Most of us believe that our clean water supply is infinite. We wantonly consume billions of litres of water in Melbourne on a yearly basis. Attached to our care-free attitude is also the water bills that regularly keep on piling up in our mailbox.
Of course, the precious water we use in our households and commercial properties comes with a price. We need to pay for such a commodity.
According to statistics, Melburnians use an average of 157 litres of water per day. That’s a record low considering the global pandemic has kept the majority of the population in their homes in the past year.
That’s a positive note.
However, this number can still be further lowered if we just know how to be conscious and practise thrifty water-saving methods. Are there ways for us to keep our water consumption to a minimum and consequently save money on our water bills in Melbourne?
Absolutely!
The Local Plumber, a long-time plumbing company in Melbourne, presented this list of 10 tips that you need to practise to save money on water bills. Let’s start making every drop of water count!
1. Shower Less
Let’s start with the most outrageous entry on the list. You may be screaming, “Shower less? Should I sacrifice good hygiene just to save on my water bill?” Of course not. What we meant was to shorten the time spent in the shower. Let’s say you spend 15 minutes in the shower. Just shave off a couple of minutes and you’ll see the difference on your next water bill.
About 40% of our households’ water consumption comes from the daily activities we do in the bathroom. Making some changes in the time and manner we utilise our water, in the long run, can be instrumental in saving money.
2. Repair Water Leaks
Water leaks can be very expensive if you leave them unattended. You can save at least 10 litres a day by quickly resealing those busted toilets, dishwashers, and shower pipes. Just imagine how much water and money you can save in a month just by fixing these annoying leaks.
3. Only Use Energy Efficient Hot Water Systems
New models of hot water systems have energy-saving features that greatly help in keeping your energy as well as water consumption to a minimum. A good example of the tankless heater which can help you save as much as 30% energy compared to the old and conventional models.
When considering purchasing a new hot water system for your home, look for this feature. Most newer brands will have labels and information about energy efficiency.
In addition, other appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, among others, have energy and water-efficient features.
4. Turn the Water Off When Not in Use
This is a no-brainer. This tip is about having the conscious effort of turning the faucet off when not in use. Have you been allowing the water to run while you’re brushing your teeth, cleaning the soaked vegetables, or having a shave? Follow this tip and you’ll be surprised how much money you’ve saved on the next water bill.
5. Upgrade to a Modern Toilet
New toilet models are designed to be more water-efficient compared to those that are decades old. Dual flush toilets have a half flush feature that can help in the amount of water used per flush. To be more specific, choose a model that flushes no more than 5.5 litres per flush. Upgrading to a modern low-flow toilet may require you to initially shell out some cash but the long-term benefits are undeniable.
6. Repurpose Your Used Water
You can be more water-efficient by repurposing some of the water you’re regularly using. For example, instead of throwing the used water in the dishwasher, washing machine, or during a shower, collect and use it for your garden. Another suggestion is collecting rainwater for watering your plants instead of directly tapping from the faucet.
7. Install a Faucet Aerator
An aerator is a device that reduces the water used while increasing the water pressure. It adds air to the water as it streams out of the faucet. It is an easy-to-install device that is very beneficial in curbing your water bill. This device can save from 7 to 12 litres of water per day.
8. Don’t Wash Your Car at Home
Washing a single car can consume up to 400 litres of water. Bringing your car to a car wash establishment is a better idea if you want to bring your water bill expenses down. Choose a car wash that recycles water for a guilt-free experience as you’ll be saving the environment at the same time.
9. Don’t Thaw or Wash Your Vegetables Under Running Tap
Thawing meat and washing vegetables under running water should be avoided. You’ll just be wasting a lot of water rather than achieving the desired purpose. Instead, Use a basin filled with water for washing your fruits and vegetables. For thawing your frozen meat, use the microwave or the oven for faster results.
10. Practise Mulching in Your Garden
We love our plants and we know they need water for them to be healthy. However, you don’t need to water them straight from the faucet. Aside from repurposing the used water for your plant, practising mulching can also be beneficial for your garden and at the same time, keep your water bills to a minimum. Mulching keeps the water you use as moisture and prevents fast evaporation.
Call a local plumber in Melbourne today!
Do you need a reliable plumber for the installation of your energy-efficient devices or water leak repairs in Melbourne?
Contact The Local Plumber for more information about water efficiency and lightning-fast plumbing services.