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Put a Plastic Bottle in the Toilet Tank: A Simple Trick to Save Water and Money

If you’re looking for an easy and cost-effective way to conserve water in your home, here’s a trick that’s been around for a while but still works wonders: putting a plastic bottle in your toilet tank. This clever hack can help reduce the amount of water your toilet uses with minimal effort, saving you money on water bills while doing your part to help the environment.

But does it actually work? And is it a smart idea for everyone? Let’s dive into how this simple hack works, why it’s beneficial, and any considerations to keep in mind.

How It Works: The Simple Science Behind the Bottle

The idea behind this method is surprisingly straightforward. The more water in your toilet tank, the more water is used with each flush. By placing a plastic bottle in the tank, you reduce the amount of water that can fill the tank, which effectively decreases the volume of water used per flush.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Find a Plastic Bottle: You don’t need anything fancy — a standard plastic bottle, such as a 16 oz or 20 oz bottle, will do.
2. Fill the Bottle with Water (or Sand): Fill the bottle with water to add weight, or use sand if you want to keep it from floating or moving around in the tank.
3. Place the Bottle in the Tank: Put the bottle in the tank, making sure it doesn’t obstruct the flushing mechanism. You can either place it near the side or around the center of the tank.
4. Close the Tank and Test: Once the bottle is securely placed, close the tank lid and test it out by flushing the toilet. The bottle takes up space, reducing the water level, meaning less water will be used on each flush.

Why This Trick Is Worth Trying

1. Water Conservation

The average toilet uses 1.6 to 3.5 gallons of water per flush, which adds up quickly. By reducing the amount of water in your tank, you can lower water consumption by approximately 1/2 gallon per flush, depending on the size of the bottle and the model of your toilet. Over time, this can result in a significant reduction in your household’s water usage.

2. Lower Water Bills

Conserving water means your water bill will go down. If you’re on a metered water system, every drop counts. This trick is especially helpful for households with multiple people or homes with older toilets that use more water per flush.

3. Eco-Friendly

Using less water means less strain on your local water supply, which can be beneficial during times of drought or in areas with limited water resources. It’s a simple and effective way to make a small but meaningful impact on your environmental footprint.

Things to Consider Before You Try It

While this trick is incredibly easy and effective for many people, there are a few considerations to keep in mind: