Conserving your daily water consumption is a simple yet powerful way to save on your monthly utility bills. It is easy to overlook how much water you use on a daily basis and how those gallons can quickly add up. Here are a few ways you could help reduce your monthly water bill:
Check Your Toilet
Traditional, single flush toilets can use up to 6 gallons of water per flush. According to the EPA, this can cost the average consumer over $110 a year from unnecessary water usage. That is money literally being flushed away!
New dual-flush or eco-friendly toilets have recently entered the market that use only 1.28 gallons per flush. While buying one of these new toilets can provide a quick solution to saving water, it isn’t the most economical option. Instead, there are a few simple fixes to your current toilet that can help reduce the amount of wasted water.
The first method is to see if your toilet needs to be adjusted. Using food coloring, place a few drops in the upper tank of the toilet. The food coloring in the top tank should not change the color of the water in the bowl unless flushed. If it does, you probably need to replace your toilet’s flush valve or flapper. Replacing a flush valve or flapper is a quick and easy fix that can be done either by yourself or a professional plumber, depending on your familiarity with home plumbing.
Another method to reduce your current toilet’s water usage is to adjust the float to use less water. The lower the float ball is in a tank, the less water it uses. Keep in mind to test your toilet’s flush power as you adjust the float to ensure that you will have enough water to flush away waste. If you are unfamiliar with your toilet’s mechanics, you can always call a professional plumber to help.
Don’t Let Your Water Run
Water flows from a standard faucet at a rate of 2 gallons per minute. By doing something as simple as turning off your faucet while brushing your teeth, you could save up to 5 gallons of water per person a day. That adds up to over 1,000 gallons of water per year!
Another small change to save water is to not hand wash dishes. Dishwashers use one-sixth less water than hand washing when run at full capacity. Many modern dishwashers can remove all the food and grease without any pre-rinsing. If you do need to rinse dishes, you can still reduce your water usage by not running the tap. Instead, fill your sink basin with water to rise or let dishes soak overnight.
Keep Your Plumbing Up-To-Date
Regular maintenance to your plumbing can prevent larger costs down the road. Leaks, blockages, and other issues can cause your bill to spike unexpectedly. If you receive a water bill that seems unusually higher than your typical bill, even by $20, you should always call your provider to check your meter. A higher bill could be a result of an undetected leak, but it also could be an inaccurate reading.
In the case your home does have a leak, never hesitate to call a professional. Home plumbing is not something that can be easily repaired and can require skillful knowledge and experience. If done improperly, bad plumbing can cost you more in utility bills and damages to your home. Professionals, such as Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning Inc., can provide expert service and, in most cases, have your issue repaired faster than it would take for you to do it yourself!
Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning Inc. provides round the clock service, including emergencies, 365 days a year. Located in Cape Coral, Florida, Avis services all of Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, and more. Give Avis a call at (239) 481-1511 or (239) 542-4421 to schedule your next service today!
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