PLUMBING TIPS - WATER BILLS

• Water Saving Tips   Avoid using the toilet for a wastebasket. Every flush you can eliminate can save between two and seven gallons of water.   Leaks waste water. Add several drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If it's leaking, the coloring will appear in the toilet without flushing.   If you don't have a low flow toilet, use plastic bottles filled with water and pebbles to displace water in the tank. Don't obstruct float and don't use bricks.   Don't let the water run while you brush your teeth or shave. Turn the faucet on briefly to rinse. An electric razor saves the most.   Keep showers under 5 minutes. Turn off the water to soap up.   Filling the tub uses about 50 gallons of water. Try bathing in just 10 gallons. Plug the tub when you shower; how full does the tub get?   Match washer's load selector to your load size. Try to wash only full loads. Minimize detergent use. Save energy by using cold water to wash.   Buying a new washing machine? Choose wisely. Find the ones that conserves water and energy and has a suds saver attachment.   Speed cleaning food by using a vegetable brush. Spray water in short bursts. Faucet aerators cut consumption.   Use a rubber spatula to scrape dishes clean to limit pre-rinse. Let really dirty pans or dishes soak to speed washing.   Limit dishwasher use to full loads. Minimize detergent use. Prepare food with an eye to reducing dishwashing.   Choose a car wash that recycles water. At home, use a shut-off nozzle and wash your car in small sections. Direct runoff to water landscaping.   Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing full spray action at low or high water pressures.