5 Smart Renovation Practices for Safe Water Usage

Water is one of our most precious resources, yet taking it for granted is easy. With rising concerns about climate change and water shortages, making smart choices during home renovations can have an impact. 

Incorporating practices that promote safe and efficient water usage will save money and contribute positively to the environment.

Today, we’ll explore five smart renovation practices designed to optimize water usage in your home. These tips will help you make your home more water-efficient and eco-friendly, from installing low-flow fixtures to implementing rainwater harvesting. Let’s get started on making your home a model of sustainable living.

Understanding Water Usage in Homes

On average, a single-family household uses about 300 gallons of water daily, with bathrooms being the largest consumer. Showers, toilets, and faucets account for most indoor use while washing machines and dishwashers make up another significant portion.

Outdoor water usage, especially for lawns and gardens, can also increase quickly. Identifying these key areas can help pinpoint where you can achieve the most significant savings. Knowing where your water goes will better equip you to make informed decisions during your renovation.

On top of that, making one wrong move during a renovation can contaminate your water. If that happens, you’ll have to contact a company that is an expert in PFAS-contaminated areas. That won’t be cheap.

Smart Renovation Practices

To create a water-efficient home, consider the following smart renovation practices that can make a substantial difference:

1. Installing Low-Flow Fixtures

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce water usage is by installing low-flow fixtures. These include showerheads, faucets, and toilets designed to use less water without compromising performance.

Low-flow fixtures can cut water usage by half, which translates to significant savings on utility bills. They’re also relatively cost-effective and easy to install, making them an excellent first step in any renovation.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Fixtures: Look for WaterSense-labeled products, which meet EPA standards for water efficiency.
2. Gather Tools: You’ll need a wrench, plumber’s tape, and possibly a screwdriver.
3. Install: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Typically, this involves removing the old fixture and replacing it with the new one, ensuring a tight seal with plumber’s tape.

2. Upgrading to High-Efficiency Appliances

Modern appliances are designed to use water more efficiently, making upgrades a smart choice for any renovation project.

Tankless water heaters generate heated water on demand, which reduces standby heat loss. They can be more energy-efficient and save water.

Look for Energy Star-rated appliances, which use advanced technologies to minimize water and energy usage. High-efficiency washing machines can use less water than traditional models, while modern dishwashers are designed to use minimal water without sacrificing cleaning power.

Read more: Energy efficient renovation of owned real estate

3. Implementing Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is when someone stores rainwater to reduce reliance on municipal water supplies.

Depending on the system’s complexity, rainwater can be used for irrigation, flushing toilets, and even laundry. It’s an excellent way to use a free resource and reduce your water footprint.

How-to Guide

1. Install Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure your roof directs water into a collection system.
2. Choose a Storage Solution: Options range from simple rain barrels to more complex underground tanks.
3. Set Up a Distribution System: This can be as simple as a hose connected to a rain barrel or a more elaborate plumbing system for indoor use.

4. Fixing Leaks and Drips

Water leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, making timely repairs crucial.

Ignoring leaks not only wastes water but can also lead to significant damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs.

How to Identify and Fix Common Leaks

1. Inspect Regularly: Check faucets, showerheads, and toilets for any signs of leaks.
2. Use Dye Tablets: Place dye tablets in toilet tanks to check for leaks into the bowl.
3. Repair: Most minor leaks can be fixed with basic tools and replacement parts. For more complex issues, consider hiring a professional plumber. If you’re in the Denver area, scheduling a professional plumbing service in Denver ensures leaks are diagnosed correctly and repaired to code, preventing water waste and contamination. Certified technicians can provide same-day diagnostics, replace failing valves, and verify fixture flow rates after installation.

5. Landscaping with Water Efficiency in Mind

Your garden can also benefit from water-saving practices, reducing outdoor water usage significantly.

Tips for Designing a Low-Water-Use Garden

1. Choose Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less water.
2. Group Plants by Water Needs: This practice, known as hydrozoning, ensures that plants with similar water requirements are irrigated together.
3. Use Mulch: Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

The Bottom Line

Incorporating smart renovation practices into your home promotes sustainability and can lead to savings on water and utility bills. Understanding your household’s water usage and implementing today’s tips can drastically reduce water consumption. 

Through these strategies, you can make meaningful changes that contribute positively to the environment while enjoying the benefits of a more efficient and eco-friendly living space. 

Adopting these practices makes sense economically and environmentally and sets an example for others to follow in creating a more sustainable future.

Written by Billy Guteng. September 21, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.