Between extra laundry, more showers after outdoor activities, and lawn or garden watering, summer tends to be the season when water bills creep up the most. The good news is that a few simple changes around the house can meaningfully cut down on waste. Here’s how to lower your water bill without changing your entire lifestyle.
1. Fix Leaks Right Away
A single dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons a year, and a running toilet can waste even more. If you notice a faucet that won’t fully shut off, a toilet that runs intermittently, or water pooling anywhere it shouldn’t, don’t wait.
Quick check: Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. If color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak in the flapper valve.
2. Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and high-efficiency toilets can cut water use significantly without any noticeable drop in performance. Many are inexpensive, simple to install, and pay for themselves quickly through lower bills.
3. Water Your Lawn and Garden Smartly
Outdoor watering is one of the biggest summer water users. To use less without sacrificing your landscaping:
- Water early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation instead of a sprinkler where possible
- Adjust sprinkler timers seasonally instead of leaving them on a fixed schedule
- Consider a rain barrel to capture water for outdoor use
4. Run Full Loads Only
Dishwashers and washing machines use roughly the same amount of water whether they’re full or half-empty. Waiting until you have a full load — and using efficient settings when available — reduces the number of cycles you run overall.
5. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Some of the biggest water wasters — hidden leaks, worn-out fixtures, aging pipes — aren’t visible without a closer look. A professional plumbing inspection can catch issues before they show up as an unpleasant surprise on your bill.
Key Takeaways
- Fixing leaks and installing low-flow fixtures are the fastest ways to see savings.
- Smart outdoor watering habits can significantly cut summer water use.
- Running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines reduces unnecessary cycles.
- A professional plumbing inspection can catch hidden waste that’s easy to miss on your own.
FAQ
How much water does a leaky faucet actually waste? A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons a year depending on the severity, according to the EPA’s WaterSense program.
Do low-flow fixtures actually work as well as standard ones? Yes — modern low-flow showerheads and faucets are designed to maintain solid water pressure while using significantly less water than older standard fixtures.
What’s the easiest way to check for hidden water waste? A water meter test is a simple starting point: note your meter reading, avoid using any water for 1–2 hours, then check again. If the number changed, water is running somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Small Changes, Real Savings
You don’t need to overhaul your entire home to see a difference in your water bill. A mix of quick fixes, smarter habits, and the occasional professional check-in goes a long way. Pair these tips with our guide on hidden water leak signs to make sure nothing’s slipping past you, and if you’re also looking to cut cooling costs this summer, check out our tips on AC energy savings for even more ways to save.
Ready to Stop the Waste?
If your water bill has been higher than expected, or it’s just been a while since your plumbing was checked, Solution Based Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Our team serves Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester Counties with honest, fast, and reliable service.
Contact us today to schedule a plumbing inspection and start saving.
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