Rich in history and small enough to have a real community vibe, Austin has been rated as one of the best places to live in Texas. As is the case everywhere in the country, though, utility bills are a big part of household expenses here, and water usage can account for a large portion of those costs. Most households use a significant amount of water for cooking, drinking, and hygiene. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your water bill. Here are four easy ways our professionals at Parobek Water Solutions recommend.

Repair Leaks and Drips

Leaks and drips from faucets, hoses, and pipes can waste a lot of water over time, raising your water bill and potentially causing property damage. While it is easy to see whether a faucet is dripping, it is also important to check the hoses connected to appliances, the water filtration system, and the area around the toilet for any water that shouldn’t be there. In many cases, leaks and drips can be repaired as a do-it-yourself project, but significant leaks should be evaluated by a professional plumber for proper repair.

Take Short Showers

While a long, hot shower may sound like a good idea after a long day, running the shower for long periods can increase your water bill by a significant amount. Most newer shower heads release water at a rate of 2.5 gallons a minute, so for every two minutes you shorten your shower, you will save 5 gallons of water. Over time, this will result in considerable savings.

Choose Low-Flow or High-Efficiency Products

If you must replace a fixture or an appliance, choose a low-flow or high-efficiency product for the replacement. Products marked with WaterSense and Energy Star seals have been designed to work efficiently while using significantly less water and energy than their counterparts. The most common water-saving items purchased under these labels include toilets, showerheads, faucets, washing machines, and dishwashers.

Run the Washing Machine and Dishwasher Full

Washing machines and dishwashers are designed to run optimally when they are full, so running them at less than full capacity means that you are wasting water with each load. Running them at less than full capacity also means that you will be running them more often, increasing wear and tear on the machines and causing them to need replacement sooner than they should. It is also important not to overload the machines, as this could result in other issues that are just as detrimental.

If you are looking for easy ways to reduce your water bill, these four actions are a great place to start. With these simple changes, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year, benefiting both your bank account and the environment. For more water-saving solutions, contact our experts at Parobek Water Solutions today.