Are you racking your brain trying to figure out ways to reduce your water bill? If it seems like you’re paying an increasing amount each month or you just want to bring the number down, there are ways to trim your water use and cut your bill.
The average household uses about 260 gallons of water every day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you focus on using more efficient appliances, detecting leaks, and reducing the amount of water you use for keeping your landscaping green, you’ll be well on your way to reduced water use and a lower water bill. Here are six things you can do to reduce your water bill.
- Swap out your toilet for a new one with the WaterSense label: Toilets are a major water-guzzler, using up about 30 percent of a household’s interior water. The EPA states that toilets made before 1992 use up to 3.5 gallons per flush. Newer models with the WaterSense label require just 1.28 gallons. By switching over, a household can save up to $2,000 over the lifetime of the fixture. Opting for dual flush toilets, which use less water for flushing liquid and more water for flushing solids, also helps conserve.
- Check for leaks: Fixing leaks can save you up to 10 percent on your annual water bill. The most common sources are leaking faucets, flappers that need to be replaced in the toilet, and other valves that leak. The EPA offers useful tips for detecting leaks.
- Replace faucets and shower heads: Water from faucets totals about 15 percent of a household’s inside water, and showers account for about 17 percent. You can use less water for both if you replace them with WaterSense faucets and shower heads. Even buying an inexpensive aerator for your faucet can help cut down water use.
- Buy ENERGY STAR appliances: When you throw in a load of laundry, it takes about 41 gallons of water to get the job done. A more efficient washing machine will use 35 to 50 percent less water. Look for the label when you replace your dishwasher, too.
- Rethink your lawn: The average lawn needs 10,000 gallons of non-rain water a year to thrive. About 30 percent of all household water usage is for outdoor uses. Find native plants and foliage that grow best in your climate. If you prefer to keep your lawn, try to use a low-water grass and reduce the amount of area that is landscaped by grass.
- Focus on the water heater: This usually out-of-sight fixture consumes about 13 percent of the water bill and up to 25 percent of your energy bill, too. You can help reduce that expenditure by using an insulation blanket and insulating the cold and hot water pipes connecting to the heater.
For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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