How to Lower Your Water Bill

Are you tired of skyrocketing water bills? Is your water usage getting out of control? At Aztec Plumbing & Drains, we understand the importance of conserving water and saving money. This blog post will share practical tips on how to reduce water usage and lower your water bill. By implementing these tips, you can positively impact the environment while saving money on your monthly water expenses.

Fix Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Leaky faucets and pipes are annoying and contribute to significant water wastage. A dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. Inspect your faucets and pipes regularly and promptly fix any leaks. This simple step can help you save substantial water and reduce your bill.

Install Water-Efficient Fixtures

Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures is a wise investment that can significantly reduce your water consumption. Replace old toilets, showerheads, and faucets with low-flow alternatives. These fixtures are designed to use less water without compromising performance. By making this switch, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year.

Optimize Toilet Flushing

Toilets are one of the biggest water consumers in a household. To optimize flushing, consider placing a water displacement device, such as a brick or a filled water bottle, in the toilet tank. This will reduce the amount of water used per flush without affecting its efficiency. Additionally, teach your family members to avoid using the toilet as a trash can, as unnecessary flushing wastes water.

Also, this one is controversial, but there’s real truth in the “yellow, let it mellow” maxim. We did a poll on this and found that 75% of respondents are committed flushers.

Modern toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush — older toilets significantly more. Flushing every other pee can yield serious water savings if you can tolerate leaving a little yellow in the bowl.

Use Efficient Irrigation Techniques

If you have a garden or lawn, efficient irrigation techniques can help minimize water usage. Consider installing a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots of your plants, reducing evaporation. Set up a watering schedule that aligns with the needs of your plants and avoid overwatering. Mulching can also help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Capture and Reuse Rainwater

Take advantage of nature’s gift by capturing and reusing rainwater. Install a rain barrel or a larger rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater from your roof. Use this water for outdoor tasks such as watering plants, cleaning your car, or washing outdoor surfaces. By utilizing rainwater, you can reduce your reliance on treated water and lower your bill.

Time Your Showers

Long showers can quickly add up to a significant amount of water consumption. Encourage your family members to take shorter showers by setting a timer or using a water-saving showerhead. You can save gallons of water each day by reducing shower time by just a few minutes.

Not Waiting for Cool Water From the Tap

Of course, no one wants to drink warm water, but that’s what you’ll get if you immediately fill a glass from the tap. That’s why we wait for the faucet to discharge water that’s been sitting in a hot pipe. The hotter it is outside, the warmer the initial stream will be.

But waiting only 30 seconds for colder water can easily waste a gallon. Do this several times a day, and you begin to see the problem.

The solution: Keep a large container of water in the fridge.

Use Dishwasher Instead of Washing Dishes By Hand

Sometimes it’s just easier to wash dishes by hand. Scrub em’, rinse em,’ put em’ in the dryer rack after each meal. You might even think you’re saving water this way, but you’d be surprised to learn that an Energy Star-certified dishwasher uses as little as three gallons per load. Hand washing a whole load, in contrast, can use more than 20 gallons. Put down your sponge and put your dishwasher to work.

Leaving On the Faucet While Brushing Your Teeth and Shaving

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day. Faucets installed before 1994 used up more than 2 gallons per minute. Simple math: Brushing your teeth two times a day for 2 minutes sends 8 gallons down the drain if you have an outdated faucet.

The same holds true for shaving. The more water-wise approach is to fill the sink basin part of the way, giving you just enough to swirl your razor in. Better yet, shave in the shower or go electric.

Regularly Maintain Your Plumbing System

Regular plumbing system maintenance is crucial to prevent leaks, identify inefficiencies, and optimize water usage. Schedule professional inspections to detect hidden leaks or issues that may be wasting water. Additionally, insulate your pipes to prevent heat loss, which can lead to higher water usage.

Implementing these seven practical tips can make a substantial difference in reducing your water usage and lowering your bill. By taking proactive steps to conserve water, you contribute to a sustainable future and save money in the process.

Curbing behavioral waste is one way to shrink your water consumption. Another way is to halt structural waste. Structural waste occurs when outdated plumbing fixtures use more water than necessary.

Aztec Plumbing & Drains is committed to helping our customers achieve water efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in reducing your water usage and saving money. 239-932-2959