17 Tips on How To Save on Water Bills in 2024

Tips on How To Save on Water Bills

Try these top tips on how to save on water bills and avoid getting hosed by your water provider.

Did you know that one of the most expensive recurring costs to have as a homeowner is your water bill?

It may not be on the top of your mind, but it definitely adds up over time!

That’s why we’ve come up with our 17 best tips for ways to save on utility bills this year.

From suggested ways to conserve water in and around your home to steps you can take during installation and repair processes – these simple changes can help reduce water wastage and help you save money!

Read each tip carefully and find out how to reduce your water bill today!

πŸ’§ 1. Replace Inefficient Appliances

energy efficient appliances

Replacing old and inefficient appliances with new, energy-efficient models can have a tremendous effect on conserving water in your home.

Not only will you use less water when you do laundry or take a shower, but water-saving models also use recycled water for some processes.

For instance, some dishwashers are now equipped with a reusable basin that recycles the rinse cycle’s used water back into the dishwasher so it can be reused for the next cycle.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that low-flow toilets use about 20 – 60 percent less water than regular toilets, and newer clothes washers use up to 75 percent less water.

Look for WaterSense logos or Energy Star seals when shopping for new appliances.

These advancements can make your home more efficient and help conserve energy and water.

πŸ’§ 2. Fix Your Leaks

leaking roof

Fixing leaks in your home is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce water waste.

Leaks from toilets, faucets, hoses, and other appliances around your home can result in hundreds of gallons of water lost every month if not properly repaired.

So, it’s important to regularly inspect for any signs of a leak, such as pools of water around toilets or plumbing fixtures or higher than usual water bills.

If you find a leak, repair it quickly to reduce wasted water and conserve energy.

πŸ’§ 3. Install WaterSense Faucets

man turning off faucet

Installing WaterSense faucets in your home is a great way to reduce water waste.

Plumbing fixtures labeled with the WaterSense logo mean they use at least 30 percent less water than other standard faucets and aerators without sacrificing performance.

In addition, using these products can save you money on your monthly water bill since you’ll be using less water.

πŸ’§ 4. Load Up Your Dishwasher

young woman loading dishwasher

By running full loads whenever possible, you can ensure you’re using the least amount of water necessary while keeping all your dishes clean.

Ensure to avoid pre-rinsing dishes since most modern dishwashers are built to wash dishes without them.

You can also take advantage of economy or half-load settings that use less water if you don’t need to run a full load of dishes each time.

Doing these simple things can help save hundreds of gallons over the course of a year and help reduce water waste in your home.

πŸ’§ 5. Load Up Your Washing Machine

woman filling washing machine

It’s best to hold off on running your washer until you have a full load of laundry.

Not only is this more energy and water efficient, but it also reduces the need for frequent cycles, which can cause additional wear and tear on the washer.

Taking advantage of your washing machines unique settings, like the economy or half-load options, will also help reduce water and energy consumption.

πŸ’§ 6. Skip the Rinse Cycle On Your Washing Machine

woman loading washing machine

Doing your part to conserve water in your home may be as easy as skipping the rinse cycle on your washing machine.

Modern detergents are formulated to handle dirt and stains without requiring an additional pre-wash.

It’s essential to always follow the instructions on the detergent packaging for the best results, but taking this one simple step can help you save on water with each load of laundry.

πŸ’§ 7. Take Shorter Showers

man singing in the shower

Lowering your water usage is one of the most impactful things you can do for the environment.

Trimming a few minutes off each shower is an easy way to conserve water and make a difference.

You can still enjoy your showers by investing in more efficient fixtures like shower heads while using less water.

Every drop counts, and small changes add up over time to create a significant difference, especially from water-wasting activities like showers.

πŸ’§ 8. Turn Off the Tap When Brushing Your Teeth

kids brushing their teeth

A simple way to help conserve water is to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, as even this minor effort can add up in terms of saving money and resources, even if it’s just a few seconds.

Every second counts when it comes to conserving water. 

πŸ’§ 9. Add Plastic Soda Bottles To Your Toilet

removing toilet tank cover

Adding a soda bottle to your toilet tank is an easy and effective way to conserve water.

The idea is simple: the plastic bottle will displace some of the water in the tank, meaning that each flush will use less water.

  • To do this, remove the lid from your toilet tank and place two plastic soda bottles filled with water and sand inside.
  • Ensure the bottle’s opening is facing upward to displace the most water possible when you flush.
  • Once the bottle has been placed, replace the lid and test it out – you should notice an immediate reduction in your water usage!

πŸ’§ 10. Dont Use Your Garbage Disposal

cleaning a garbage disposal

Using your garbage disposal is not the best option if you are trying to reduce your water bill.

It can use up to 20 gallons of water daily, which can skyrocket your water bill and reduce any savings from reducing water usage in other areas.

It can also clog pipes which may lead to repairs – thereby reducing any water savings even more.

To conserve water, it’s best to skip using the disposal altogether and put your food scraps in the trash or compost them.

πŸ’§ 11. Recycle Your Water

family cooking with natural gas

For instance, don’t pour out the water left in glasses or pet dishes; instead, repurpose it to water plants.

Ice cubes that end up on the floor can be put directly into plant pots, and water used to wash vegetables can also be reused.

Moreover, water leftover from cooking vegetables can be utilized as a base for delicious soups or stocks.

πŸ’§ 12. Sweep Your Driveway, Don’t Water It

sweeping driveway

Sweeping your driveway is a great way to save water while keeping it clean.

You can prevent dust and debris from entering waterways or clogging rain or irrigation systems by sweeping dust and debris.

Plus, it uses no water, so it’s an environmentally friendly alternative to hosing down the driveway with water.

Not only that, but it also takes less time and energy than traditional pressure washing!

πŸ’§ 13. Collect Your Rainwater

rainwater tank

Collecting rainwater is a great way to save on utility bills and make use of a natural resource.

Collecting rainwater in containers and barrels allows you to store it later for tasks such as watering plants, washing cars, and even filling swimming pools.

This helps reduce demand on your local water systems and reduces costs associated with purchasing large amounts of water.

Furthermore, rainwater has proven to be more beneficial than tap water due to its mineral content which improves soil fertility and plant growth.

πŸ’§ 14. Water Your Garden At The Right Time

kid watering garden with grandfather

During the hottest parts of the day, much of the water you use disappears to evaporation rather than being absorbed by the grass.

Watering in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler and the wind is minimal, helps reduce water loss through evaporation.

Additionally, outdoor watering during these times encourages plants to develop deeper root systems that can absorb and retain moisture better.

Consequently, this leads to healthier and more sustainable lawns while reducing water bills and conserving a precious natural resource.

πŸ’§ 15. Add Native Plants to Your Landscaping

bee pollinating native plant

Adding native plants to your yard is one of the best decisions you can make for an eco-friendly landscape.

Native species require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than other plants, saving you time and money in the long run.

Moreover, they provide a place for local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, to reside and breed, creating a healthy balance in your environment.

Studies have even shown that using native plants helps reduce storm runoff while they are 4 times more attractive to pollinators like bees than non-native plants.

Ultimately, adding native plants not only enhances your yard but supports biodiversity in the process.

πŸ’§ 16. Cover Your Pool If You Have One

pool cover

Pool covers block out evaporation, preventing hundreds of gallons of pool water from evaporating each month.

Covering the pool when you’re not using it can save money on expensive refills and potentially reduce chemical consumption by 35-60%.

Additionally, a pool cover can help maintain a consistent water temperature throughout the year and keep debris from entering the pool.

Investing in a good quality cover can effectively save water and energy while enjoying your pool all year round.

πŸ’§ 17. Let Your Grass Grow a Little Higher

lawn mower on green grass

Letting your grass grow a little higher can help conserve water.

Longer grass blades minimize evaporation, trapping soil moisture near the roots and keeping water in the soil for extended periods.

This allows the lawn to stay properly hydrated and helps reduce the need for frequent watering.

Studies have found that allowing grass to grow an extra 1 – 2 inches taller than you usually would can save up to 25-40% more water than regularly mowed grass as it holds soil moisture for longer.

Additionally, long grass helps crowd out weeds and protects the soil, making it easier to maintain a healthy lawn without excessive fertilizers or herbicides.

Final Thoughts on How to Save on Water Bills

happy homeowners

Although water is a necessary utility, that doesn’t mean your bill has to be expensive.

By implementing some or all of the money saving tips we listed above, you can see significant monthly savings on your utility bill.

Conserving water isn’t only good for your wallet – it’s also good for the environment.

Every little bit counts when it comes to preserving this precious natural resource. 

If you have any questions about how to save money on your water bill or need help with plumbing repairs, our team at Phyxter Home Services is here to help. 

Visit our blog for more plumbing articles like this if you want to learn more about your home’s plumbing system.

Russell Jones

Russell, a native Australian and VP of Operations at Phyxter Home Services, is also part-owner of Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical Services. When he's not busy with work projects and renovations, Russell enjoys putting his vast knowledge of home improvement to good use by sharing his tips and tricks.

About our blog

Phyxter (pronounced Fix-ter) is a national home services brand specializing in Residential HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing solutions.

Phyxter is laser-focused on writing the best articles and guides to empower homeowners to get the best out of their homes.

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