We barely focus on how much water we are wasting between our daily chores. For example, average showers deliver 2.1 gallons of water per minute at 60 psi. And typical toilet flushes spend 3.5 gallons of water on every push. That adds up quickly and increases the water bill above $1,000 per year for average families in the United States.
So, how to save water and reduce water bills through plumbing upgrades? The most effective upgrades include
- Using low-flow fixtures
- Installing efficient toilets
- Upgrading to efficient appliances
- Using pressure-reducing valves
- Upgrading plumbing pipes
- And fixing leaks
Learn how your small steps can save a lot of water and reduce water bills. You will also get some bonus tips on adjusting your shower habits for better water conservation.
How to Save Water and Reduce Water Bills Through Plumbing Upgrades?
With technological advancement, you can consider the following plumbing upgrades to save more water.
1. Using Low-Flow Faucets and Showerheads
According to USGS, the average water use per capita is about 82 gallons. A big part of that reaches you through faucets and showerheads. So, the most important step in saving water and reducing water bills can be upgrading these common fixtures.
While older faucets deliver about 2.5 GPM of water, modern faucets have a maximum standard of 2.2 GPM. On top of that, these fixtures come with advanced aerators. These aerators mix air with the water, so less water flows through the fixture. As a result, you can save 20% more water by upgrading to low-flow faucets and showerheads.
2. Installing Efficient Toilets
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that residential toilets are responsible for about 30% of water consumption in households. If your home has old toilets, they can use anywhere between 3.5 and 5 gallons for every flush. That’s a lot of water going into the waste and increasing your water bills.
So the best thing you can do to fight this problem is to replace old toilets with new and efficient ones. In the current federal standard, you can only use toilets that use 1.6 gallons of water for every flush. And when you choose dual flush toilets, a half flush will use a lot less water. By upgrading your toilets, you can save at least 20% more water than before.
3. Upgrading to Efficient Appliances
In modern homes, a lot of appliances are connected to the water line. These appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, use a lot of water. Older models of appliances use and waste more water. But modern appliances are more efficient.
So, you can think of upgrading the appliances. Though it might need a considerable upfront cost, you will save a lot on water bills down the line.
Another great appliance upgrade can be using tankless water heaters. These machines won’t use energy to keep the water temperature constant all the time. They will heat water only when you need it. Besides saving water, you will save on energy costs with tankless heaters.
4. Using Pressure Reducing Valves
Most plumbing systems typically have a standard pressure of 40-80 psi in the US. But often, this much pressure isn’t required for many appliances. More pressure means more water is dispersed from the fixtures, which then goes to waste.
Pressure-reducing valves can reduce the pressure of the incoming water flow so that less water is wasted. Traditional valves should be replaced with standard pressure-reducing valves. And you should check the standard specification for pressure-reducing valves for water systems beforehand.
5. Upgrading Plumbing Pipes
If you live in a house that is a few decades old, chances are the plumbing system has galvanized steel pipes. These pipes aren’t rust-resistant. So, when water flows through the pipes, rust builds up over time. The rust can cause leaks and bursts in the plumbing system, which wastes a lot of water.
What you can do to solve this problem is replace all the old pipes with new copper pipes. These pipes are more durable. They are also rust and corrosion-resistant. So, the chance of leaking or breaking will be reduced with copper pipes.
6. Fixing Leaks
Average US households waste more than 10,000 gallons of water every year due to leaks. So, even if the leaks seem small, they might increase your water bill. With not-so-expensive fixing, you can easily reduce water waste by at least 10%.
Upgrade Your Water Use Habits for Less Water Bills
Besides upgrading the plumbing system, you should also bring change to your water use habits for effective water conservation. Remember the following tips.
- Turn off the shower when you aren’t actively using the water. For example, you can turn it off while scrubbing your body.
- Shorten your shower time to spend less water. At first, you can try setting up a timer for five or ten minutes.
- Don’t keep the faucet running while brushing or shaving.
- Instead of washing something under running water, it is better to hold water in the sink and then wash what you need.
- Whenever you go outside, check if the faucets are fully closed. Partially open faucets can waste a lot of water.
FAQs
We answered some questions that people commonly ask about saving water. Check them out.
Q: Is the plumbing upgrade cost too high compared to water bills?
The upfront cost of upgrading plumbing systems can seem to be huge. But if you think in the long-term, you will be saving a lot of money on water bills.
Q: Can using wastewater in my lawn or garden reduce water bills?
Yes. Recycling greywater is a great way of saving on water bills. Make sure the water has no toxic elements and you can easily water your lawns or gardens with that.
Q: How much can I save by upgrading plumbing systems?
It depends on the number of fixtures or appliances you upgrade and your water usage. On average, you can save up to 30% of your total bill by upgrading the system.
Conclusion
Fresh water is scarce in many places around the globe. So, we should be very careful with our water usage. It helps us save a noticeable amount on water bills. No matter how careful you are, an outdated plumbing system might still waste a huge amount of water.
So, upgrading the plumbing system is one of the most efficient initiatives for water conservation. We showed how to save water and reduce water bills through plumbing upgrades with the most effective methods. Try these yourself and check the difference.