5 Steps for Lowering Your Water Bill
It can creep up on you. One moment your monthly water bill is manageable, and then out of nowhere it skyrockets. There are a variety of reasons why this happens, such as tax and rate increases, elevated water usage, or hidden pipe leaks. The good news is that there are plenty of solutions. Whether you’re trying to be more environmentally responsible or simply need to lower your water bill, here are 5 steps you can take.
1. Be Mindful of Your Water Usage
It’s possible that your household is to blame for your high water bill. It’s easy to become careless about our water habits. There are some things you can do to decrease your water usage without sacrificing convenience. Take shorter showers and don’t let the water run longer than it needs to while waiting for it to heat up. Also, turn the faucet off when you brush your teeth or shave, only turning it on to rinse.
2. Run Full Loads of Dishes and Laundry
Try to avoid running small or partial loads of laundry or dishes. If you stick to full loads only, you’ll reduce the amount of times you’ll need to run the machine. Also skip the extra rinse cycle — you don’t need it and it wastes water.
3. Add Aerators to Your Faucets
Attaching an aerator to your faucet can reduce its water usage by up to 50%. Those are some impressive savings! The aerator attaches to the faucet head and adds air to the stream, compacting the water that comes through. This also increases the water pressure, making it a win-win choice for showerheads.
4. Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances
If your appliances are old, it’s time to replace them with new, energy efficient ones. Just look for the Energy Star certification. These appliances will actually save on both money and water, providing you reductions on all your utility bills. You could also qualify for local tax credits or discounts.
5. Check for Leaks
If you notice a sudden and unexplainable spike in your water bill, there could be a hidden leak. Check behind all of your appliances, including the water heater, to see if there are any watermarks or noticeable wetness. Also inspect your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs for slow drips. If the leak is in your walls or underground, you’ll have to look for signs of water damage or standing water. Either way, a leak is serious. It’s always best to call a licensed plumber to examine and fix your plumbing ASAP.
Stephens Plumbing Can Help You Lower Your Water Bill
If you live in Orange County or the South Bay area, Stephens Plumbing can help you get your water bill down to a more comfortable rate. Our team of licensed and well-trained professionals will assess your home and provide reasonable solutions to your water usage problems. Whether you need an inspection, appliance installation, or leak fix, we’re equipped to provide any plumbing service you may need. Call us today and stop overpaying on your monthly water bill.