Ready to start saving some extra money? Use these tips to reduce water consumption and lower your water bill every month!
When you start looking at your budget closely, you will find that there are a ton of ways to save! With the water bill reoccurring monthly, this would be a great household expense to examine first.
Lower Your Water Bill by Checking For Leaks
If you have noticed a surge in your water bill, the first thing you will want to check is to see if there is a leak somewhere. Know that not all leaks are noticeable right away.
The best places to start looking are:
- Under the kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Outdoor spigots
- Toilets
- The last resort is looking under the house
Install a Low Flow Shower Head
These low flow showerheads often vary by design, but most are set to allow 2.5 gallons of water compared to years ago at 5 to 8 gallons! Installation is very easy and you can probably do it yourself, all you need is some Teflon tape and a low flow showerhead!
Use A High-Efficiency Washing Machine
High-efficiency washers use up to 6 gallons less when comparing to regular washing machines. If you’re a mom, we know you are constantly doing laundry. This could be a great way to save! Be sure that you are washing large loads instead of multiple smaller loads to help reduce water consumption.
Make Sure Your Toilet Isn’t Running Constantly
A running toilet can really drive up your monthly costs! If you have a toilet that is constantly running, be sure after every use you pull up the flushing lever and make sure it stops before leaving the bathroom.
This is an easy fix! If you are tired of worrying about it, simply replace the flapper and possibly the “guts” inside the toilet tank.
Take a Shower Instead of a Bath
Many people think that taking baths would be the best way to save on water when comparing to showers, but this is totally the opposite! According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons.
The average family uses about 100 gallons of water a day, so one bath is almost equivalent to a whole day’s worth!
Use Your Dish Washer Instead of Handwashing
If you have a high efficiency dish washer, it could save you up to 27 gallons of water per hand washing a load of dishes. So while you may think you are reducing your water bill by using your elbow grease, it’s best to just leave it to the dishwasher. Also, be sure you are only washing full loads!
Turn the Water Off While Brushing and Washing
How many times do you wash your hands or brush your teeth and leave the water running? I know we have! And let’s talk about the kids, are they turning off the water when no one is looking? This is a HUGE way to save water over time.
Install a WaterSense Faucet
A WaterSense faucet is one that has been certified to meet the EPA’s criteria that helps to reduce water flow. These faucets use a max of 1.5 gallons compared to the faucet that isn’t highly efficient, using 2.2 gallons. This is a 30% savings in itself!
Having Your Regulator Adjusted Could Lower Your Water Bill
We recommend leaving this to a plumber. Most people think the regulator strictly controls water pressure, but it also controls the amount of water coming through. However, if you aren’t sure what you are doing and turn it down too low or too high, this can cause more damage than good.
Go To A Car Wash
We know you want to be thrifty, but when you wash your car at home, you are typically using up to 100 gallons of water. It’s more cost-efficient to budget a couple of bucks in your car maintenance fund to keep those wheels looking clean!
Stopping Washing Your Outdoor Area
Many homeowners like to wash off their driveway and patios to clear debris, but this is costing you big bucks over a period of time! Instead of using water, start sweeping or use a blower. Ladies, we have this Dewalt Cordless Blower, it’s so easy to use and lightweight! I find this easier than washing! If you didn’t know, my husband has a remodeling business which is one of the major reasons we have this blower! 🙂
