Conserve Energy & Save on Your Water Bills This Winter

On average, Canadians consume around 329 liters of water daily—enough to fill over five and a half beer kegs! Given water's critical importance, conserving it wherever possible just makes sense. Here are some straightforward tips to reduce your household water usage while cutting down on your water bill.

Start by tweaking your toilet tank. Did you know that a whopping 30% of household water goes toward flushing? While it might seem counterintuitive, your toilet doesn’t need a full tank to function effectively. Try the bottle-and-sand trick: fill a bottle with water and sand and place it inside your toilet tank. This reduces the amount of water used per flush without sacrificing performance. Just make sure the bottle isn’t too wide or tall—it needs to fit without interfering with the flushing mechanism. Keep in mind that modern 1.6-liter tanks may not benefit from this method, so check your toilet model first.

Next up, don’t overlook leaks! Even a small drip can quickly add up to gallons of wasted water. Regularly inspect your faucets, toilets, appliances, and sprinklers. Every six months should suffice, but if you struggle to keep track of maintenance tasks, apps like Rümi can help remind you. And if you’ve spotted any leaks, fix them pronto—our plumbing experts are here to assist.

Switching to a front-loading washing machine could be another game-changer. Traditional top-loaders guzzle far more water compared to their front-loading counterparts. If your current machine is nearing retirement age, opt for a front-loader instead—it’ll save both water and time. In the meantime, aim to run your washer only when you’ve got a full load.

When shopping for new appliances or fixtures, prioritize water-efficient options. Over the past couple of decades, advancements in technology have made these items much better at conserving water and energy. If you’re overdue for an upgrade, consider replacing older, inefficient devices with newer, eco-friendly models.

Don’t forget about your water heater! Maintaining it properly ensures it operates efficiently. Regularly drain sediment buildup and check the heating element. Rümi’s plumbing team can handle repairs or replacements for nearly any brand or model, even during emergencies. Plus, we offer tankless water systems that are compact, provide an endless supply of hot water, and use up to 40% less energy than conventional storage heaters.

Insulating your hot water pipes is another smart move. These insulation sleeves minimize heat loss and ensure your water stays hotter for longer, allowing you to lower the thermostat setting on your hot water tank. As a bonus, insulated pipes mean faster access to hot water, reducing wait times and conserving resources. Properly maintaining your plumbing system, especially during colder seasons, prevents bursts when temperatures rise.

Every little change counts. Whether it’s swapping out a single fixture or adopting multiple strategies, even minor adjustments can significantly impact your home’s overall water consumption. So why not give it a shot? Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you!