Kitchen Tips

Dishwashers
When used properly, dishwashers can be more efficient than hand washing. You can use about 20 gallons of water hand washing dishes, whereas a diswasher uses between 12 and 20 gallons.

Only run the dishwasher when it's completely full and use the water-level settings for the most efficient run. If you don't have a dishwasher, try filling your sink with water for rinsing. To save water, don't run the water without plugging the sink and shut off the faucet when not in use.

Faucets
Faucets consume 5.6 percent of the water used in your home. Installing low-flow faucet aerators can cut your faucet water use by 50 percent.

Installing an Aerator
Installing a faucet aerator is easy. Just follow these simple steps. If you don't feel comfortable performing any of these steps, contact a licensed plumber. When buying a faucet aerator, be sure to purchase an aerator with the same diameter and thread type as your current faucet.

1. Place masking or duct tape around the wrench to protect the finish of your faucet.
2. Remove the old faucet aerator attachment by turning it clockwise.
3. Before installing a new aerator, turn on the water to flush out the faucet.
4. Turn off the water, screw on the new aerator and hand tighten. Take care to avoid crossthreading.
5. If your faucet is threaded on the inside, stack the upper washer (A) on top of the lower washer (B) and place on top of aerator before screwing it in place.
6. If your faucet is threaded on the outside, remove the top washer (A) from the aerator to expose the inside threads and then, with the lower washer (B) in place, screw the aerator (C) on the outside threads.
7. Turn on the water. If your aerator leaks, carefully tighten in small increments until leaking stops. Do not overtighten.