The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the average American household uses 400 gallons of water a day (with toilet flushing still remaining the dominant source of wasted water in homes). So it’s no surprise that most homeowners are less-than-thrilled when their water bill comes every month.
But unbeknownst to many people, their water bill could be lowered with little to no change in their daily habits. Below are some of the main reasons why your water bill is higher than it should be.
1. A leaking faucet.
One of the most common reasons for a suddenly higher water bill is a leak. A faucet that drips once per second can waste as much as 20 gallons of water a day — the same as if one more person took a shower in your home every day for a year.
2. A leaking or running toilet.
A running toilet can double a family’s water usage, using roughly 200 gallons of extra water a day, so it’s important to have a running toilet fixed as soon as possible.
3. Increased water usage.
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but many people forget to think about their past month’s water use when they open up their water bill. Around the holidays when guests are over or during the summer months when people water their lawn more or care for their pool, your water bill is going to spike.
4. DIY plumbing fixes.
If there’s one thing every plumber hates to see it’s DIY fixes. Not only do amateur repair jobs not fix the problem at hand, they can cause additional problems.
If you have to do anything more serious than sealing a leaking joint or replacing a shutoff valve, it’s always best to call the professionals.
5. Outdated fixtures and appliances.
An old toilet may also be using an unnecessary amount of water per flush. Though low-flow toilets are initially more expensive than traditional toilets, they use far less water. Over time, you’ll notice a decrease in your family’s water usage.
6. Water wasting habits.
Even the most water-conscious of us can fall victim to these bad habits:
- Watering your lawn during the hottest part of the day.
- Letting the water run while you brush your teeth.
- Taking unnecessarily long showers.
- Always hand washing dishes.
- Improperly placed ground sprinklers that water the sidewalk and driveway.
While they may seem small at first, habits like these, done by several members of a household every day, can really take a toll on your water bill.
Call us today for a preventative inspection of your pipes!