As you lie awake at night listening to the drip, drip, drip of your bathroom sink, you wonder if your water bill is going up with every drip you hear. It’s no secret that utility bills have been on the rise in recent years. Every penny counts, particularly during the holiday season when you are buying gifts and hosting guests. There is good news though! There ARE ways to lower your water bill.
Lowering your water bill can be accomplished by following a few simple tips. Fixing leaks, upgrading to water-efficient appliances, installing a water heater timer, using your dishwasher and washing machine efficiently, and using a rainwater collection system for yard watering are some of the ways you can be proactive to lower your monthly water bill.
At Sun Plumbing we understand that you need to watch your budget and how you spend your money. In this article, we will dive deeper into the above tips to help you save money this holiday season and in the upcoming new year. So, let’s get started saving money!
#1 Fixing Leaks
How do you know if you have a plumbing leak? A dripping faucet is not considered a leak even though it is very annoying. A dripping faucet is usually caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring which is easily replaced. A true leak means you have a faulty pipe. If you hear the sound of running water anywhere in your house when all water faucets, showers, etc. are turned off, then you likely have a leak from a cracked or broken pipe.
An easy way to detect a leak is to check your water meter located in your yard. If it is moving rapidly or you are using significantly more water than usual, that is a good indicator of a pipe leak. Another easy way to detect a leak is if you have a puddle in your yard anywhere even when it is not raining and no sprinklers are running. Getting the leak fixed by a professional plumber like the professionals at Sun Plumbing will greatly reduce your water bill. If you allow a leak to continue, you may receive an outrageous water bill and cause damage to your home.
#2 Upgrade To Water-Efficient Appliances
Your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater all use water. If they are old, then they are probably not very efficient. We understand these are not small expenses. Even if you have to set aside a little money each month to save up for one new appliance at a time, you will be glad you did. Water-efficient appliances use less water than old appliances which will bring down your water bill.
Additionally, you can get low-flow toilets and shower heads. These are significantly smaller expenses than the larger appliances, but they can still make a difference in your water bill, along with being more environmentally-friendly as water IS a limited resource.
#3 Installing A Water Heater Timer
A water heater timer is a programmable device that is installed on your water heater. You can set it so your water heater does not heat water needlessly when nobody is home. Without it, your water heater will turn on multiple times a day as the unused water inside of it cools. This is especially helpful for those who are gone a good portion of the day at work, school, etc. You will save on your electric bill, as well, if you have an electric water heater. A water heater timer is a fairly easy electrical project, but if you are uncomfortable with wiring or DIY projects, one of our professional plumbers will be happy to do it for you!
#4 Using Your Dishwasher and Washing Machine Efficiently
Many people mistakenly believe handwashing your dishes saves water. In fact, loading your dishwasher and running it saves water. It is said that handwashing dishes can use as much as 27 gallons of water compared to 3 gallons of water used by an energy-efficient dishwasher.
You can find energy-efficient washing machines that sense the size of the laundry load and adjust the amount of water used accordingly. If your washing machine does not do that, then we suggest running full loads through your machine to waste less water. Additionally, using cold water for your laundry will save you money.
#5 Using A Rainwater Collection System For Yard Watering
You don’t need to water your yard much in Central Florida as we get a good amount of rainfall most years. But, when you do need to water your lawn or plants, instead of turning on the sprinklers you can save on your water bill by using rainwater that you have “caught.” You can have a professional system installed, or you can simply catch rainwater in a large bucket or barrel. It is important to use it in a timely matter, however, as any still water can attract mosquitoes.
Summary
As the area’s go-to plumbing company for 50 years, Sun Plumbing values our customers and understands that you value your hard-earned money. By following the above tips you can save significant money on your water bill and some will even save money on your electric bill too!
Fixing your leaks, upgrading to water-efficient appliances, installing a water heater timer, using your dishwasher and washing machine efficiently, and using a rainwater collection system for yard watering are 5 ways to save on your water bill. Sun Plumbing is here for all your plumbing needs. Our expert plumbers can fix your leaks, install updated appliances, and install a water heater timer for you. With plumbers “as dependable as the sun,” Sun Plumbing is the best plumbing company for Melbourne, FL, Viera, FL, and the surrounding areas, so contact us today!
