Conserving water has become a major priority for environmentally conscious households, and for good reason. Water is a precious resource that many of us take for granted. By making small adjustments to our daily routines, we can significantly reduce our water usage, lower utility bills, and contribute to a healthier planet. One area that often gets overlooked in the quest for water efficiency is the toilet, which can account for nearly 30% of household water consumption. But did you know that you can easily reduce the amount of water your toilet uses without investing in a new low-flow system?
It’s as simple as placing an object in your toilet tank!
The Toilet Tank Hack: How It Works
Most standard toilets use between 1.6 to 3.5 gallons of water per flush, depending on when they were installed. Older toilets, in particular, use much more water. This may not seem like much at first glance, but when you think about how many times your household flushes the toilet every day, the numbers quickly add up.
The trick to saving water without sacrificing the quality of your flush is to displace some of the water in the tank. Every time you flush, water from the tank rushes into the bowl, and the tank refills itself with fresh water from the plumbing system. By reducing the volume of water the tank holds, you’re effectively lowering the amount of water used with each flush.
All you need to do is place a solid, non-porous item—like a brick or a jar filled with water—inside the toilet tank. These objects take up space that would normally be filled with water, reducing the amount that’s used when you flush. The more space the item occupies, the less water the tank will hold, which means you’re instantly cutting back on your water usage.
Choosing the Right Object for Your Toilet Tank
There are a few objects that work well for this hack:
- A Brick: This is a popular choice because bricks are solid, easy to find, and large enough to make a difference. Make sure to place the brick carefully so it doesn’t interfere with the tank’s mechanism. Some people recommend wrapping the brick in a plastic bag to prevent any debris from breaking off into the water, which could potentially clog your plumbing.
- A Plastic or Glass Jar Filled with Water: If you don’t want to use a brick, a jar filled with water can work just as well. Simply take a sturdy jar (a large glass or plastic one will do), fill it with water, and tightly close the lid to prevent leaks. Place the jar in the tank and make sure it stays steady.
- A Plastic Bottle: Another alternative is to use a plastic water bottle. Fill it with water or sand to give it some weight and make sure the cap is tightly screwed on. This option is less likely to scratch the interior of the tank and can be easily adjusted if needed.
Make sure the object you choose doesn’t interfere with the flushing mechanism. It should sit securely at the bottom of the tank and not shift around.
How Much Water Can You Save?
The amount of water you save will depend on the size of the object you place in the tank and the number of times your household flushes the toilet daily. For example, if you place an object that displaces 0.5 gallons of water and your household flushes the toilet 10 times a day, you’ll save 5 gallons of water each day—or roughly 1,825 gallons a year!
If your toilet normally uses 3.5 gallons per flush, reducing that by just 0.5 gallons could lower your water consumption by up to 14%. In addition to saving water, you’ll also reduce your water bill, especially if you’re in an area where water costs are high or tiered pricing is used.
Additional Tips to Boost Your Water Savings
- Fix Leaky Toilets: A running or leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. If you notice your toilet is constantly running or making noises, it’s a good idea to check for leaks and repair any issues.
- Use a Dual-Flush Mechanism: If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider installing a dual-flush conversion kit. These systems allow you to use less water for liquid waste and more water for solid waste, providing an efficient balance.
- Mind Your Other Appliances: While you’re at it, think about other ways to reduce your water usage throughout the house. Switching to water-saving showerheads, only running your dishwasher and laundry machines with full loads, and installing low-flow faucets are all great ways to conserve water without much effort.
Why Saving Water Matters
Conserving water isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about protecting our environment. Freshwater is a limited resource, and many areas around the world face serious water shortages. Even if you live in a region with abundant water supplies, it’s important to remember that energy is used to treat and deliver clean water to your home. By reducing your consumption, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint and helping to preserve this valuable resource for future generations.
Conclusion
Reducing the amount of water your toilet uses is a quick and easy way to cut down on both your water consumption and your utility bills. Simply placing a brick, jar, or plastic bottle in the tank can lead to significant savings over time. Whether you’re looking to make your home more eco-friendly or just want to trim your expenses, this simple hack is a win-win solution.