There are several different ways that you can go about saving money on utility bills. Water is one utility that people often waste without realizing it, but there’s a lot that you can do to change that. In this guide, you will learn all about how water bills are charged, what types of fixtures and tasks use the most water, and what you can do to conserve water and save money at the same time. Plus, you’ll know when it’s time to call a plumber if there’s a serious issue.
Every municipality is different, mind you, so you’ll need to consider what yours requires and/or expects from you in terms of setting up water service, what you pay for, and how the rates change over time (or if they do). Some cities and locations will charge monthly bills, while others will charge for a few months at a time, or even bi-annually in some cases, although that’s less common.
Want to save money on your water bill? Here’s what you need to know.
Understand Your Bill
Before you can do anything, you have to understand how you are charged for water in your city or town. Usually, companies charge a usage rate based on how much water you use (in volume) during the month. If you are using less, you will pay less. If you notice that your bill is unusually high, it could be a sign that there’s a leak somewhere or a faulty appliance that needs to be replaced.
Once you get to know your water bill, you will know where to watch for savings and reductions in usage, so you can move on with your money-saving efforts.
Check Your Appliances and Fixtures
Slow leaks can add up quickly on a water bill. You will want to check all of your faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures to make sure that they’re not leaking in any capacity. Plumbers can come out and make repairs on anything that isn’t up to par, or you might even be able to find DIY solutions to stop small leaks or get that toilet to stop running, for example.
If your sinks, toilets, or other plumbing components are older, worn, and not doing their job, they could be causing leaks and water usage issues that you don’t even know about. If you’ve inspected your system but you want a second opinion, consider asking a plumber to come to take a look.
Install Low-Flow Toilets and Faucets
Upgrading your appliances and fixtures can go a long way in helping you save money on your water bill. While it’s going to be a bigger investment upfront, it will save you a lot of water usage and money in the long run. You’ll want to consider things like:
Energy-efficient water heaters, toilets, faucets, and other fixtures are available in all shapes, sizes, and designs. You will be able to upgrade your bathroom and improve your home value while also reducing your water bill—what more could you ask for?
Have a Thorough Inspection of Your Home’s Plumbing
This is an important one. While there are a lot of things that you can check and improve on your own, there are pipes and valves and other plumbing fixtures running through the walls and floors of your home. Something as simple as finding a floorboard nail in the main drain pipe could be a serious leak issue that you can’t see with your own eyes.
That’s why the ultimate way to save money on your water bill is to have a plumber come in and perform a full inspection of your system. Sometimes, companies offer these as “energy audits” or “efficiency audits” but regardless of what they’re called, you should have one performed on your home if you want to improve your water bill savings.
A professional will go through all the areas of your home and may even use cameras and other technology to check pipes and fixtures that can’t be seen by the naked eye. This will help ensure that your plumbing is on the up and up in all areas, even if you can’t see the areas in question.
Other Small Changes and Tips
These are the biggest ways to improve your water usage around the home. Of course, there are tons of other ways that you can save money and get more out of your water bill. Here’s a handful of other helpful tips to ensure that your water bill isn’t going off the rails unnecessarily.
- Take fewer and shorter showers. Set a timer if you need to so that the water isn’t running for too long. Consider a bath if you want to stay in longer.
- Have your water meter checked and tested. The city is responsible for the meter, and as a resident, you have a right to ask them to come to check it. They will send someone out to test the meter and ensure that it’s reading accurately or make adjustments if it isn’t.
- Turn off the water when you’re washing dishes or brushing your teeth. Fill a sink for dishes so that you’re not constantly running water and wait to rinse them all until the end. If you’re brushing your teeth or otherwise using water intermittently, turn it off when you’re not actually using it.
You’d be surprised at just how much money you can save on your water bill, with or without the assistance of professionals. When you take the time to get to know your plumbing and how it works, your water usage will become much more conscious and the savings will start to add up.
Also read: 6 Most Common Plumbing Problems & How to Fix Them
