Tips for Conserving Water in Your Laundry Room

Washing machines suck up quite a lot of water. Exactly how much water does a laundry machine use? Well, the average machine uses around 20 gallons per load. That’s a significant amount, especially if you’re doing multiple loads of laundry a week.

If your goal is to use less water in the laundry room, we’ll go over a few ways you can cut down your water consumption — starting with your washer.

Upgrade to High-Efficiency Appliances

One of the easiest ways to reduce washer water usage is by replacing old units with high-efficiency (HE) machines. Look for these features when shopping:

• ENERGY STAR-rated appliances use 30% less water and 20% less energy than standard models. You can actually save over $350 in energy costs over the lifetime of an ENERGY STAR washer.
• HE top-loaders and front-loaders adjust water levels based on load size, so you won’t waste water on smaller loads.
• WaterSense-labeled accessories can improve overall plumbing efficiency.

For a whole-house approach to water conservation, upgrade the appliances in your kitchen as well. This is one of our favorite ways to conserve water in the kitchen.

Optimize Your Washing Habits

Simple habit changes can dramatically reduce the water usage of washing machines:

• Run full loads instead of several small ones to maximize each gallon of water.
• Use cold water whenever possible. It reduces energy use and is gentler on clothes.
• Avoid the extra rinse unless necessary. Most modern detergents don’t require it.
• Select the correct cycle for the type and size of the load. Normal vs. heavy-duty makes a difference.

Choose the Right Detergent

High-efficiency washers require HE detergent. This is a low-sudsing formula designed for less water. Using regular detergent can result in too many suds, triggering extra rinse cycles that wastewater.

Eco-friendly or concentrated detergents also reduce packaging waste and environmental impact.

Inspect and Maintain Your Equipment

Appliance care plays a big role in saving water. Here’s how to keep your system running efficiently:

• Check for hidden leaks, especially around hose connections and valves.
• Replace old hoses every 3-5 years with stainless steel braided hoses to prevent bursts.
• Clean the inlet screen filters inside the hoses to ensure smooth water flow.
• Level your washer to avoid off-balance loads that use more water.

When to Call a Plumber

If you notice certain problems during a routine inspection, such as damp spots around your washer or unusual sounds during fill cycles, it’s best to call a professional plumber. They can quickly assess leaks, drainage problems, or water pressure issues.

Reuse Greywater When Possible

Installing a greywater system for your laundry room can dramatically reduce how much water you’re wasting in a washing machine. You can use the water from your rinse cycle to irrigate your garden or flush your toilets.

What is Greywater?

Greywater is recycled water that’s not contaminated by human waste. For example, it might come from your sink or shower. It's ideal for reuse if it doesn’t contain harsh detergents or bleach.

Consider Eco-Friendly Laundry Alternatives

Want to go the extra mile? These green options help minimize the environmental impact of doing laundry:

• Wool dryer balls reduce drying time and soften clothes naturally.
• Line drying eliminates water and energy use entirely.
• Cold water detergents are specially formulated for low-temp cleaning, saving energy and water.

DIY Water-Saving Hacks

Here are a few creative ways to cut back on water use:

• Install a water flow meter to track exactly how much water your washer uses.
• Catch rinse water from your washer (if safe) and reuse it to water plants.
• Reuse towels and lightly worn clothing when possible to reduce the number of loads.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry Room Water Efficiency

How can I reduce water waste when doing laundry?

Use full loads, avoid extra rinses, and switch to an HE washer. Reusing greywater and choosing efficient detergents also helps.

What’s the best way to lower the laundry’s environmental impact?

Use cold water and eco-friendly products, and consider line drying. Maintenance and appliance upgrades also play a key role.

How does washing clothes impact the environment?

Doing laundry uses both clean water and energy, both of which are a limited resource. Choosing efficient machines and smart habits reduces the burden on resources.

Why does laundry require so much water?

Your washer needs to use water to dissolve detergent, agitate fabrics, and rinse away dirt.

Final Spin: Make Every Drop Count

Washing machines may be water-intensive by design, but your laundry routine doesn’t have to be. When you upgrade your appliances and make some simple tweaks to your washing habits, you can reduce the water you use.

For even more help lowering your water consumption, call Roto-Rooter. Our experienced plumbers can detect leaks, install a new washer, or just provide more eco-friendly plumbing advice.