Environmental Articles

Cold temperatures will be here again soon. If you live in a climate that gets below freezing, there’s a chance your home’s pipes could freeze. And frozen pipes may burst, causing serious water damage to the home. Frozen pipes can be inconvenient and a frozen water pipe is prone to bursting, which can cause costly water damage inside the home. Therefore, it’s important to prevent your customer’s pipes from freezing with a bit of seasonal home maintenance.

Tending to your customer’s water pipes should be on every resident’s home winterizing checklist. Consider the following ways to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during the cold winter months.

Identify Which Pipes that are Likely to Freeze. Certain pipes and certain sections of piping are more likely to freeze than others. Pipes that run along exterior walls of the house are more apt to freeze, particularly in an older home, where the walls may not be insulated.

Pipes that run through attic crawlspaces, garages and the basement are also prone to freezing. Homeowners should also pay attention to the area where the main water supply pipe enters the home, as this area is especially prone to freezing.

It’s also important to remember that hot water pipes can freeze; it’s not just cold water pipes that must be winterized. And the air around the pipe does not need to be 32 degrees or colder; the cold travels up the pipe, allowing the water inside to freeze, causing an ice blockage and a potential pipe burst.

Insulate Water Pipes, Especially Pipes That Are Likely to Freeze. Purchase and install pipe insulation – foam tubes that can be fitted around each pipe inside the home. Pipe insulators will help to keep pipes warm, making it less likely that the pipes will freeze.

In areas that are especially prone to freezing pipes, wrap the pipes with electric heating tape, available at most home supply stores and hardware stores.

For pipes that run along exterior walls, it’s also prudent to place fiberglass insulation between the pipe and the exterior wall for added protection from cold. Extra insulation should be placed around the section of piping at the point where the water supply enters the home, as these pipes tend to freeze at a much faster rate since the cold will travel from the outdoors and along the interior pipes.

On extremely cold days, homeowners should take extra precautions to prevent pipes from freezing. One way to prevent pipes from freezing is to keep the water moving through the pipes. To keep water flowing through pipes to avoid freezing, leave several faucets turned on, with a flow that’s just slightly more than a heavy drip. It’s important to leave several different faucets running, as sections of piping can freeze, cutting off the water supply to entire sections of the home (i.e. the entire second floor). Leaving several faucets running will also pull in more water though the main pipe running into the home – the pipe that is most likely to freeze in many homes.

There is also new innovative technology on the market to prevent pipe freeze that is easy to install (not requiring pipe cutting or electrical wiring) and provides instant hot water to save hot water.  The Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve is a temperature controlled thermal convection powered hot water recirculation valve. When installed at the plumbing fixture at the end of the “at risk plumbing run” (pipes most likely to freeze), it allows water to flow from your water heater-through the existing hot water pipes in the “at risk plumbing run”-through the recirculation valve. From the recirculation valve the water will continue back to the water heater (for reheating)-through the cold water pipse in the “at risk plumbing run”. The eco-friendly hot water recirculation system contains a sensor, which opens the valve only when the water temperature drops below the adjustable temperature setting. This open loop of water circulation keeps temped water circulating through the “at risk plumbing run” without wasting water. This type of system will also provide faster hot water, save hot water and save energy.

In addition, if a home loses heat for any reason (or in the case of a seasonal home), it’s important to drain the water pipes in the home to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. Pipes will burst as a result of the expansion that occurs when water freezes into ice.

Draining the water from a home’s pipes is simple: turn off the home’s water supply using the main valve, usually located at the point where the water supply enters the home. Then, run all of the home’s faucets and showers until the water stops flowing.

Homeowners can also prevent pipes from freezing and bursting by draining the pipes that feed exterior water spigots. Similarly, turn off the valve that supplies water to the outdoor water spigots and open the spigot and let all of the water flow out of the pipes. This should be done in fall, during the home winterizing process.

When water freezes, it expands. That’s why a can of soda explodes if it’s put into a freezer to chill quickly and forgotten. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way. If it expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes and serious damage results.

Why Pipes Burst:

Surprisingly, ice forming in a pipe does not typically cause a break where the ice blockage occurs. It’s not the radial expansion of ice against the wall of the pipe that causes the break. Rather, following a complete ice blockage in a pipe, continued freezing and expansion inside the pipe causes water pressure to increase downstream — between the ice blockage and a closed faucet at the end. It’s this increase in water pressure that leads to pipe failure. Usually the pipe bursts where little or no ice has formed. Upstream from the ice blockage the water can always retreat back towards its source, so there is no pressure build-up to cause a break. Water has to freeze for ice blockages to occur. Pipes that are adequately protected along their entire length by placement within the building’s insulation, insulation on the pipe, heating, or water movement within the pipe are safe.

Regional Differences:

Generally, houses in northern climates are built with the water pipes located on the inside of the building insulation, which protects the pipes from subfreezing weather. However, extremely cold weather and holes in the building that allow a flow of cold air to come into contact with pipes can lead to freezing and bursting.

Water pipes in houses in southern climates often are more vulnerable to winter cold spells. The pipes are more likely to be located in unprotected areas outside of the building insulation, and homeowners tend to be less aware of freezing problems, which may occur only once or twice a season.

Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are all vulnerable to freezing, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air to flow across the pipes. Research at the University of Illinois has shown that “wind chill” (the cooling effect of air and wind) that causes the human body to lose heat, can play a major role in accelerating ice blockage, and thus bursting, in water pipes.

Holes in an outside wall where television, cable or telephone lines enter can provide access for cold air to reach pipes. The size of pipes and their composition (e.g., copper or PVC) have some bearing on how fast ice forms, but they are relatively minor factors in pipe bursting compared with the absence of heat, pipe insulation and exposure to a flow of subfreezing air.

When is it Cold Enough to Freeze?

When should homeowners be alert to the danger of freezing pipes? That depends on how well your pipes are protected from the cold. The “temperature alert threshold” is 20°F or below.

This threshold is based upon research conducted by the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois. Field tests of residential water systems subjected to winter temperatures demonstrated that, for pipes installed in an unconditioned attic, the onset of freezing occurred when the outside temperature fell to 20°F or below.

This finding was supported by a survey of 71 plumbers, in which the consensus was that burst-pipe problems began to appear when temperatures fell into the teens. However, freezing incidents can occur whenever the temperature is 32° F. ore below. Pipes exposed to cold air (especially flowing air, as on a windy day) because of cracks in an outside wall or lack of insulation are vulnerable to freezing at temperatures above the threshold. However, the 20°F “temperature alert threshold” should address the majority of potential burst-pipe incidents in homes.

Mitigating the Problem:

Water freezes when heat in the water is transferred to subfreezing air. The best way to keep water in pipes from freezing is to slow or stop this transfer of heat.

Ideally, it is best not to expose water pipes to subfreezing temperatures, by placing them only in heated spaces and keeping them out of attics, crawl spaces and vulnerable outside walls. In new construction, proper placement can be designed into the building.

In existing houses, a plumber may be able to re route at-risk pipes to protected areas, although this may not be a practical solution. If the latter is the case, vulnerable pipes that are accessible should be fitted with insulation sleeves or wrapping (which slows the heat transfer), the more insulation the better. It is important not to leave gaps that expose the pipe to cold air. Hardware stores and home centers carry the necessary materials, usually in foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves. Better yet, plumbing supply stores and insulation dealers carry pipe sleeves that feature extra-thick insulation, as much as 1” or 2” thick. The added protection is worth the extra cost.

Cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes should be sealed with caulking to keep cold wind away from the pipes. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can keep warm inside air from reaching pipes under sinks and in adjacent outside walls. It’s a good idea to keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to let the warm air circulate around the pipes. Electric heating tapes and cables are available to run along pipes to keep the water from freezing. These must be used with extreme caution; follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid the risk of fire, and check to make sure the product conforms to UL 2049. Tapes and cables with a built-in thermostat will turn heat on when needed. Tapes without a thermostat have to be plugged in each time heat is needed, and may be forgotten.

Letting the Water Run:

Letting a faucet drip during extreme cold weather can prevent a pipe from bursting. O opening a faucet will provide relief from the excessive pressure that builds between the faucet and any ice blockage (if freezing occurs). If there is no excessive water pressure, there is no burst pipe, even if the water inside the pipe freezes.

A dripping faucet wastes some water, so only pipes vulnerable to freezing (ones that run through an unheated or unprotected space) should be left with the water flowing. The drip can be very slight. Even the slowest drip at normal pressure will provide pressure relief when needed. Where both hot and cold lines serve a spigot, make sure each one contributes to the drip, since both are subjected to freezing. If the dripping stops, leave the faucet(s) open, since a pipe may have frozen and will still need pressure relief.

There is new innovative technology on the market that is easy to install (not requiring pipe cutting or electrical wiring) and a great pipe freezing prevention aid.  A temperature controlled thermal convection powered hot water recirculation valve installed at the plumbing fixture at the end of the “at risk plumbing run” (pipes most likely to freeze), will allow water to flow from your water heater-through the existing hot water pipe in the “at risk plumbing run”-to the recirculation valve. From the recirculation valve the water will continue back to the water heater (for reheating)-through the cold water pipe in the “at risk plumbing run”. To save hot water, the eco-friendly Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve system contains a sensor, which opens the valve only when the water temperature drops below the adjustable temperature setting. This open loop of water circulation keeps temped water circulating through the “at risk plumbing run” without wasting water while it also provides instant hot water, which saves water and saves energy.

If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe:

If you open a faucet and no water comes out, don’t take any chances. Call a plumber. If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve (usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the house); leave the faucet(s) open until repairs are completed. Don’t try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame; as this will damage the pipe and may even start a building fire. You might be able to thaw a pipe with a hand-held hair dryer. Slowly apply heat, starting close to the faucet end of the pipe, with the faucet open. Work toward the coldest section. Don’t use electrical appliances while standing in water; you could get electrocuted.

Going on a Trip:

When away from the house for an extended period during the winter, be careful how much you lower the heat. A lower temperature may save on the heating bill, but there could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes and pipes that normally would be safe, freeze and burst.

A solution is to drain the water system. This is the best safeguard. With no water in the pipes, there is no freezing. This remedy should be considered even when the homeowner is not leaving but is concerned about a serious overnight freeze.

To drain the system, shut off the main valve and turn on every water fixture (both hot and cold lines) until water stops running. It’s not necessary to leave the fixtures open, since the system is filled mostly with air at that point and not subject to freezing. When returning to the house, turn on the main valve and let each fixture run until the pipes are full again.

Or simply install an eco-friendly Hot Water Lobster Instant hot Water Valve!

Hot water recirculation for domestic water systems is creating a lot of buzz these days, spurred primarily by consumer desire to reduce utility costs and the demand for instant hot water at the tap.

Houses are getting bigger, featuring master baths with giant tubs located farther from the hot water source. But, it’s wasteful to let all that water go down the drain, even if it is the drain of a shower with six heads. To keep utility costs down it’s critical that consumers use eco-friendly devices that save hot water.

Statistics promoted by the manufacturers of hot water recirculation systems show that the technology saves up to 17,000 gallons of water each year for an average family of four. In larger homes, with more faucets and showers and longer water lines between the water heater and distant bathrooms, the amount of water that’s wasted can be higher.  But most consumers also enjoy the benefit of comfort and convince.

A hot water recirculation system saves money in other ways. Water systems use electricity to pump and distribute water to destinations. And wasted water unnecessarily burdens sewer systems and septic systems.

Many consumers, after spending several hundred dollars on tank-less water heaters are disappointed to find that they still have a long wait before hot water reaches their shower or faucet. However, they could have saved that money by installing a new eco-friendly innovative technology to provide hot water recirculation that saves water, saves energy, is convenient to use and easy to install (not requiring pipe cutting or electrical wiring). This eco-friendly system known as the Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve is typically used on retrofits but may also be installed on new construction. It consists of a temperature controlled thermal convection powered hot water recirculation valve installed under the plumbing fixture farthest from the water heater. The system contains a sensor, which opens the valve only when the water temperature drops below the adjustable temperature setting providing faster hot water to all your plumbing fixtures.

One of the most frustrating things in any house or office is waiting for the hot water to get to the faucet or shower. It can seem like an eternity and is also one of the biggest wastes of water.

The following article based on NAHB Research shows a solution to this problem. However, read the part about how the solution can, if you aren’t careful, waste energy.

Innovative and temperature controlled hot water recirculation valves use eco-friendly thermal convection to circulate the hot water (no water pump or electricity required) to your faucets and showers.

To save hot water, a recirculation system provides a means to get hot water from a water heater to your faucet or shower, while simultaneously sending cooled water (from the hot water lines) back to the water heater to be reheated. In addition to having the convenience of instant hot water at your faucets and showers. Systems like the Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve conserve water, actually save energy and save the average household 17,000 gallons of fresh water a year…plus the convenience of faster hot water.

Hot water recirculation systems are commercially available nationwide through the manufacturer, distributor, plumbing wholesale supply warehouse or at selected retail home stores. No special approval or requirements are needed to install this system into your home or office. Some jurisdictions are offering a rebate on the purchase and installation of hot water recirculation systems. Warranties range from 1 to 10 years depending on manufacturer and model.

Water is one of Americas most valuable and precious resources – for our health, our environment and our economy. For America, water is not a luxury that can be taken for granted. Future predictions indicate our rainfall patterns and climate will be more variable and even with diversifying our water sources, we must continue to value water and use it wisely. We need to value every drop, everywhere, every single time.

Saving water doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming – check the following facts and tips that’ll can help save water. 

Nearly 20% of water consumed in the home is used in the bathroom, with 11% of that water flushed down the toilet. Leaving taps running while you brush your teeth or shave, and taking long showers and deep baths can waste hundreds of gallons of water per person a day. An eco-friendly temperature controlled hot water recirculation valve, which provides instant hot water (so water is not wasted down the drain waiting for water to run hot at your faucet or shower). The eco-friendly temperature controlled Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve can save hot water by providing faster hot water. The average household wastes up to 17,000 gallons of fresh water a year running water down the drain while waiting for hot water.

More than 11% of total household water consumption is used for cooking, cleaning, washing or drinking.  The good news is conserving water in the kitchen generally requires only moderate changes in your water use habits.

Around 16% of total household water consumption is used in the laundry. The laundry is not only records high water use but is also responsible for a high consumption of total household energy and detergents.

Americans pride themselves on their gardens, landscaping and lawns. However water is easily wasted in the outside the home. Making smart choices when it comes to your water practices in the yard can cut your total household water consumption drastically.

Because you do not pay the water bill at work, water consumption in the workplace can be pretty high as it can be taken for granted. Employees and employers need to be conscious of the actions they can take at work to conserve our most precious resource.

Your water saving and energy saving products help your customers do their part to preserve our precious fresh water.

Every day, there are many simple little things you can do to help your customers save water, money and help the environment. Take a look through the tips below for some clever shortcuts to savings for your customers.

• Checking for leaks in taps, pipes and dishwasher hoses is an easy way to reduce water wastage. Remember, one leaking tap can waste more than 2,000 liters a month.
• The most water efficient methods for cooking vegetables are microwaving, steaming or using a pressure cooker. You can also cut down on water loss by using tight lids on pots and simmering instead of boiling rapidly.
• Installing water efficient taps or tap aerators is a great, inexpensive way to cut your water usage without you even noticing.
• Install temperature controlled hot water recirculation valves for hot water recirculation, which provide instant hot water (so water is not wasted down the drain waiting for water to run hot at your faucet or shower). The eco-friendly Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot water Valve can save hot water-up to 64,000 liters of water per year, save energy and prevent pipe freezing.
• Thaw frozen foods before you need them or use the microwave instead of placing them under running water.
• Prevent taps from leaking by turning taps off lightly and replace washers as soon as they begin to leak.
• Automatic dishwashers can use up to 40 liters of water per load. By using a dishwasher with at least a 3 star/AAA rating, you can get this figure down to 18 liters per load and still get the kind of sparkling clean dishes you’re used to.
• It’s best to wait until you have a full load in your dishwasher before using it. This saves water and energy, and reduces the amount of detergent entering the wastewater system.
• Keep a container of water in the fridge so that you won’t need to run the water down the sink until it’s cool enough to drink.
• Washing fruit and veggies in a half-filled sink instead of under running water is a great way to cut back on water wastage.
• Rinsing your dishes in a plugged sink rather than under a running tap saves water and is just as easy and effective.
• Use a sink strainer (instead of the disposal).
• Try to use phosphate-free, eco-friendly detergents and cleaning products – there’s a great range to choose from these days and they’re much better for our environment.
• Remember to regularly clean the lint filter on your washing machine.
• Most washing machines have a load adjustment button or dial, so try to set this to match the amount of washing you’re doing. If your machine doesn’t have a load adjustment function, try to wait until you have enough washing for a full load.
• Installing one of the latest 3 star/AAA rating showerheads ¹ can give you a great shower and save you around 10 liters of water a minute. They also save you energy costs, as you’ll use less hot water.
• To rinse your razor, run a little water into a plugged sink. Rinsing your razor under a running tap wastes lots of water.
• There’s no need to leave the tap running while you brush your teeth. Simply wet your toothbrush before you begin and use a glass of water to rinse your mouth.

These statistics will help your business sell more devices to save water and save energy.

Bathroom use accounts for about 75 percent of the water used inside the home.

• Check regularly for any leaks in your toilet, faucets and water hose bibs and fix them. Water saved: up to 200 gallons per day.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. Water saved: about 2 gallons per minute.
• Replace older, larger-use toilets with the newer higher efficiency toilets. Water saved: .5 to 5 gallons per flush.
• Take short showers and save the baths for special occasions. Water saved: 2 to 5 gallons per minute. 

Kitchen use accounts for about 8 percent of in-home water use.

• Don’t rinse dishes before loading dishwasher. Water saved: 20 gallons per load.
• Wash only full loads in the dishwasher. An efficient dishwasher usually uses much less water than washing dishes by hand.
• Install a low-flow faucet aerator, which can cut water use in half. Water saved: 1 to 2 gallons per minute.
• When buying a new dishwasher, consider purchasing a water-saving model. (New models use up to 25 percent less water than older ones.) Water saved: 3 gallons per load. 

Other areas round the house account for the balance of water use.

• Wash only full loads in the clothes washer. Washing small loads uses over twice as much water per pound of laundry.
• When buying a new clothes washer, consider purchasing a water-saving model. Water saved: up to 40 gallons per load.
• Install an eco-friendly temperature controlled hot water recirculation valve to provide instant hot water (so water is not wasted down the drain waiting for water to run hot) at your faucet or shower-Water saved: up to 17,000 gallons per year. Save hot water, save energy, and prevent pipe freeze with a Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot water Valve.

Water conservation has become an essential practice in all regions, even in areas where water seems abundant. In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds.

Conserving water can also extend the life of your sewer system and septic system by reducing soil saturation, and reducing pollution into the watershed. Overloading municipal sewer systems can also cause untreated sewage to flow to lakes and rivers. The smaller the amount of water flowing through these systems, the lower the likelihood of pollution. In some communities, costly sewage system expansion has been avoided by community wide household water conservation.

Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home, which combined with other households and businesses can make a big difference.

In 1990, 30 states in the US reported ‘water-stress’ conditions. In 2000, the number of states reporting water-stress rose to 40. In 2009, the number rose to 45. There is a worsening trend in water supply nationwide. Taking measures at home to conserve water not only saves you money, it also is of benefit to the greater community.

Saving water at home does not require any significant cost outlay. Although there are water-saving devices and water conservation systems such as rain barrels, drip irrigation and hot water recirculation valves, the bulk of water saving methods can be achieved at little cost. For example, 75% of water used indoors is in the bathroom, and 25% of this is for the toilet. The average toilet uses 4 gallons per flush (gpf). You can invest in a ULF (ultra-low flush) toilet, which will use only 1.6 gpf. But you can also install a simple tank bank, costing about $2, which will save .8 gpf. This saves 40% of what you would save with the ULF toilet. Using simple methods like tank banks, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators you can also help retrofit your home for under $50.

By using water-saving features you can reduce your in-home water use by 35%. This means the average household, which uses 130,000 gallons per year, could save 44,000 gallons of water per year. On a daily basis, the average household, using 350 gallons per day, could save 125 gallons of water per day. The average individual, currently using 70 gallons per day, could save 25 gallons of water per day.

The best solution to save water (saving energy and prevent pipe freezing) is to simply install innovative and patented technology known as a temperature controlled hot water recirculating valve (is a breeze-no pipe cutting, soldering or electrical connections) for your customers. The eco-friendly Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve uses your existing water pipes and the thermal convection generated by your water heater to circulate the water back to your water heater for reheating (not requiring a pump or any electricity). These hot water recirculation systems are temperature-controlled and are easily adjustable to meet your particular temperature needs. There is no water waste and it also reduces the energy required to heat your water while it provides instant hot water to your faucets and showers. A trickle of water circulating in your pipes will keep your pipes from freezing in most circumstances.

Finally, it should be noted that installing low-flow aerators, showerheads, tank banks and other water-saving devices for your customers is usually a very simple operation which can be done by anyone and does not even require the use of tools. Water conservation is one of the easiest measures to put in place, and saving water should become part of everyday family practice.

As most consumers know, water (H₂O) is a finite natural resource that must be conserved; it is limited and scarce in many places. Even if you live in an area with ample rainfall and fresh water lakes, using water uses energy to process it, pump it and heat it. To help sustain your Conservation Consultant Business, here are some ways to help your customers save water. 

Install a water meter. You might be very surprised to find out how much water you are actually using. By installing a water meter you can raise your awareness and consequently reduce your water intake. If you already have a water meter, learn how to read it. Among other things, it can be very helpful in detecting leaks. Read the meter once, wait an hour or two without running any water, and read it again. If it has moved, something is leaking. Many water meters have a small wheel or gear that turns fairly rapidly if any water at all is flowing. In the photo, it’s the little blue wheel. If you are sure all your water is turned off and you see this wheel moving at all, you have a leak. 

Check your plumbing for leaks, especially leaking toilets and faucets. Fix anything you find leaking. A silent toilet leak could waste from 30 to 500 gallons every day! 

Install a hot water recirculating valve. New-patented technology makes hot water recirculation systems an easy to install and economical way to provide instant hot water for all your faucets and showers (so water is not wasted down the drain while waiting for the water to run hot). A hot water recirculation system can save a typical household up to 17,000 gallons of water a year. The eco-friendly Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve utilizes new technology allowing the thermal convection (generated by your water heater-not requiring a pump or any electricity) to circulate water back to your water heater for reheating through your existing plumbing. These systems have a temperature-controlled valve that allows the consumer to easily adjust the temperature control knob to meet their particular needs. Not only do you save hot water, it can prevent pipe freezing. There is no water waste, and it also minimizes energy waste since it only re-circulates water when the hot water at your faucet cools below your desired temperature. Installation is a simple DIY 15-minute project (not requiring any pipe cutting, soldering or electrical connections). 

Take shorter showers. Take showers rather than baths. By taking a bath you are using up to 100 liters of water! Showering will generally use less than a third of this amount. Shave outside the shower, or turn off the shower while you shave. Take a timer, clock, or stopwatch into the bathroom with you and challenge yourself to cut down your showering time. Install a valve that fits just behind the showerhead. These valves are inexpensive and simply screw into place. Turn the water on for long enough to get wet. Then, use the valve to turn the water off while preserving the temperature of the water while you soap up. Turn the water on again to rinse. 

Install low-flow shower heads and faucets or faucet aerators. Low-flow devices are inexpensive ($10-$20 for a shower head and less than $5 for a faucet aerator). Most simply screw into place (you may need an adjustable wrench), and good, current units maintain the pressure and feel of the flow while using as little as half as much water as conventional units. 

Turn the faucet/tap off while you are brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your hands, doing dishes, and so on. Turn the tap off when you shower, too. Get wet, then turn off the water while you soap up. Turn it back on for long enough to rinse. Look for a twist valve that installs behind your shower head to keep the water temperature where you set it while the water is off. 

Wash full loads. Wait until you have a full load of clothes before you wash a load. Don’t wash a load of clothes just because you want to wear the same pair of pants the next day! When washing your clothes be sure to use the economy mode and this will save you both water and electricity! This goes for dishwashers, too. Load the dishwasher full but not overly full. Don’t wash your dishes before you wash your dishes. Do scrape larger pieces of food waste into the trash or compost. If your dishes don’t get clean without pre-rinsing, make sure you’re loading properly, that your dishwasher is in good repair, and that you’re using an effective dishwasher detergent. Dishwashers, especially modern, efficient ones, can actually save water compared to washing by hand, since they pump the same water around inside the tub. If you’re ready for a new dishwasher, check both energy and water usage before you buy. Choose your next washing machine wisely, too. Front loaders use far less water than top loaders. Choose laundry detergents that rinse cleanly and don’t require an extra rinse. 

Do less laundry. For this, you and your family will have to produce less laundry, but you will save time and wear and tear on your fabrics, as well. Hang towels on a rack to air dry after you shower. Use them multiple times between washings. It will help if each family member has his or her own towel. Get several coordinating colors, if need be. 

Shower before bed. Your sheets will not get dirty as quickly and you will be able to launder them less frequently. If you like, in between, wash just the pillow cases with other similar fabrics, or have a spare set you can swap in. Wear clothing more than once. You can also wear the same pajamas for a few nights in a row, especially if you shower before bed. Wear slacks, jeans, and skirts more than once between washings. Wear sweatshirts and sweaters over a t-shirt or tank top and just change only the innermost layer. Don’t change clothes midday. If you have something especially messy to do, such as painting, gardening, or working out, set aside one set of old clothes for that purpose and wear it multiple times between washing, too. If possible, time such activities so they happen just before your regular shower so you don’t use additional clothing or take additional showers. 

Use waste water or gray water from the bath, washing machines or dish washing on the garden. If possible, hook up a hose to the outlet on your machine to send the water outside onto your garden. To re-use bath water use a hand-operated Siphon Pump. When hand-washing dishes, rinse the dishes into a container, and empty the container into your garden. Collect water for re-use anytime you are running the water. Simply run it into a bucket, watering can, or pitcher. If you collect clean water (such as while adjusting water temperature), you also can use it to hand wash delicate clothing. 

Also collect water that you use for rinsing produce and for boiling pasta or eggs. 

Use garden-compatible soaps and cleaning products if you collect gray water for gardening. If you’re not sure whether gray water is suitable for plants, you can use it to flush your toilet. Either pour it directly into the bowl, or (provided there is no sediment) use it to refill the toilet tank when you flush. 

Use your garbage disposal sparingly. Collect solids in the trashcan, rather than putting them down the sink. 

Convert your toilet to low flush. Place a plastic bottle of water in the tank to displace some of the water used for each flush. Weigh the bottle down with pebbles or sand, if necessary. Or, try ordering a ‘save-a-flush’ or ‘hippo’ from your local water board. Not all toilets will be able to flush effectively with a reduced amount of water. Make sure there’s a lid on the bottle, especially if there are pebbles or sand weighing it down. You don’t want any pebbles or sand loose in your toilet tank. 

Upgrade to a low-flush toilet. Low flush toilets exist that can flush reliably with 1.6 gallons (6 liters) of water and less. Read product reviews to find a good one. 

Get or create a dual-flush toilet. Use the half flush button with a dual-flush toilet. 

You can also buy a dual flush conversion kit to turn your water-guzzling toilet into a water saver you can be proud of. Search the web for devices like Selectaflush and twoflush. They both work well and save money. 

Don’t flush every time. Remember; “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down.” 

Don’t use your toilet as a trash can. Each time you flush the toilet you use up to 9 liters of clean water. 

Use a rain collection barrel to Catch the rain. Use it for watering your plants, lawn or garden. 

Water the garden and lawn at night. Watering at night gives water more time to soak in without added evaporation from the day’s heat. 

Water only the areas that need it. Use a trigger nozzle on your hose or a watering can. 

Water deeply but less often. This will encourage plants to grow deeper roots, so that they need water less frequently. One way to water deeply with a minimum of water is to water slowly using drip irrigation or micro sprinklers. The simplest form is a soaker hose; other options include drip tape or hoses with emitters. These systems do not lose water to evaporation like overhead irrigation and keep plant foliage dry to help lessen disease. Buried tape applies the water to the root zone for even greater efficiency. Watering deeply but less often goes for lawns, too. The roots of grass don’t grow as deep as those of other plants, but they can still be encouraged by deeper, less-frequent watering. 

Use furrows and basins. Dig low areas to water only the root zones of your plants, not unplanted areas around them. 

Use mulch on your garden to retain moisture. Ideal mulch candidates include hay, manure, leaves, wood chips, bark, and newspaper. Many mulches are available for free or very low cost. The right organic mulch can also help improve your soil as it breaks down and keep weeds in check. 

Grow the grass longer. Don’t mow your lawn too short. Raise the height of your mower blade, or simply let it grow a bit longer between mowing. 

Reduce the size of your lawn. Plant something besides a lawn or reduce the size of your lawn. Lawns require much more water (and maintenance) to keep growing than many other plants and ground covers. 

Plant small trees under big trees. This will help prevent evaporation and provides some shade for your plants. You can also plant a shade garden under trees. 

Cover your swimming pool. This helps to prevent evaporation. In some places, emptying and refilling a pool is under severe restrictions, or even banned, so preserving this precious resource is crucial. 

Time water usage. Put a timer on your sprinkler and outdoor faucets/taps. Look for inexpensive, automatic timers that screw between the hose and the hose bib, or install a programmable timer on your sprinkler or drip system. An automatic timer can also help you water at times of day when the water can best be absorbed.  If you water something manually, set a kitchen timer before you turn the water on, or stay with the hose the whole time. Know how to adjust your sprinkler and irrigation timer settings for the seasons. Water less or not at all during wetter, cooler weather. 

Maintain your sprinklers and irrigation. If you have irrigation on timers, watch it run. Fix broken sprinkler heads and pipes and make sure that spray patterns are directed where they are intended. 

Don’t over-water, and don’t water any faster than the soil can absorb the water. If water is running off the lawn onto the sidewalk, cut the watering time or divide it into two smaller segments to allow time for the water to absorb. 

Use environmentally friendly cleansers. This will enable you to reuse waste water from washing to water the lawn or garden. 

Wash the car on the lawn. Use a trigger nozzle hose and/or bucket. There are even waterless spray-and-wipe car wash products, but they tend to be costly. Wash the car less often. Everyday dust and dirt won’t harm anything if it collects for a little while. Wash the car at a car wash. Car washes may use less water than you can use at home. Car washes also collect and filter the wastewater appropriately. 

Don’t wash the driveway or sidewalk with a hose. Use a broom or rake to remove dry matter and let the rain do the rest. 

Plant drought-resistant landscaping. If you have a garden, devote an area to hardy plants that need relatively little water. Also, learn about native plants that naturally thrive in your area. 

Know how much water plants need to thrive, and don’t apply more water than that. 

Grow plants with like water needs together. Sometimes called “hydro zoning,” this method simply means that plants are grouped together by water use, so that they can all be watered appropriately. 

You turn the hot water faucet on and wait. And wait some more. And then after a couple of minutes hot water finally emerges from the faucet. Meanwhile all that precious water was wasted running down the drain. This process is repeated for countless showers, baths, dishes, laundry and other daily tasks all across the country every day. The average household wastes around 46 gallons a day or almost 17,000 gallons of water a year! This waste also results in increased sewerage bills, which are usually based on water consumption.

If only there was a product on the market you could sell save hot water and provide plenty of instant hot water whenever your customer wanted it.

Well with new-patented technology there’s a way you can provide instant hot water out of all your customer’s faucets for under $200.00! By simply installing an eco-friendly Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve at the fixture near the end of the hot water plumbing run. This easy to install, economical device provides instant hot water for all your faucets and showers. This new technology uses your existing water pipes and the thermal convection generated by your water heater to circulate the water back to your water heater for reheating (not requiring a water pump or any electricity). This eco-friendly system also has a temperature-controlled valve that allows the consumer to easily adjust the temperature control knob to meet their particular needs. It also can prevent pipe freezing. There is no water waste, and it also reduces energy waste since it only re-circulates water when the hot water at your faucet cools below your desired temperature. Installation is a simple DIY 15-minute project (not requiring any pipe cutting, soldering, a water pump or electrical connections).