How Plumbing Saves on Water Bills
Living in Wisconsin, we are lucky to be near a large fresh water supply. However, we are still looking for ways to cut down on wasting water and lower our water bills. One of the easiest ways for homeowners to cut down on water usage is to improve and update plumbing systems. Searching for leaks and updating appliances are just a few ways on how plumbing improvements can save water and money.
How Much Water Do We Use?
Residents of Wisconsin use an average of 56 gallons per person per day. While this is under the national average of 90 gallons, there is still room for improvement. Monthly bills cost around $65 for water, with prices only going up as conservation efforts are increased. Here are some ideas to help you conserve water.
Fix Leaks
Fixing leaks is one of the most obvious ways to reduce water waste and lower bills. A single leaky faucet can drip at a rate of up to two gallons per hour, which can really adds up over time. In addition, fixing leaks can also help to prevent costly water damage in the home. Attending to leaks is a great first step to cutting down on water usage.
Update Plumbing Fixtures
Another way to save on water bills is by updating plumbing fixtures. Installing water-efficient showerheads can help to save water and lower bills. In fact, replacing an old showerhead with a new, low-flow model can save households up to 750 gallons of water per year. Replacing old faucet aerators with new ones can also help to conserve water. Aerators control the flow rate of water from the faucet and can help to reduce water usage by as much as 30%.
If you live in an older home, you may want to look at updating your toilet to a low-flow toilet. Using about half of the water per flush as older toilets, these became a code requirement for new homes after 2011.
Get Efficient Appliances
Finally, another way to reduce your family’s water usage is by making sure your appliances are running efficiently. While they have large costs upfront, upgrading a washer or dishwasher is a great long-term investment. Using only about half the water of traditional appliances, you’ll start noticing a difference in your water bill right away.
Reuse Water for Your Garden
If you have a garden, you may be watering the plants with a hose. However, there are a few different way to cut back on this water usage. Using buckets or a rain barrel to collect run-off from your roof for later use in the garden is a great way to naturally save water. If this isn’t enough, consider having a bucket in the shower while the water warms up to catch water that would otherwise be wasted, which is called using greywater.
Start Saving on Water Bills Today
While there are many ways to save on water bills, these are just a few of the most effective ways to reduce your family’s water usage. By making a few simple changes around your home, you can help to save water and lower your monthly bills. If you need help installing new appliances or checking for leaks, turn to plumbing experts to get the job done right.
Contact Us Now for Your Free Consultation.