9 Simple Ways to Save Water at Home
Did you know that the average American uses an estimated 98 gallons of water EACH day? Here in New Jersey, homeowners tend to go through a bit less—around 70 gallons a day on average. But during the warmer months of April through October, that number can more than double, thanks to outdoor watering and lawn care.
That’s when conservation matters most. Higher demand in summer puts added strain on local water supplies—and on your home’s plumbing system, too. Small changes can go a long way toward protecting both.
We’ve compiled a list of nine simple, practical ways to save water at home. Use these tips to conserve more this summer, cut your utility bills, and give your plumbing system a well-earned break.
Why Save Water at Home?
Practicing smart, everyday ways to save water at home helps more than just your utility bill—it benefits your household and the environment alike.
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Environmental benefits: Conserves a limited resource and supports local water systems
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Financial benefits: Reduces your monthly water and energy costs
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Plumbing benefits: Eases pressure on pipes since less water is flowing through them, resulting in less wear and fewer repairs over time
With household leaks alone wasting nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year on average, every bit of conservation counts.
How HVAC Systems Affect Water Consumption
Your HVAC system can impact your home’s overall water use more than you might think.
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Condensation drainage: Central AC systems pull moisture from the air, which must be drained properly.
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Cooling towers: These are found in larger systems and use water directly.
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Humidity control: High humidity can drive up both cooling needs and indoor water use.
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System inefficiencies: Leaks or outdated components may waste water.
A routine inspection can help identify hidden issues—one of the most overlooked ways to save water at home.
Plumbing Upgrades That Help Save Water
Modernizing your plumbing is one of the most effective ways to conserve water, and A.J. Perri is here to help you upgrade for maximum efficiency.
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Low-flow faucets: WaterSense–labeled models can cut faucet use by up to 30% without affecting performance.
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High-efficiency toilets: WaterSense toilets are 20% more efficient, and replacing inefficient models can save households an average of 13,000 gallons each year, resulting in about $130 in annual water savings.
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Water-saving showerheads: Switching can save 2,700 gallons/year per household and around $70 annually in energy and water costs.
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Tankless water heaters: These provide hot water on demand, cutting standby loss and saving both water and energy.
A.J. Perri can install or replace these fixtures efficiently, ensuring a proper fit and function, so you can start saving right away.
9 Simple Ways to Save Water at Home
You don’t have to make big changes to see a big difference. These practical, everyday ways to save water at home can help reduce waste, lower your utility bills, and alleviate some pressure on your plumbing system—all without sacrificing comfort.
1. Turn Off the Faucet While Not in Use
Unless you're actively using it, turn off the faucet—this simple step saves more than you might think. According to the EPA, a standard bathroom faucet flows at about 2 gallons per minute, and running the tap while brushing or shaving can waste over 200 gallons each month.
By turning off the water while shaving, washing your face, or brushing teeth, you can save hundreds of gallons—and help reduce water stress during peak seasons.
2. Capture Cold Water While Waiting for the Shower to Heat Up
Bring a bucket to the shower and collect the cold water that runs while you're waiting for it to warm up. This clean water can be reused for watering houseplants, filling pet bowls, or even cleaning. It’s an easy way to prevent waste.
3. Fix Leaky Faucets Promptly
A single leaky faucet can waste a significant amount of water—and money. Even one drop per second adds up to over 3,000 gallons wasted each year. That’s enough for 180 showers—lost clean water right down the drain.
Fixing leaks early stops unnecessary waste and reduces wear on your plumbing systems. If you notice drips that you can’t fix yourself, contact A.J. Perri to get the problem repaired before it gets even bigger.
4. Use a Dishwasher Instead of Hand Washing
Use your dishwasher instead of hand washing the dishes. An ENERGY STAR® dishwasher uses less than half the energy, saves nearly 5,000 gallons of water annually, and can reduce utility bills by over $40 each year compared to hand washing. Load your dishwasher properly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and skip pre-rinsing to save the most water.
5. Check Toilets for Leaks
Toilets can be surprisingly quiet culprits—but even small issues can lead to big waste. Toilets account for 27% of household indoor water use, and a single leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.
Test yours by adding a drop of food coloring to the tank—if colored water appears in the bowl after 10 minutes, it leaks. Fixing it could save thousands of gallons annually.
6. Opt for Shorter Showers
Cutting just two minutes off your daily shower saves nearly 1,000 gallons of water per year. Each minute of showering uses about 2.1 gallons, so trimming two minutes saves around 4.2 gallons daily per person.
Try these easy swaps:
- Limit showers to 5 minutes or less.
- Use a shower timer or playlist.
- Turn off water while shampooing or lathering.
- Install a WaterSense-certified showerhead to boost savings.
These quick changes conserve water, reduce the energy used to heat it, and lighten the load on your home’s systems.
7. Water Your Lawn Early or Late in the Day
Timing your lawn watering can cut evaporation by nearly 50%, saving thousands of gallons each season. Use these tips for conserving water outside:
- Water in the early morning (before 10 a.m.) or late evening to allow deep soil absorption.
- Follow a deep-and-infrequent routine (1–1.5″ per week) for healthier roots.
- Use soil moisture sensors and skip watering after rain.
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid sidewalks and driveways.
These practices help your lawn thrive while reducing water waste—and can save you money on utility bills.
8. Run Full Loads of Laundry
Maximize efficiency by running full loads in your washer—this simple step dramatically lowers your home’s water footprint. Always match the water level to your load size and choose cold water whenever possible. Additionally, ENERGY STAR® washers use about 14 gallons per load, versus around 20 gallons in standard machines—saving ~6 gallons per cycle.
By opting for full loads and upgrading to an energy-efficient model, you save water, reduce energy costs, and ease the strain on your laundry system.
9. Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Insulating your hot water pipes delivers hot water to your tap faster, meaning you waste less water waiting for it to heat up, while also improving energy efficiency by about 3–4% annually.
Here’s how to get started:
- Wrap the first 6–10 feet of hot (and cold) water pipes near your water heater.
- Use foam sleeves matched to the pipe diameter.
- For best results, hire A.J. Perri to ensure professional installation.
This upgrade reduces wasted water and energy, speeds up hot showers, and helps protect your plumbing from freezing or condensation issues.
How to Detect Water Waste at Home
Some of the most effective ways to save water at home begin with identifying and reducing waste early. Hidden leaks and unnoticed drips can quietly drain thousands of gallons a year. Watch for signs like:
- Unexplained spikes in your water bill
- Water meter changes when no water is running
- Damp spots, stains, or mold near pipes or walls
- The sound of running water behind walls
- Consistently soggy patches in your yard
- Toilets that run long after flushing
Remember, the average home loses 10,000 gallons of water to leaks each year—so finding leaks early can make a significant difference.
Benefits of Professional Plumbing Inspections
Professional plumbing inspections are one of the most overlooked ways to save water—and they come with more advantages than you might think:
- Proactive leak detection before it becomes costly damage
- Personalized recommendations for efficient upgrades
- Peace of mind from knowing your system is in good shape
- Long-term savings on water and energy bills
- Better performance from fixtures and appliances
- Small issues caught early, before they require major repairs
A quick visit today could mean lower bills tomorrow. Call A.J. Perri at 732-733-2541 or schedule service online today.
Let A.J. Perri Help You Save More Water
Every drop counts—and even small changes can lead to meaningful savings over time. Whether you start with just a single upgrade or take on a few tips at once, you’ll be making a difference for both your wallet and the environment.
Whether you’re ready to fix a leak, eager to upgrade to water-saving fixtures, or simply in search of expert advice, A.J. Perri is here to help. We’ve been serving New Jersey homeowners for decades and know how to get the job done right.
Call 732-733-2541 or schedule service online today.