Who doesn’t like so save money? Keeping household costs down and sticking to a budget are always been important – but it’s especially true these days with so much uncertainty in the world. One expense that can be surprisingly high (and even sometimes frustrating) is your water bill.
If you’ve noticed that your water bill has been increasing or you just want to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket, we have good news – small changes in your home can make a big difference in your water usage. Here are our top tips for lowering your next water bill.
Eliminate water-wasting habit
Water bills are usually pretty simple: the more you use, the more you pay. So finding ways to be more efficient with your water usage can pay off. Here are a few ideas:
Shorten the length of showers
Don’t run the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving
Only running appliances (washer, dishwasher) for full loads
Using a rain barrel to water garden or flowers
Not overwatering lawn or landscaping
Fix a running toilet
If you hear your toilet refilling on its own (not immediately after a flush), that’s a sign that water is leaky from the tank into the base. Most likely, this is caused by an old, worn-out flapper – the rubber part that is supposed to form the seal in the opening at the bottom of the tank. Replacing the flapper is a pretty easy DIY job, or you could bring in a plumber to do it.
Replacing leaky pipes or fixtures
Drip, drip, drip. Anywhere there’s a leak in your plumbing system, that’s essentially money going down the drain. Plus, a leak can cause water damage to your home or personal items, costing you even more money. If you notice a leaky pipe or faucet, get it replaced right away. And if your water bills spikes suddenly and you’re not sure why, it could be a leak that’s hidden out of view.
Fix irrigation or lateral line leaks
Leaky pipes don’t just happen inside your home. The pipes for your water supply or irrigation system below ground can become worn out or damaged, allowing water to seep out into the soil. The longer this goes on, the more water and money is wasted. An experienced plumber will have the tools and knowledge to find and address these types of leaks.
Updating showerhead or toilet
The bathroom gets a lot of use in your home – and also uses a lot of water. Older toilets and showerheads may be using more water than they need to. By updating them to low-flow models, you could be doing your budget and the environment a favor.
New appliances
Yes, updating appliances costs money. But if you’re in the market for a new dishwasher or washer anyway, look for models that are WaterSense and Energy Star approved.
Professional plumbers in Oahu and Maui
As you can see, there are steps you can take on your own to conserve water and lower your water bill. However, when faulty plumbing comes into play, it’s usually a smart idea to bring in an experienced plumber so the job is done right the first time around. At Emergency Plumbing & Solar, we’re here for all plumbing needs, large and small. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (808) 468-7897.