How To Save On Your Water Bill: 7 Practical Tips
Is it just us, or does it feel like money just flies out the door over the summer?
On one hand, we get it. The weather is nice, so you are spending more time outdoors, meeting friends for drinks and dinner on the patios. You’re traveling, the kids are home from school, and the warm weather means that it is the perfect time to tackle all of those home improvement projects you’ve been talking about.
But, over time it all adds up and can have you looking at your bank account in despair. You’re likely in need of some quality budgeting tips. But what if we told you one of the most effective ways to save money doesn’t come in the form of coupon cutting? Instead, consider trying to lower your water bill!
We know, we know. You’ve got lots of questions, including:
- How much money will I actually save?
- What are the best ways to reduce water usage?
- Is this really right for me?
If you’ve been Googling “how to save on water bill,” the Google overlords have brought you to the right place! We’ll answer all your questions and more in this comprehensive guide to reducing water bills and increasing energy efficiency!
Reasons to Reduce Your Water Bill
Okay, the answer to this one may sound obvious. Clearly, the reason to reduce your water bill is to save money, right?
Sure. But we think that there are a lot of other benefits that come along with that, including:
- An Eco-Friendly Option – One of the best reasons to reduce your water usage is that it helps to lighten your footprint on the planet. The average family will use more than 300 gallons of water a day in the USA! That’s quite a lot of water. Using less will help to lessen the impact on the planet.
- Combat Droughts – More and more states have been suffering from long droughts over the past few years. Reducing your water waste will help you to support your ecosystem by not using up unnecessary water.
- Develop Understanding – Most of us use water without thinking much about it throughout the course of the day. Making a conscious choice to reduce your water usage can help you become aware of areas where you waste water and help you to remedy your behavior.
7 Tips to Save Money On Your Water Bill
So, we’ve piqued your interest. But how exactly does one go about saving water? After all, it doesn’t feel like you waste water, right?
You might be surprised! Here are seven of our favorite ways to save money on your water bill.
1) Update Your Appliances
Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are one of the biggest culprits in your home when it comes to water waste. The thing is, most of us aren’t aware of just how much water our appliances are using just because, well…we aren’t inside the machine seeing how much water is poured in.
If you have older appliances, you are likely wasting much more water than you need to. These days, newer appliances will usually come with Energy Star seals that certify them as being energy efficient.
Switching to these energy-efficient appliances will help you save water and reduce your bills!
2) Fix Leaks
If you are anything like us, you have that one leaky faucet that you’ve just sort of…let be for months on end. We get it; we’ve been there. But did you know that leaky taps can be the source of your increasing water bills?
That little bit of leaking water can add up during the day. You’ll want to make sure that there are no:
- Leaking faucets
- Dripping pipes
- Toilet leaks
Toilet leaks can be spotted by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If the water in the bowl changes color after 15 minutes, there’s definitely a leak!
3) Collect Rain
A rain barrel is a great way to use what nature provides you without spending any extra money!
Rain barrels are placed outside and usually connect to the drainpipe on your gutter system. When it rains, it fills up with water which you can then use to water your lawn and garden plants.
It’s important to note that rain collection is banned in certain areas. It’s a good idea to check your local regulations beforehand.
4) Reduce Water Usage
It sounds simple, but it is effective! One of the best ways to reduce your water usage is to, well…reduce it! This could mean anything from turning off the water while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, or flushing the toilet less.
There are tools you can use to help you with this, such as a low-flow shower head. You can also reduce water waste in an older toilet tank by stuffing it with two plastic soda bottles, which will prevent it from fully filling up.
5) Rethink Your Garden
Who doesn’t love a beautiful garden and lawn? However, if you are trying to save water, you may need to get creative with your lawn maintenance system.
Simple tricks, like keeping your grass a little longer than normal, can help reduce evaporation and require less watering on your end. We also recommend choosing native plants for your home that will help increase your yard’s biodiversity while being a perfect fit for the climate.
6) Cover Your Pool
If you are lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, we recommend covering it up at night to prevent evaporation. Your water bill can take a serious hit if you are constantly having to refill your pool.
7) Use Appliances Sparingly
When using things like your washer and dishwasher, don’t let that water go to waste! Instead, opt to only run them when you have a full load of dishes or clothes in order to help with saving money.
Get a Plumber’s Advice
Wondering what areas of your home are wasting water? The best way to determine the culprits is to talk with a professional plumber! At Aquarius Home Services, we have years of experience dealing with old and new appliances and can help advise you on how to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Contact us today to set up your appointment!
