Did you know? Each person in the U.S. uses about 80 to 100 gallons of water every day, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Between showers and dishes, laundry and watering the lawn, there’s almost always a water source in the “on” position. All of this leads to one thing: higher water bills. Instead of getting hit with major sticker shock when the bill arrives each month, consider making a few changes for more efficient water use. Our tips will show you how to reduce water usage, save money on your water bill and preserve your peace of mind.
A straightforward fix to high water bills comes from turning your attention to your appliances. Are your major appliances outdated or in disrepair? Appliances, like washing machines, are now Energy Star rated for efficiency and use less water. To put that in perspective, newer washers have a low water factor, which means they use 35-50% less water per load than older, non-Energy Star models. They are four times less energy than appliances dated prior to 1999. Try a front-loading machine for even bigger savings thanks to less water usage than top loaders.
Toilets flushing, water running from faucets, both account for substantial water use, and that’s money literally swirling down the drain. Consider updating your appliances with replacements that incorporate WaterSense technology. WaterSense products cut down on water use by around 20%, without sacrificing overall performance.
Faucet aerators slightly reduce waterflow, but come with a 30% efficiency boost over older models. You could also opt for a new showerhead. These simple changes collectively have the potential to save 3,500 gallons of water, putting money back in your pocket. Even more dramatic, today’s toilets are notorious for water savings to the tune of requiring just 1.28-1.6 gallons per flush. That amounts to saving 16,000 gallons of water per year ($100+ annually).
Hand Washing dishes, doing the laundry, or showering can produce “gray” water⸺relatively uncontaminated waste water from appliances other than the toilet. But you don’t have to let that water go unused. To save some cash and overall water usage, repurpose gray water for other applications. For instance, if the shower takes a minute to come to temperature, instead of letting the water run, catch it in a bucket to water plants or flush the toilet. With water from the washing machine or sink, you can positively impact irrigation systems while saving 30% in water use annually when done regularly.
Utility bills add up quickly, but they don’t have to. To save money on your water bill, invest in updated appliances and water conservation to reap long-term benefits. Of course, for larger plumbing concerns, we’re always here to help. Contact Terry’s Plumbing for everything from leaky pipes to excavation services. We’ll get you back on track!