As the summer is in full swing, one of the questions that we get a lot from our residential clients is how to reduce their monthly or quarterly water bill. In the summer, with pools, hot tubs and daily watering, these bills can skyrocket. So, to help you out the next time you are considering some much-needed upgrades to your residential plumbing system, here are the best water-conservation upgrades you can make that will actually make a difference in your Toledo water bill.
Exterior Upgrades
Exterior upgrades are often among the biggest things clients forget they can do. There are great opportunities to save on your water bill with just a couple of simple upgrades to your existing systems and by planning your landscaping.
Smart Irrigation Controllers
For many homeowners, investing in a smart irrigation system can make a massive difference in your seasonal water use. Standard timers used to be top-of-the-line, but today’s weather-based smart controllers collect data from local weather feeds, rain forecasts, and soil moisture levels, and adjust your daily watering to ensure your plants and grass get the ideal amount of water each day without wasting water on a rainy Summer day.
Drip System Conversion
Another great investment you can make in your irrigation system is switching from overhead spray nozzles in your flower beds and shrub areas to a low-volume drip system. Traditional nozzle spray can be greatly affected by external factors such as evaporation loss and wind drift, which means you need to use more water to actually soak your plants. In comparison, a drip system delivers water directly to your plants’ roots via small hoses, which in turn reduces the amount of water you actually need.
Native Plants
Lastly, what you plant in your garden can significantly impact your overall water use. Removing high-maintenance grasses and shrubs and focusing on planting drought-tolerant native plants can reduce your water use by hundreds of gallons per week. These native plants, when paired with layers of organic mulch, can thrive in our climate and will last well through the Fall.
Interior Upgrades
Moving to the home's interior, targeted plumbing upgrades can significantly impact your overall water usage. With smart replacements and simple swaps, you can see your water bill drop significantly almost overnight.
Ultra-low-flow toilets
Your toilet uses a lot of water, especially if you are still using an older-style model. Switching to an EPA WaterSense ultra-low-flow model will save you gallons per flush. Standard low-flow models use about 1.28 gallons per flush, while a dual-flush upgrade can reduce that to 0.8 gallons per flush. When you compare that to a standard toilet, which uses between 3.5 and 7.0 gallons per flush, a family of four could save upwards of 25 gallons in the morning alone.
Efficient Showerheads
Just like toilets, showerheads have received significant upgrades over the years, and a new low-flow showerhead could save you gallons of water per minute. A standard showerhead typically flows at around 2.5 gallons per minute. Compare that to a low-flow model with air-induction technology, and you can drop your gallons-per-minute rate to as low as 1.5.
Faucet Aerators
Imagine cutting the water your faucet uses by up to 50% with a single upgrade. Well, this can happen when you screw on a 0.5 to 1.0 gallons per minute high-efficiency aerator onto your bathroom or kitchen faucet. These aerators mix air into the stream, allowing you to enjoy a steady flow without needing to replace the entire faucet.
Smart Clothes Washer
Finally, investing in an Energy Star-certified front-loading washer will save you 30% on your typical water usage for washing your family's clothes. These smart washers also have a tonne of new features, allowing you to tackle tough stains and handle larger loads with ease. Plus, since the newest washers are energy-efficient, you will save on your electricity bill!
We all could enjoy a little more money in our pockets, and when it comes to your utility bills, a few targeted upgrades to your interior and exterior water systems could make a world of difference in your monthly bill. From drip irrigation to a $2 aerator, every little upgrade will help, and here in Toledo, OH, the team at Fry is here to support you on this journey. Call us today and see how our expert residential plumbers can work with you to upgrade your home’s plumbing and save you hundreds, if not thousands, on your yearly water bill.
