Is your water bill making a splash in your budget? You’re not alone! High water costs can be a real drain on your finances. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to keep those bills from overflowing.
At Williams Plumbing & Drain, we’re committed to helping our customers with saving money and saving water at the same time, which is why we’re bringing you a comprehensive list of ways to conserve water and lower your monthly expenses. Here’s what you need to know!
Modernize Your Plumbing System
A few simple plumbing upgrades can help you save money on your water bills in a major way. Try these suggestions:
Fix Up Your Fixtures
Installing a low-flow shower head, a low-flow toilet, and water-efficient faucet aerators can save gallons of water per day — and thousands of gallons per year. Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads are designed to use significantly less water by reducing the amount of water required to flush the toilet tank, aerating the flow of water, or using nozzles that boost water pressure. As you use less water, your water bill savings will add up quickly!
Invest in More Efficient Appliances
If you already utilize low-flow showerheads or aerators on your existing faucets, you’re not done upgrading just yet. Investing in water-efficient appliances is another one of the most effective ways to save money on your water bill.
Modern washing machines, for example, use as little as 15 gallons per full load compared to older models that use up to 40 gallons. Look for appliances with Energy Star seals or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s WaterSense label, which indicate they meet strict water efficiency and performance criteria. You’ll save water and money at the same time!
Irrigate Intelligently
Are you a lawn care fanatic? You can still save a few bucks on your water bill even if you’re a true “sprinkler head” (pun intended) by using smart irrigation controllers and low-flow sprinkler heads for optimal outdoor watering.
These systems, also known as weather-based or sensor-based controllers, are devices that automatically adjust watering based on real-time weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Unlike traditional timers that run on a fixed schedule regardless of watering zones, smart controllers use data from local weather stations, soil moisture sensors, or both to deliver the right amount of water when and where it’s needed.
Reduce Water Usage
Reducing water usage is one of the simplest ways to save money on your water bill. Here’s how to put a few dollars back in your pocket:
Take Shorter Showers
Taking shorter showers, even by just a few minutes, can lead to substantial savings on your water bill. The average shower uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute, so shaving off just five minutes can save up to 12.5 gallons of water per shower (or even more with low-flow shower heads). Multiplied by 4 (the average family size), taking shorter showers can save 50 gallons of water per day!
Turn Off the Tap
Many people leave the tap running while brushing their teeth or washing their hands, but this can waste up to 4 gallons of water each time. By turning off the tap while you brush or scrub and only turning it back on to rinse, you’re saving water in a more significant way than you might think. Multiply this by the number of people in the average family, and the savings really add up.
In the kitchen, save water by using a bowl for rinsing fruits and vegetables instead of running the tap, and defrost frozen foods in the fridge overnight instead of letting water flow over them in the sink.
Plan Out Your Plant Care
For maximum water bill savings, remember to water your outdoor plants during the early morning or late evening. This helps reduce evaporation, which can waste water before it reaches the plants’ roots.
Using an energy-efficient irrigation solution, such as a drip irrigation system, can minimize water waste by delivering water directly to the roots. Mulching around plants can also help retain moisture in the soil, allowing you to water less frequently.
If you’re starting a garden from scratch, consider drought-tolerant landscaping options, such as native plants, perennials, or even rock gardens.
Collect and Reuse Rainwater
Reusing water is one of the most under-appreciated yet effective ways to save money on water bills. Consider setting up a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your gutters. This can be used for watering outdoor plants, washing your car, or other outdoor tasks, reducing your reliance on tap water.
Indoors, you can collect water from your shower or sink while waiting for it to heat up and store it in plastic soda bottles, then use it to water plants or flush toilets as needed. Reusing water in this way can lead to significant water bill savings, especially in regions prone to drought.
Depend On Your Dishwasher
Modern technology lovers, rejoice! Mom was wrong — running a dishwasher actually takes less water compared to hand-washing dishes, especially if you have a modern, water-efficient model.
To optimize water conservation while washing dishes, make sure to only run the dishwasher once it reaches a full load. If you don’t have a dishwasher or simply prefer to hand-wash dishes, there are other ways to cut down on your water bill while washing up after dinner.
Turn the tap off while scrubbing whenever possible, and don’t pre-rinse dishes if you can avoid it. Instead of wasting your precious soapy water, scrape food scraps into the trash or garbage disposal.
Repair Plumbing Problems ASAP
Another important part of conserving water involves repairing plumbing problems as soon as you can. Keep these money-saving tips in mind as you go about your daily routine:
Look Out for Leaks
Even small household leaks can waste water and drive up your water bill, so it’s important to check for and fix leaks promptly. A dripping faucet, for example, can create up to 20 gallons of water waste per day. Regularly inspect faucets, pipes, and appliance-connected water lines (such as those connected to washing machines and dishwashers) for any signs of leaks, such as unexplained puddles, damp walls, or the sound of running water when everything is turned off. If you notice a leak, call plumbers ASAP for assistance.
Test Your Toilet
A constantly running toilet is a surefire burden on your water bill. To check for a leaky toilet, perform a dye test by following these steps:
- Add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet (available at most hardware stores) into the toilet tank. Make sure to use a color that contrasts with the water for easy visibility.
- Wait for 10-15 minutes without flushing the toilet.
- Check the water in the toilet bowl. If the color has seeped into the bowl, it indicates that water is leaking from the tank into the bowl, usually due to a faulty flapper or seal.
Watch Your Water Bill
One of the best ways to ensure you don’t have any hidden plumbing problems is by keeping a close eye on your water bill or water meter. Analyzing your monthly bills and water usage can help you detect unusual patterns, which may be the only way you find out about that secretly leaking toilet or water heater. Keeping an eye on your water bill can also help you identify and reduce excess water consumption.
Stay Smart & Save Money!
A high water bill is something no one wants to deal with, but by taking the right steps, you can save water and money at the same time. To learn more about our energy-efficient plumbing solutions, get help repairing a leak, or check out our current plumbing coupons, contact Williams Plumbing & Drain today. We’re proud to be Tulsa’s go-to team for effective plumbing solutions, specializing in everything from efficiency upgrades to tankless hot water heater repair. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!