Easy ways to save money on your water bill
Finding ways to conserve water around the house is beneficial to the environment but will also have a positive impact on your monthly utility bills. Even in areas with plenty of fresh water and rain, this is an important step for homeowners to consider.
Being smarter about how much water you use is a simple pursuit. Here are some of the best ways to lower your water bill.
Fix any leaks
One of the first ways to reduce your monthly water consumption is to identify any areas that could be leaking. This could mean looking under the kitchen sink, in the tank of a toilet or even inspecting the backyard hose. Even a small drip can waste north of 20 gallons of water every day, according to Earth Easy, and over time that could mean big extra costs for you and your family. If you see anything suspicious in your monthly water bill, consider investigating the possibility of a leaky pipe or faucet.
Get smart about washing dishes
Another easy place to conserve water is after dinner. Digital Trends reported that it is more efficient to use a dish washer than it is to scrub your plates and silverware by hand. An important caveat, however, is that you should only run the dish washer when it is full.
If you do not have a dish washer, there are still ways to be smart about your water use. Consider only turning open the faucet halfway, and when cleaning pots or pans, turn the water off while you scrub. By using a slightly lower temperature, you can also save some money on your electric bill at the end of the month.
Opt for an electric tankless water heater
Another smart investment for conserving water is installing an electric tankless water heater in your home. Unlike its traditional counterparts, this device does not store and heat water internally. Instead, it goes into action only when you turn on your faucet. In this way, you need not warm the 40-50 gallons of water normally housed in a storage tank, saving water and energy in the process. Your family can enjoy endless hot water along with a lower utility bill each month.
Be mindful about your morning routine
Between brushing your teeth and washing up for the day, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to cut back on water use. Start by turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, shave or wash your face. Even running the water for an extra 30 seconds each morning can add up. Also be sure to dispose of nail clippings or any other waste in a trash bin instead of flushing it down the toilet.
Consider taking slightly shorter showers. Again, even if you can reduce the time you spend each morning washing up, you can bring about big savings by the end of the month. For savvy homeowners, low pressure toilet floats and other devices can be installed that further reduce the amount of water used during your morning routine.
Go green out back
Maintaining your lawn or garden can use up a lot of water, especially if you live in an arid part of the country. By utilizing a rain barrel, however, you can capture precious rain water that might otherwise end up in the sewer and use it for landscaping needs in the future.
You may also decide to install a rain garden. By opting to plant veggies, herbs and other plants in a slight depression, rain water naturally collects and keeps your garden hydrated, reducing the number of times you need to water things with the hose.