is another stellar solution for rainwater usage. This complete submersible pump solution ensures optimal exploitation of collected rainwater.

It includes all essential components, making it a comprehensive package for efficient rainwater management at home.

RainHarvest Systems

RainHarvest Systems offers multiple products and bundles to streamline your rainwater collection process. Besides the In-Ground First Flush water diverter, they also provide the Rain Harvesting Tank Gauge.

This gauge contributes to effective management of your rainwater reserves, enabling you to monitor levels and ensure optimum utilisation of resources.

Recycle Your Grey Water for Efficiency

Implementing a greywater system at home can make your household more water-efficient. A greywater system collects and reuses lightly soiled water from baths, showers, sinks, and washing machines.

These systems are designed to reintegrate your home into ecological cycles by using resources that would otherwise go to waste. By reclaiming greywater, you contribute to sustainable food production and clean water supply.

To maximise efficiency, avoid storing greywater for over 24 hours as nutrients will start to break down. To minimise contact and maintain sanitation, your system should allow the water to soak into the ground.

It’s crucial to keep your system as simple as possible to reduce maintenance costs and increase longevity. A 3-way valve is highly recommended for easy transitioning between the greywater system and the sewer/septic system.

Source of Greywater	Suggested Use	Appropriate System
Bathroom Sinks	Irrigating Large Plants	Branched Drain System with Mulch Basins
Kitchen Sink	Irrigating Two or Three Plants	Branched Drain System with Mulch Basins
Constructed Wetlands	Irrigation for Water-Loving Plants	Properly Designed Drip Irrigation System
Pumped Systems	Landscape Irrigation on Upward Sloping Yards or Long Distances from House	Effluent Pump inside Large Plastic Barrel
Washing Machine	Irrigation for Specific, Large Plants	Laundry Drum System or Laundry-to-Landscape System
Remember: Different Systems will suit different sources and uses of greywater.

The appropriate use of greywater depends on the needs of your plants and your property’s layout. It is essential you use plant-friendly products to keep your soil healthy and fertile.

Conserving Water through Mindful Habits

Understanding the importance of water conservation is crucial for every household. Realising the impact of water scarcity on our environment and communities paves the way for sustainable water habits.

Emotional intelligence plays a significant role. By identifying triggers that lead to excessive water use, you can create strategies to manage your consumption more effectively.

Setting personal water conservation goals is a vital step. Recognise areas where water use is high and create actionable plans to reduce your household’s consumption.

• Be mindful of long showers: Consider reducing your shower time or installing a water-saving shower head.
• Inspect your appliances: Old or inefficient appliances could be consuming more water than necessary. Upgrading these can lead to considerable savings over time.
• Mind your garden watering: Water plants early morning or late evening, when evaporation rates are lower.
• Fix leaks immediately: A small drip can waste a lot of water over time. Attend to any leaks as soon as they’re spotted.

Implement mindfulness in daily activities. Being aware while showering or washing dishes can significantly reduce water usage.

Lastly, monitor and adjust your consumption regularly. Check your water bills, track usage and tweak habits as needed. This keeps you committed and helps sustain your conservation efforts.

Water-Smart Homes

Investing in water-efficient appliances, fixing water leaks promptly, and installing dual-flush toilets are significant steps towards a water-smart home. Remember to use a rainwater tank for watering plants or washing your car. Simple behavioural changes like shorter showers and turning the tap off while brushing your teeth can also make a big difference. Every drop counts!