Living in a drought prone area Arizonans are aware of the water issues within the state. When it comes to homeowners the major issue with water comes in the form of a bill each month that often rises significantly during the summer months. Luckily, many simple ways exist to help you lower your monthly water bill. During my 25 years of providing professional plumbing services these are few of the ways I have found to help lower your water bill this time of year.
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Install low flow toilets
Toilets are one of the biggest water wasters in the home. They can often account for around 30 percent of indoor water usage. Older models may use even more with some models using up to 6 gallons of water per flush.
Low flow toilets are cheap, averaging around $150 to $200 but they will pay for themselves in no time as you receive lower charges on your water bill. With low flow toilets you can expect around $140 dollars a year in savings easily making up for the price of the toilet.
Cut down on shower time
Every minute you spend in the shower uses about 2.5 gallons of water. The average American spends up to 8 minutes per shower so even if you cut down your shower time to five minutes, you can save 7.5 gallons. Doing this for every shower you and anyone else living in your home will drastically cut down on water usage helping to save you money.
Shorter shower times can also help you save on gas or electric bills. Your home’s water heater often accounts for 18 to 20 percent of your monthly bill. So, the shorter shower times will save you money there as well.
Install new faucets
Everyone knows that turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth helps save water, however you can also save while running the tap. Replace your old faucets with an aerator or WaterSense certified one. These faucets reduce the flow of water, so you don’t use as much water without compromising the performance. Even with the reduced flow these faucets are up to 30 percent more efficient than your standard faucet.
Check for leaks
Unexpected or unknown leaks can easily break your utility budget. This is why leaks need fixed as soon as you expect you may have one or have found one. On average water leaks can waste around 90 to 100 gallons of water a day. Even a leaky faucet that only drips every few seconds can lead to wasting up to 3,000 gallons a year.
For smaller leaks like faucets, shower heads, or toilets, there are many DIY videos on the internet to teach you how to fix these issues relatively cheap. For larger issues you must hire a professional to find the root cause and fix it so the leak doesn’t become a danger to the home. If you notice your water bill rising each month and don’t have a clue as to why contact a plumber immediately.
Water is a precious resource in Arizona, and you don’t waste it. Following these few simple steps can set you on a path to save money and save water. As with all plumbing issues, it is important to consult with a professional before beginning and project.
Author: Constantin Geambasu is the owner of Water Rehab in Gilbert. Geambasu has over 25 years of experience in the plumbing industry learning his craft in Romania before immigrating to Arizona. Geambasu and his family are proud to provide the residents of the Valley with water treatment and professional plumbing services.
