Summer in Webb City, Missouri, often means higher temperatures and higher water use. Minor adjustments to your home's plumbing practices can help reduce your monthly water bill while also conserving this precious resource. Here's how you can make your plumbing more eco-friendly this summer.
1. Find and Fix Hidden Leaks
Leaks are a common culprit behind unexpectedly high water bills. Even a small faucet drip or a silent toilet leak will account for thousands of gallons in wasted water over a year, costing you money and wasting resources.
- Check all indoor and outdoor faucets for drips.
- Inspect toilets for leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the tank. If food color begins to appear in the bowl without you flushing it, then there's a leak that needs to be repaired.
- Tighten hose connections and repair aging pipes.
- Monitor your water meter during a period when no water is being used; a moving meter indicates a leak.
- Fixing leaks promptly can result in significant reductions to your monthly water bill.
2. Upgrade to Water-Saving Fixtures
Proper plumbing practices begin with the use of efficient fixtures. Many newer options are designed to use less water without sacrificing performance.
- Install WaterSense-labeled faucets, showerheads, and toilets. These can reduce household water use by up to 20%.
- Replace old toilets with low-flow models or use displacement devices (such as a plastic jug, never a brick) in older tanks to reduce the amount of water per flush.
- Add faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads for further indoor savings.
- Consider tankless water heaters, which only heat water as needed, saving both energy and water.
- Modern dishwashers and washing machines use a significantly smaller amount of water than older machines, which can benefit your water bill in the long run.
3. Practice Smart Lawn and Garden Care
Outdoor water use in Webb City, Missouri, spikes in the summer. Adopting eco-friendly habits outdoors can keep your lawn thriving while keeping your water bill in check.
- Water lawns early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Deep soak your lawn less frequently, rather than watering it daily with light amounts.
- Use drought-tolerant native plants and mulch in your garden beds to retain moisture and lower the need for watering.
- Install rain barrels to capture and retain water for gardening, potentially saving over 1,300 gallons each peak summer month.
- Check hoses and outdoor spigots for leaks each month.
4. Adopt Everyday Water-Wise Habits
Consistent habits make a significant difference in minimizing your water bill throughout the summer.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
- Avoid letting tap water run while brushing your teeth or shaving—this can save several gallons of water daily.
- Shorten your shower usage by considering turning off the water while lathering down or shampooing your hair to conserve water.
- Use a bucket to wash vehicles and a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Fill containers with water and store them in the fridge for drinking, rather than letting the tap run until the water gets cold.
5. Monitor and Understand Your Water Use
Being aware of your household's water consumption is key.
- Learn to read your water meter and compare usage month to month.
- Review your water bill for spikes or unexplained increases, as these can be early signs of hidden leaks.
- Set family water-saving goals during the summer months.
- Keep records of improvements (such as new fixtures or repairs) to calculate the resulting savings.
By adjusting your plumbing practices and making small eco-friendly changes, you can enjoy the Webb City, Missouri, summer while keeping your water bill under control. Every drop saved protects our water resources and ensures continued savings for you and your family.