Green Bathroom Makeover | National Geographic

TL;DR

Easy tips to save water and money in your bathroom with simple changes and upgrades.

Transcript

hi I'm patty Kim whether you're getting ready to take on the morning or just soaking in the shower at the end of a long day the bathroom can be a retreat from the world but it's also we're over sixty percent that the water used indoors gets consumed so if you like to save water and money the bathroom's great place to start let's take a look and the... Read More

Key Insights

• 😒 Toilets made before 1993 use up to 8 gallons per flush, while modern ones use only 1.6 gallons.
• 🚾 Plumbing leaks can waste about 14% of water in an average home; detect leaks by adding food coloring to the toilet tank.
• 💦 Showers and faucets can also waste water; consider upgrading to low-flow models to save water and money.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can you determine if your toilet is an old or modern fixture?

To identify an old toilet, check for a manufacturing date stamped underneath the tank. Old toilets use up to 8 gallons per flush, while modern ones only use 1.6 gallons.

Q: How can you check for plumbing leaks in your toilet?

Add food coloring to the tank, wait 15 minutes, and check the bowl; if colored water seeps through, you have a leak wasting water.

Q: What is the second biggest water consumer in the bathroom after toilets?

Showers are the second biggest water consumer; older showerheads can draw up to 5.5 gallons per minute, so upgrade to low-flow models.

Q: What simple trick can help save water while brushing teeth?

Turn off the faucet while brushing and use a glass of water to rinse, saving significant amounts of water over time.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Toilets made before 1993 use up to 8 gallons of water per flush, while modern ones use only 1.6 gallons.

• Plumbing leaks account for about 14% of water used in homes; check for leaks by adding food coloring to the toilet tank.

• Showers and faucets can also waste water; upgrading to low-flow models can save significant amounts.