Taking preventive measures to reduce your water bill can help you save money in the long run. This can include catching rainwater, taking shorter showers, installing water-efficient appliances and more.
While your water bill may not be the biggest expense you face, it’s still worth trying to cut down on your usage wherever possible. These Plumbing Tips to Save Money on Your Water Bill are easy to implement and will make a difference.
Turn off the Water
A plumbing system brings fresh water into a home and carries wastewater out. Plumbing costs are tied to consumption, so using less can save money.
Small leaks can add up to gallons of wasted water each day. Checking your household plumbing regularly can help prevent these leaks.
Installing faucet aerators is an inexpensive way to cut down on water usage. Aerators increase water pressure but reduce flow volume, so you use less.
Check for Leaks
Leaks can waste gallons of water in a single home. They can also lead to structural damage and mold problems. Checking for leaks regularly can save money and prevent further damage.
To check for leaks, shut off all faucets and water-using appliances. Then read your water meter. If the meter reading has changed, you have a leak. A professional plumber can fix these leaks quickly and easily.
Install Water-Efficient Faucets
Having water efficient faucets in your home can save money and reduce your family’s water usage. Installing faucets with aerators can lower your water flow rate significantly.
Leaks are a major source of wasted water, so repairing any leaks will also help to decrease your water bill. Educating your family about water conservation is another important tip. If every household used water-efficient fixtures and appliances, we could save trillions of gallons of water each year.
Install Water-Efficient Appliances
If your home has a water meter, it’s a good idea to install appliances and fixtures that meet federal energy and water efficiency standards. These products use less electricity and water while providing comparable performance.
Look for ENERGY STAR and WaterSense labels on dishwashers, washing machines, showerheads and toilet suites. Then, upgrade to the most efficient models when your old ones reach the end of their lifespan.
Install Water-Efficient Toilets
Installing water-efficient toilets is a simple way to help reduce homeowners’ water usage and save money on their utility bills. Toilets made after 1994 use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and replacing older inefficient models can result in significant savings.
Eco-friendly toilets are also a great option for commercial buildings. By upgrading their toilets to water-efficient models, a company can save millions of gallons of water each year.
Install Water-Efficient Showerheads
Replacing a standard showerhead with a water-efficient model can save 2,000 gallons of water per person, a significant amount of money on metered water and energy bills. Many local utilities offer rebates on these models.
These models use technology to reduce the amount of water needed without sacrificing spray force or water coverage. They do this by aerating the water and restricting and regulating the flow.
Install Water-Efficient Washing Machines
If you have old appliances like a dishwasher and washing machine that hog gallons of water, consider upgrading to new ones with a high Energy Star rating. In addition to saving money, these efficient models use less energy and reduce environmental waste.
Other easy ways to save water include taking shorter showers, filling the sink only when shaving or brushing teeth, and using a timer. Also, a licensed plumber can check for hidden leaks that are causing your water bill to skyrocket.
Install Water-Efficient Dishwashers
Installing water-efficient dishwashers can help you save money on your water bill. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances use less water and energy than traditional models.
A recent study partnered with detergent company Cascade found that it takes an average of 15 seconds to handwash dishes, while a dishwasher only uses half a gallon for the same amount of time.
Installing aerators is another easy way to cut down on water waste. Just make sure that the aerator is properly fitted and installed to achieve maximum water savings.
Install Water-Efficient Washing Machine Filters
Many people have trouble understanding the cost of their water and sewer bills. But the good news is that you can save money on your water bill by taking preventative steps to reduce your usage and addressing hidden leaks.
Having a basin or old towel ready will help to catch any wet lint that may pour out when you remove the filter door. Clean the filter with a brush and soak in hot water to loosen any clogs or trapped residue.
Install Water-Efficient Washing Machine Filters
Drips from faucets, toilets, and the supply line for your washing machine or swamp cooler are major water wasters. Fixing leaks can save money and reduce water waste in your home.
If you have a front loader, place a basin or old towel down before opening the trap door to catch any water that pours out. Clean the filter regularly by removing it and soaking in hot water to loosen any trapped lint.