How to Save Water in Your Bathroom: Simple Tips for Conservation
Bathroom water conservation doesn’t just save the planet — it also greatly reduces your water bill. In fact, something as simple as swapping out your showerhead for a WaterSense fixture could save you an average of $350 a year on your water expenses.
These savings can add up even more with small changes in your daily habits. Keep reading to learn more about how to save water in the bathroom — your wallet and the planet will thank you.
Why Saving Water in the Bathroom Matters
The bathroom is one of the largest sources of water consumption in a home, with showers, sinks, and toilets accounting for a significant portion of daily use. In fact, a toilet alone can use 27% of total indoor water consumption.
There are many advantages of saving water in the bathroom:
- Lower utility bills: Using less water means you can save money on water bills.
- Less strain on water supply systems: Conserving water helps communities maintain reliable access to clean water.
- Reduced environmental impact: Lower bathroom water consumption decreases the energy required for water treatment and distribution, cutting down on carbon emissions.
How to Save Water in the Shower
Take Shorter Showers
You can conserve water in the shower just by cutting your shower by one to two minutes each time. You’ll save hundreds of gallons a month. And if every person in the United States followed suit, we could save a total of 170 billion gallons each year.
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Switching to a WaterSense-certified low-flow showerhead can save the average family 2,900 gallons of water a year without sacrificing pressure. This simple upgrade pays for itself through lower water bills. If you're considering making the switch, explore our tips for installing low-flow fixtures.
Turn Off the Water When Lathering
Turning off the shower while shampooing, soaping up, and shaving can save several gallons per use. Over time, it adds up to significant water conservation.
How to Save Water at the Sink
Turn Off the Faucet While Brushing Your Teeth
One of the best ways to save water at home is by turning off the water while you’re brushing your teeth. If you brush twice a day, you could be wasting up to 8 gallons of water a day.
Fix Leaky Faucets
If you have three leaky faucets in your home that all drip once per minute, you’d be wasting over 100 gallons of water a year. If you're looking to enhance both style and sustainability, consider upgrading to eco-friendly tub fixtures.
Upgrade to a Water-Efficient Faucet
Installing a low-flow faucet aerator can cut water use by up to 30% while maintaining strong water pressure. Many modern designs blend efficiency with style for a seamless upgrade.
How to Save Water in the Toilet
Switch to a Low-Flow or Dual-Flush Toilet
Older toilets can use up to 6 gallons per flush, while modern low-flow models use as little as 1.28 gallons. Dual-flush toilets offer even more control over saving toilet water by providing different flush options.
Fix Toilet Leaks Immediately
A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water each month. If you hear water running long after flushing, check for leaks and repair them as soon as possible.
Use a Water-Saving Toilet Tank Insert
Placing a toilet water saver, such as a filled bottle or a specialized insert, inside the tank reduces the amount of water used per flush without affecting performance.
Bath vs. Shower: Which Uses More Water?
Showers under 10 minutes generally use less water than a full bath. However, it depends on your showerhead. Here’s how much water you use based on different showerhead options during an eight-minute shower:
- Efficient showerhead: 12 gallons
- Standard showerhead: 20 gallons
- Inefficient showerhead: 40 gallons
Meanwhile, a standard bathtub usually requires around 70 gallons to fill. If you prefer baths, filling the tub only halfway can help reduce water consumption while still providing a relaxing soak.
The Advantages of Saving Water
By saving water in the shower, sink, and toilet, you can lower your utility bills, reduce strain on water supply systems, and help the environment. Most of the changes we recommended here are small but will have big impacts. The impacts will be even greater if you can adopt changes in other parts of your home, like your kitchen or laundry room.
For expert plumbing services, leak repairs, and fixture upgrades, trust Roto-Rooter to help you maximize efficiency. Call Roto-Rooter today at 800-768-6911 or schedule an appointment online to start saving water and money!