Tips for Saving Water at Home

Saving water at home does more than lower your monthly bill — it helps protect your plumbing system, extend the lifespan of fixtures, and reduce strain on Seattle’s water supply. By making a few mindful changes, you can also reduce runoff pollution into local watersheds and support the environment for future generations.

Here are the top tips from your friends at Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter for cutting water use without sacrificing comfort.

1. Showers: Shorten and Upgrade

Showers are one of the biggest sources of household water use. Older shower heads can release 5–10 gallons per minute, sending thousands of gallons down the drain every year.

• Shorten your shower time by a few minutes each day — or turn off the water while you lather.
• Upgrade to a low-flow showerhead, ideally one with a pause feature, to cut usage to just 2.5 gallons per minute or less.

Pro tip: Many WaterSense-labeled shower heads can save the average family around 2,700 gallons annually — and reduce your hot water bill.

2. Washing Machines: Full Loads Only

Running partial loads leads to more cycles and wasted water.

• Always wait until you have a full load before starting your machine.
• When upgrading, consider a high-efficiency model to reduce both water and energy consumption.

If you notice damp spots, unusual pressure changes, or spikes in water usage, your supply lines may need attention. Our Seattle plumbing team can help detect and fix hidden leaks.

3. Toilets: Reduce Water Per Flush

Toilets account for nearly 28% of indoor water use in the average household.

• Limit unnecessary flushes — and never use the toilet as a trash can.
• Try a DIY trick: Fill two water bottles with sand or pebbles, cap them, and place them in your toilet tank (away from the flush mechanism). This can save 10+ gallons a day.
• For a permanent upgrade, install a low-flow or dual-flush toilet that uses 1–2 gallons per flush.

Need help? Check out our guide on how to stop a running toilet.

4. Dishwashers: Skip Half Loads

Like laundry, dishwashers are most efficient when full.

• Stick to full loads to maximize water savings.
• Scrape — don’t rinse — dishes before loading to save even more water.

5. Leaks: Find and Fix Them Fast

The average household loses 9.5 gallons per day to leaks — often without noticing.

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour no-use period. If it changes, you likely have a leak.
• For toilets, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the seal needs replacing.

Small leaks can quickly become big problems. If you discover a major issue, our Seattle leak repair specialists are just a call away.

6. Faucets: Turn Off and Aerate

At 2.5 gallons per minute, running taps waste water fast.

• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, washing hands, or scrubbing dishes.
• Install faucet aerators — a low-cost upgrade that cuts water use without affecting pressure.

7. In the Yard: Water Smarter

Yards can be major water drains, especially in summer.

• Swap grass for drought-tolerant landscaping or native plants.
• Water deeply but less frequently, and mow grass a little longer to retain soil moisture.
• Install rain barrels to collect water for outdoor use, or switch to drip irrigation for efficiency.

Saving Water Starts with Small Changes

From simple habit shifts to plumbing upgrades, every drop you save helps reduce utility bills and protect our local water supply.

Whether it’s fixing a leak, replacing outdated fixtures, or upgrading your home’s plumbing, Bob Oates Plumbing has been helping Seattle homeowners save water — and money — for over 30 years.

Ready to improve your home’s water efficiency? Contact us today for expert, eco-friendly solutions.