Reduce water use and save money

Most of us know that small things like turning off the faucet while we brush our teeth and taking shorter showers can make an impact on the environment, and even reduce our monthly water bills. But there are also other, lesser-known ways to decrease water use — and spend even less in the process. Put these five into practice and see your savings grow.

Replace older appliances

Older appliances lack the energy efficiency of newer models, which makes them more expensive to run.

If you're mulling an upgrade, consider this: EnergyStar-certified washing machines use 30 to 40% less water than an older model, while an EnergyStar dishwasher uses 15% less water. Homeowners typically pay about $200 to install a dishwasher, and $600 or more to install a washing machine, according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide.

Look for leaks

Did you know that the average home leaks 10,000 gallons of water per year? Sometimes, the issue is subtle, which makes it harder to identify and fix. If you want help rooting out leaks in your home, check out the Environmental Protection Agency's website and take their 10 Minute WaterSense Challenge. Their tips range from food coloring tests to reading your water meter — and the savings make the extra effort worth it.

Repairs for leaky pipes generally begin at about $150, according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide.

Upgrade time-worn toilets

Don't flush your money down the toilet! Swapping out your old toilet for a new high-efficiency model helps you save as much as 6 gallons per flush, which adds up to serious savings over time.

These toilets remove waste using water velocity, rather than volume, which is helpful whether you have a septic tank or if you use municipal sewage systems.

These days, there are several different options to choose from, ranging from ADA-certified to dual-flush.

Water your lawn in the morning and the evening

Rather than letting your sprinkler or irrigation system run throughout the afternoon, opt to water your lawn in the morning or evening.

The sun isn't as strong during these times, and won't evaporate as much of the water out of your yard.

This tactic will help keep your lawn — and your wallet — healthy.

Swap out inefficient faucets and fixtures

In addition to new toilets and appliances, you can also save money by installing improved faucets and shower heads.

WaterSense-labeled fixtures can save you as much as 3,000 gallons every year, and when you combine this with your other efforts, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates you can save up to 38% on your annual bill.

HomeAdvisor is an online marketplace connecting homeowners with trusted service professionals to complete home projects. Visit HomeAdvisor.com.