Water is one of the most precious resources on the planet, but many people don't conserve it the way that they should. According to the EPA, the average U.S. family of four uses 400 gallons of water each day. However, with some simple lifestyle changes, you can cut down on the amount of water your household uses. Here are five tips from a local plumber about water conservation.

1. Replace Your Toilet

Older toilets are one of the biggest issues when it comes to wasting water in American homes. According to the Princeton Student Climate Initiative, toilets that were installed before 1992 can use up to seven gallons per flush, while newer toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. If you want to cut back on water usage, upgrading to a better toilet is a good place to start.

2. Upgrade Your Showerheads

Showers can use a lot of water, but there are solutions to help you use less. Low-flow showerheads can help you reduce your monthly water usage by a significant amount. Upgrading to new showerheads won't cost you a lot, but it can save you a pretty penny on your water bill.

3. Upgrade Your Faucets

Old faucets don't waste quite as much water as toilets and showerheads, but they can still cost you a significant amount. You use your faucets for everything from washing dishes to washing your hands, so consider hiring a local plumber to install efficient faucets in your home.

4. Minimize Water Usage

Your habits have a lot to do with how much water you use on a daily basis. Do you like to relax and let the warm water run over you when you're finished showering? Do you let the water run while you brush your teeth? Making small changes to your habits can have a real impact on how much water you waste.

Wasting water is a big problem, especially if you live in an area where water is scarce. The good news is that a local plumber can help you upgrade your fixtures to reduce the amount of water you're wasting. If you want to cut back on water waste, call Rescue 1 Plumbing today to learn more about how our plumbing services can help.