Toilets are one of the most essential amenities in any home, but they can also be a source of water waste and high bills if not used wisely. Luckily, Gemma Bird, an expert in water conservation, has some tips to help you save money while doing your business.
Expert reveals money-saving toilet tips
Gemma Bird’s first tip is to avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket. Flushing things like tissues, cotton balls, and other non-toilet paper items can cause clogs and increase water usage. Instead, dispose of these items in a trash can.
Another tip is to install a dual-flush toilet. These toilets have two different flush settings: one for liquids and one for solids. The liquid flush only uses about 0.8 gallons of water, while the solid flush uses around 1.6 gallons. This can save you up to 50% on your water usage per flush.
Gemma also suggests checking for leaks regularly. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, which can add up to a significant amount on your water bill. You can check for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank and waiting to see if it appears in the bowl without flushing. If it does, you have a leak that needs to be fixed.
Reduce water waste with Gemma Bird’s advice
One of the most effective ways to reduce water waste is to practice the "if it’s yellow, let it mellow" technique. This means that if you only urinate, you don’t have to flush every time, saving gallons of water per day. Of course, this may not be an option for everyone, but it is a simple and effective way to reduce water usage.
Another tip is to teach kids to conserve water by using less toilet paper and only flushing when necessary. You can also use a bucket or basin to collect shower water and use it to flush the toilet or water plants.
Finally, you can also consider installing a low-flow toilet. These toilets use around 1.28 gallons per flush, which is significantly less than older models that use up to 7 gallons per flush. While they may be a bit more expensive, they can save you money in the long run by reducing your water bill.
These are just a few of the many tips and tricks that Gemma Bird recommends for saving water and money when using the toilet. By being mindful of your usage and making a few small changes, you can make a big difference in your monthly water bill and the environment.
