A higher-than-expected water bill can put a dent in your household budget. While water rates themselves are outside your control, there are plenty of ways to reduce unnecessary water use around your home.
From repairing hidden leaks to changing a few everyday habits, small improvements can add up over time. Here are some practical ways to conserve water and potentially lower your monthly water bill.
One of the first places to look when trying to reduce water use is your plumbing system.
A dripping faucet, running toilet, leaking pipe, or faulty fixture can waste water around the clock. Some leaks are obvious, while others can go unnoticed for weeks or months.
Watch for signs such as:
If you suspect a problem you can’t locate, Ehret can help identify and repair plumbing leaks before they lead to additional water waste or property damage.
Your water meter may help you determine whether water is being used when it shouldn’t be.
Turn off faucets, appliances, irrigation, and other fixtures that use water, then check the meter. If it continues registering usage when everything is off, you may have a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.
A plumber can investigate further if you suspect a hidden leak.
Older plumbing fixtures may use considerably more water than newer water-efficient options.
Depending on what’s currently installed in your home, you might consider upgrading:
When replacing plumbing fixtures, look for models designed to reduce water consumption while still providing adequate performance.
If you’re already planning a bathroom or kitchen update, it’s a good opportunity to discuss water-efficient options with a professional residential plumber.
Outdoor water use can contribute significantly to household water consumption during warmer months.
Avoid watering simply because it’s part of a fixed routine. Pay attention to recent rainfall and the actual needs of your lawn and landscaping.
Other ways to reduce outdoor water use include:
A leaking outdoor faucet or damaged irrigation connection can also waste a surprising amount of water, so include outdoor plumbing in your routine leak checks.
Running partially filled appliances more frequently can increase both water and energy use.
When practical, wait until you have a full load before running your dishwasher or washing machine. If your appliances offer different load or efficiency settings, choose the appropriate setting for what you’re washing.
If you’re replacing an older appliance, water and energy efficiency are worth considering when comparing new models.
Cutting a few minutes from your daily shower is one of the simplest ways to reduce household water consumption.
You can reduce usage further by installing a water-efficient showerhead. Modern water-saving fixtures are designed to use less water while still providing adequate flow for everyday use.
Don’t overlook a showerhead or tub faucet that continues dripping after you’ve turned it off, either. That small leak continues wasting water throughout the day.
Everyday habits can make a difference.
Turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth, shaving, or performing other tasks that don’t require continuously running water. In the kitchen, avoid leaving the faucet running longer than necessary while preparing food or cleaning.
These changes may seem minor individually, but they’re repeated every day.
Your water heater doesn’t necessarily increase the amount of water you use, but problems with the system can contribute to wasted water and higher overall utility costs.
For example, a leaking water heater can continuously lose water, while a hot water system that takes an unusually long time to deliver hot water may cause you to let the faucet or shower run while you wait.
If you notice water around the tank, inconsistent temperatures, or other changes in performance, consider having your water heater professionally inspected.
If your household habits haven’t changed but your water usage suddenly increases, don’t automatically assume everyone is simply using more water.
Compare recent bills and look for changes in usage. A significant unexplained increase can be a reason to inspect toilets, faucets, water heaters, exposed pipes, outdoor fixtures, and other plumbing.
Finding a small problem early can help prevent continued water waste—and potentially a much larger plumbing repair later.
Reducing your water bill isn’t only about taking shorter showers. Keeping your plumbing system in good condition can prevent water from being wasted without you even realizing it.
Ehret Inc. provides professional plumbing services for homeowners throughout Belleville, IL and surrounding Metro East communities. Whether you’re dealing with a dripping faucet, running toilet, leaking pipe, water heater problem, or unexplained increase in water use, our plumbers can help determine what’s going on.
Schedule plumbing service with Ehret Inc. or call (618) 233-1018 to have your plumbing problem evaluated.
