Common Causes for a High Water Bill
There are many common factors leading to an increase in your home water bill that may not always be on a homeowner’s radar. For example:
- Filling an average swimming pool with 18,000-20,000 gallons of water may seem significant, but it’s a worthwhile investment in fun and relaxation. This typically adds only $80.00-$200.00 to your water bill, a small price for the enjoyment it brings. Once filled, pools require minimal refilling, mainly to compensate for water lost through evaporation, splashing, and routine maintenance.
- The presence of children during summer vacation or an influx of guests results in elevated household water usage. This may include kid’s activities such as engagement in water-related yard activities such as waterslides and more.
- Heightened irrigation of your lawn, garden, or newly planted grass and trees, along with summer watering of the garden or landscaping, is known to increase your water bill by as much as 50%.
High water consumption typically means a high water bill regardless of the circumstances. However, you can take measures to reduce your residential water expenses.
7 Effective Ways to Lower Your Home High Water Bill
Discovering methods to conserve water by decreasing your water consumption can avoid the likelihood of receiving a hefty water bill. Implementing water-saving practices doesn’t necessitate a complete overhaul of your daily habits. Instead, there are simple adjustments you and your family can incorporate to diminish your overall usage.
Fix Leaks Promptly: One in Ten Households in the U.S. Has a Water Leak
One of the biggest culprits behind high home water bills is unnoticed leaks. A dripping faucet or a running toilet might seem insignificant, but they can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. Regularly inspect for leaks in your plumbing fixtures and promptly repair them. You can quickly fix minor leaks by replacing worn-out washers or seals, while major leaks might require professional assistance. According to the EPA, one in ten households in the U.S. has a water leak that wastes one trillion gallons of water annually.
Monitor Your Water Usage – Install a Leak Detection Device
Knowledge is power when it comes to saving water and money. Consider installing a leak detection device such as Flo by Moen® or an innovative water monitoring system to track your water usage in real time. You can identify areas where you may have a water leak. The device connects to an app on your smartphone. If your home experiences a water leak, the device will promptly notify you to take corrective action. Some water monitoring systems even provide personalized insights and tips to help you optimize your water usage.
Introducing Smart Water Meters and Tracking Tools
Smart water meters and tracking tools represent a technological leap in the management of water consumption. Smart water meters offer real-time water usage monitoring, providing users and utility companies with accurate data. These meters can detect leaks and abnormal usage patterns, enabling timely interventions to prevent water wastage. Complementing smart meters and tracking tools empowers users to analyze their water usage trends, set conservation plans, and receive personalized recommendations for efficient water management.
Install Water-Efficient WaterSense Labeled Fixtures
Upgrading to water-efficient WaterSense labeled fixtures is a wise investment that can lead to noteworthy savings over time. Replace old toilets, showerheads, and faucets with low-flow models designed to use less water without compromising performance. Look for products marked with the WaterSense label, as they meet EPA criteria for water efficiency. These fixtures can lessen water usage by up to 60%, helping you save water and money.
High Water Bill: Practice Water-Efficient Habits
Simple changes in your daily habits can significantly affect your water consumption. Practice turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving, and just run the dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full. Take shorter showers and consider installing a water-saving showerhead to reduce water usage further. By being mindful of your water usage habits, you can lower your monthly home water bill without sacrificing comfort.
Optimize Your Outdoor Water Usage
Optimizing your outdoor water usage can yield substantial savings if you have a garden or lawn. Instead of manually watering your plants, think of installing a drip irrigation system or an intelligent sprinkler controller. These technologies supply water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Additionally, water your lawn and garden early in the morning or late evening to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Capture and Reuse Rainwater
Harnessing rainwater is a sustainable way to reduce reliance on municipal water sources. Install a rain barrel or a more extensive rainwater harvesting system to catch rainwater from your roof. Use this collected water to water plants, wash your car, or clean outdoor surfaces. Not only does rainwater harvesting help you save money on your home water bill, but it also conserves valuable freshwater resources.
Insulate Your Pipes to Improve the Efficiency of Your Plumbing System
Insulating your water pipes can prevent heat loss and decrease the time it takes for hot water to reach your faucets and showers. Waiting for water to heat wastes less water and lowers energy and water bills. Pipe insulation is cheap and effortless to install, making it a cost-effective way to improve the efficiency of your plumbing system.
Additional Factors Impacting Your Home Water Bill
Serious plumbing problems can also contribute to a high water bill, impacting your home year-round, not just in the summer. Here are some additional factors that you need to know that also affect your home water bills:
High Water Bill? You May Have Leaky Toilets
A running toilet is a common culprit behind high water bills, often stemming from a leak that needs fixing. This issue can lead to wastage of up to 6,000 gallons per month, significantly inflating your water expenses. Typically, the main culprit behind a running toilet is a defective flapper in the toilet tank.
If You Have A High Water Bill, You May Have A Slab Leak
High water bill? If your water bill is out of the ordinary, then you better investigate. In such cases, the problem may be a slab leak. Unfortunately, a slab leak may not raise its ugly head until it causes damage. It usually starts with a small pinhole leak, and the water rises to the top. It will wreak havoc on your flooring, including tile, wood floors, laminate, and carpet. A high water bill is a sign that something might be wrong. Here’s how to take action:
- Shut off all the water in your home.
- Go to your home water meter.
- There is a small dial called a leak indicator. The leak indicator is usually a triangle or wheel that spins. If the wheel is spinning with all the water in your home turned off, you have a leak.
- You can take it a step further by turning off your irrigation. If the wheel stops spinning when you turn off the irrigation, then chances are your leak is in the irrigation. However, if the dial is still moving, the leak is in your home, and you can eliminate the irrigation.
Leaky Faucets Can Waste Approximately 17 Gallons of Water Daily
Leaky faucets could also be contributing to your high water bill. Although a dripping faucet may appear insignificant initially, it can lead to considerable costs over time. For example, a faucet leaking at one drip per second can waste approximately 17 gallons daily. It’s a good thing that fixing a leaky faucet is usually simple.
Usually, a faulty rubber washer in the faucet handle is to blame for the leak. You can often remedy the problem by turning off the water supply to the leaking faucet, unscrewing the handle, removing the worn washer, and replacing it with a new one.
Murrieta Plumbing Can Help With Reliable Plumbing Services!
Lowering your home water bill can be simple. You can ultimately impact your wallet and the environment by implementing these seven effective strategies. From fixing leaks to practicing water-efficient habits, every small change adds up to significant savings over time. So, dive into these tips and start saving today!
When planning upgrades for your fixtures or confirming the reliability of your water system, Murrieta Plumbing stands out as the go-to choice. With our expert services, you can confidently embark on fixture upgrades, knowing that every aspect of your water system will be professionally assessed and optimized for water conservation.
Murrieta Plumbing offers reliable plumbing services that conserve water and help lower water bills in the long run. Whether you’re looking to modernize your fixtures or need a thorough check-up of your water system, Murrieta Plumbing is the trusted partner you need to guarantee efficiency and savings.
