Water & Energy Saving Tips
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Next to heating and cooling, water heating is one of the largest energy users in the home. As houses have become more efficient over the last two decades, water use has emerged as a critical factor in both household expenses and environmental sustainability. Conserving water lowers utility bills, extends the life of septic systems, eases stress on municipal sewer lines, and reduces the risk of pollution flowing into New Jersey’s lakes, rivers, and watersheds.
The good news is that saving water doesn’t require major sacrifices. Small daily changes, combined with smart upgrades, add up to significant impact over time.
Smarter Water Use in the Kitchen
Many homeowners overlook the kitchen, but it’s one of the most water-intensive spaces in the house.
Everyday Habits That Save
Instead of letting water run while washing dishes, plug the sink and use only what’s needed. Skip pre-rinsing—modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue—and wait until you have a full load before running a cycle. Using the garbage disposal less often and composting or scraping plates instead saves both water and energy while reducing wear on your plumbing.
Laundry Efficiency
Laundry alone accounts for nearly 17% of household water use, according to the EPA.
How to Cut Back Without Sacrifice
Upgrading to a high-efficiency washer and dryer makes a measurable difference. Cold-water settings reduce both energy and water demand, and waiting for a full load ensures you’re not wasting gallons per cycle. Together, these steps can significantly reduce household utility bills.
- Smarter Bathrooms: Bathrooms are typically the largest water users in the home.
- Upgrading Toilets and Fixtures: Dual-flush kits let you choose between a light flush and a full flush, while replacing worn flappers stops silent leaks. WaterSense-certified toilets, faucets, and showerheads are tested to perform well while using far less water. Some projects can be DIY, but professional installation ensures your upgrades last and stay leak-free.
- Outdoor Irrigation & Landscaping: In New Jersey, summer drought advisories make outdoor water use a top priority.
Better Ways to Water
Installing smart irrigation controllers or rain sensors means your system only runs when necessary. Watering in the early morning reduces evaporation, ensuring roots get the moisture they need.
- Choose Natives and Mulch: Native plants like switchgrass, bee balm, and inkberry holly thrive with minimal watering. Adding a few inches of mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps landscapes healthier through hot weather.
- Rain Capture & Greywater: Collecting and reusing water is a growing trend for eco-conscious homeowners.
- Simple Capture Systems: Rain barrels collect roof runoff for garden use, and rain gardens naturally absorb stormwater.
- Reusing Greywater: Greywater diverter kits redirect lightly used water from sinks or laundry outdoors. A licensed plumber can help you install one safely and in compliance with New Jersey codes.
- Leak Detection & Smart Monitoring: Even small leaks can cause big waste.
How to Spot Hidden Leaks
A toilet dye test is simple: add food coloring to the tank and see if it seeps into the bowl. Smart water sensors now provide real-time alerts for leaks near sinks, heaters, or appliances. Seasonal checks of irrigation lines and spigots can also prevent silent water loss.
Micro-Behaviors That Add Up
Small choices repeated daily create lasting savings.
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Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
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Collect shower warm-up water for plants.
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Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge instead of running the faucet.
These little steps are easy to share with family members and help make water conservation second nature.
Water Heater Efficiency
Water heaters themselves play a major role in both energy and water costs.
- Smart Settings and Maintenance: Lowering your water heater thermostat to around 115°F provides plenty of comfort while reducing demand. Draining a quart of water from the tank every few months clears sediment that reduces efficiency.
- When to Replace: Most heaters last 10–15 years, but if yours is over 7 years old, it’s smart to plan ahead for a high-efficiency replacement. Solar water heaters may also be a viable option depending on your home.
- Showers vs. Baths: Showers use far less water than baths—a five-minute shower typically consumes under 10 gallons, compared to 20 or more for a bath.
👉 Try the EPA WaterSense calculator to estimate how much your household could conserve.
Why Choose A.J. Perri?
A.J. Perri brings together decades of plumbing, heating, and cooling expertise with a local understanding of New Jersey’s water challenges. Our team can handle everything from leaky faucets and toilet upgrades to irrigation solutions and water heater replacements. Backed by DOE and EPA best practices—and trusted by thousands of NJ homeowners—we’re committed to helping you save. See our Google Reviews to hear from your neighbors.
Saving water at home doesn’t require big changes all at once. Start with the kitchen or laundry, then move to your bathroom, backyard, or water heater. Each step lowers your bills, conserves resources, and protects our environment for the future.