As a homeowner, you have various expenses you need to pay each month. Apart from making mortgage payments, you also need to set aside a budget for utilities, the most essential of which is water. According to Statista, the average American family spends around $72.93 on the water each month. The cost is expected to rise amid increasing utility costs. Even if you can afford your water bills now, you need to know how to reduce your spending.Here are a few things you can do to control your water consumption and save more money each month.
1. Run Your Dishwasher With a Full Load
Dishwashers use up to four gallons of water for a full load. Although many models now come with energy and water-saving features, it’s still best to maximize the number of dishes you need to clean. You can do this by running your dishwasher with a full load. This allows you to clean more items and rely less on handwashing. You waste less water and save yourself the trouble of having to wash the dishes yourself.
2. Save Rainwater Using a Diverter
Installing a diverter lets you harvest rainwater to use for watering the plants and other purposes. Simply connect the diverter to a barrel so you will have a steady supply you can use during hotter climates. To make the most of this collection system, you can attach the barrel to your sprinklers via a hose. This allows you to irrigate your lawn without having to draw water from the mainline.
3. Use a Solar Cover on Your Pool
During a heatwave, your pool loses water through evaporation. You may have to refill it unless you cover it up using a solar blanket or solar reel. Whether the pool is above-ground or below-ground, using a solar cover can help prevent 95% of water evaporation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Just be sure to order one that’s made to last!
4. Inspect Your Home for Leaks
Even the smallest water leaks left open will cost you a lot in the long run. The EPA says that they contribute 10,000 gallons of wasted water each year. For this reason, it’s important to check your water lines for damages and patch them up immediately. It seems easy to find a leaky pipe in places like your basement, but you may need to go in-depth by getting a local professional to pay a maintenance visit. If you are in Indianapolis, you won’t have to look far to find a plumbing company to help you detect issues and handle leak repair.
5. Make Changes to Your Water Consumption
Saving money on your water bills boils down to your lifestyle. Whether you are living alone or with family members, you must be conscious of the way you use water. Simple things like closing a faucet and taking fewer showers can help you save more water. These can add up to a significant decrease in your monthly water bill.
With the amount of money you spend on your water bills, applying these changes can help you make the most of your monthly budget even as utility costs are rising.
