Water bills are an essential part of running a household and can be very expensive. You cannot avoid the fact that water bills need to be paid, but there are some easy ways to reduce costs and save money. Here are 10 easy ways you can save on your water bill.
1. Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Low-flow showerheads are designed to use less water while providing the same pressure as a normal showerhead. This can save a considerable amount of water and, in turn, money. They are made in a way that reduces the amount of water used without disrupting pressure.
When looking for a new showerhead, look for models with the EPA WaterSense label. These are officially certified by the Environmental Protection Agency to be water-efficient fixtures. Such models save up to 2.5 gallons per minute, helping you save a good amount of money on your water bill over time.
If possible, you can also take shorter showers, which is an easy way to save on water bills while maintaining good hygiene. To save even more water, turn off the shower while soaping up and then turn it back on to rinse.
2. Check for Leaks
Leaks can waste a lot of water and can cause your bill to skyrocket. Check all your home’s faucets, toilets, pipes, and other water sources. These can often be easily fixed with a wrench and supplies from the hardware store. For checking the toilet leaks, put food coloring in the tank and wait a few minutes. If the color starts showing up in the bowl, you may leak.
If you need help checking for leaks, hire a professional plumber to inspect your pipes.
3. Cut Back on Outdoor Water Use
Your outdoor water use can also majorly contribute to your water bill, too. When you irrigate your lawn, refrain from overwatering and try to irrigate the lawn during cooler parts of the day when temperatures are lower. This will reduce evaporation and keep your water bill lower. You can also consider installing a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to reduce runoff and provide more efficient water to your plants.
If the weather is scorching and dry, you may want to consider using a timer for your sprinklers so that the system will switch off automatically after the allotted time has passed. This will help ensure that you are not over-watering and wasting water unnecessarily.
Additionally, consider planting drought-tolerant plants in your garden and use mulch around them to help keep the moisture in the soil and reduce water use. You should also avoid washing your car in the driveway or letting your hose run while you are washing it. Instead, direct the hose into a bucket to wash your car. This will significantly reduce the water you use to clean your car each month.
4. Optimize Appliance Efficiency
Many of your appliances, like your dishwasher and washing machine, will use a large amount of water each month. To reduce the amount of water used by these appliances, ensure that you only use them when you have a whole load of dishes or clothes. Many newer models of dishwashers and washing machines have different settings for full limitations and half loads. Using these settings will ensure you only use the amount of water necessary for each load.
Also, check the hoses and valves of your washing machine and dishwasher for any signs of leakage. If you see any signs, replace the hose or valve immediately. This will help reduce your water bill and prevent further waste of water.
Finally, make sure to maintain your appliances regularly. This will help them run more efficiently and reduce the water they use each month.
5. Install a High-Efficiency Toilet
High-efficiency toilets are an easy way to reduce your water bill. These toilets use significantly less water than traditional models and can save up to 5,000 gallons yearly. They also come in various styles and colors, so you can find one that will match the decor of your bathroom.
Consider looking for a toilet with the EPA’s Water Sense label, which indicates that it has passed rigorous testing standards and is certified to use 20 percent less water than the conventional toilet.
When you install a high-efficiency toilet, ensure it is properly sealed and secure to prevent any leaks. This will help ensure that your new toilet works efficiently and wastes no water.
6. Collect and Reuse Greywater
Greywater is wastewater from household activities such as washing dishes, showering, and laundry. It can be collected and reused in the garden or to flush toilets, which can help reduce your water bill significantly.
To safely reuse greywater, consider investing in a greywater system that will filter the water before it is distributed to your garden. Also, ensure you are not using greywater on vegetables or other food crops. Reusing your greywater is also a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and help conserve valuable water resources.
7. Install Gutters and Downspouts
Installing gutters and downspouts around your roof helps to capture rainwater and use it for outdoor activities or watering your garden. This will help reduce the water you use from your tap and significantly lower your water bill.
Gutters and downspouts are fairly inexpensive and can be installed quickly by a professional. Make sure to choose the gutter that is right for your home and climate. Also, ensure the gutters are properly sealed to prevent leaks or overflow during heavy rainstorms.
8. Cover Your Pool
If you have a swimming pool, cover it when it is unused. This will help reduce the amount of water that evaporates and prevent debris from entering the pool. Additionally, it will help reduce the time you spend cleaning and maintaining your pool.
Ensure you select the right size and type of cover for your pool to ensure it is secure and does not leak. Also, clean the cover regularly to prevent algae or bacteria from growing on it.
9. Store Cold Water in the Fridge
Consider storing cold water in the refrigerator to reduce the amount of water you use for drinking and cooking. This will help ensure that you always have cold water to drink, and you won’t have to wait for your tap water to cool down. Additionally, it will help reduce the water you use when cooking, as you can just use the stored cold water instead of running the tap.
10. Monitor Your Bills
Finally, make sure to monitor your water bills regularly. This will help you catch any issues that may be causing an increase in your water use or water bill.
Monitoring your bills can also help you track any changes in your water consumption so that you can make adjustments to reduce your use and save money. Additionally, it can help you identify any leaks or plumbing issues that could be causing an increase in your water bills.
Keeping an eye on your water bills can help you save money and ensure your water use is as efficient as possible. It’s a great way to keep your water bills low and ensure you do everything possible to conserve this valuable resource. If you need help finding ways to reduce your water bill, contact a professional plumber like High 5 Plumbing for help. We can assist with plumbing repair and maintenance, water heater installation, drain cleaning, sewer line installation, sump pump installation, and outdoor plumbing in Denver, CO. Contact High 5 Plumbing today for more information.
