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Lowering Your Water Bill: 7 Quick Plumbing Solutions for Frugal Homeowners

lowering your water bill with these tips

As a frugal homeowner, we understand the importance of finding ways to save money on household expenses. One area where you can make a significant difference is by implementing plumbing solutions that help reduce water usage. Below we will share seven quick and effective plumbing solutions that can help you save money on your water bill. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or prefer to hire a nearby plumber, these solutions are easy to implement and will have a positive impact on your finances.

Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

One of the easiest ways to lower your water bill is by upgrading to water efficient fixtures. Old toilets, faucets, and showerheads can waste a significant amount of water. By replacing them with low-flow options, you can conserve water without compromising on performance.

If you have a toilet that was installed before 1994, consider replacing it with a low-flow toilet. These toilets use less water per flush and can save up to 60% more water compared to older models. Similarly, installing low-flow showerheads and faucets can reduce water usage while still maintaining a satisfying water pressure.

Fix Leaks Promptly

Leaking pipes and fixtures can quickly add up to a higher water bill. The smallest drip can waste a significant amount of water over time. Therefore, it is crucial to fix leaks promptly.

Regularly inspect your plumbing system for any signs of leaks. Look for water stains, wet spots, or mold growth around pipes and fixtures. If you notice a leak, hire a professional leak detection service or fix it yourself if you have the necessary skills. Taking care of leaks as soon as possible will prevent water waste and save you money.

Install Faucet Aerators

Faucet aerators are inexpensive devices that can be easily installed on the end of your faucets. They work by mixing air with the water stream, reducing the flow rate without compromising water pressure. Installing aerators on all your faucets can help you save water and reduce your water bill.

Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating your plumbing pipes is not only beneficial for energy efficiency but also for water conservation. Insulated pipes are less likely to lose heat, which means you won’t have to run the faucet for as long to get hot water.

By reducing the time it takes for hot water to reach the desired temperature, you can save both water and energy. Insulation materials, such as foam pipe sleeves, are readily available at hardware stores and can be easily installed by wrapping them around the pipes.

Utilize Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is an excellent way to conserve water and reduce your reliance on the municipal water supply. By installing rain barrels or cisterns, you can collect rainwater that can be used for purposes like watering your garden or washing your car.

Set up a rainwater harvesting system by placing containers under your downspouts or connecting them to your gutter system. Make sure to cover the containers to prevent mosquito breeding and algae growth. This method not only helps you save money but also promotes sustainable water usage.

Opt for Drip Irrigation

If you have a garden or plants that require regular watering, consider switching to drip irrigation. Unlike traditional sprinkler systems that can waste water through evaporation or overspray, drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of plants.

This targeted approach reduces water waste and ensures that plants receive the necessary moisture without excess runoff. Drip irrigation systems are readily available at garden centers and can be easily installed. They also allow you to set up timers, making it convenient to automate the watering process.

Be Mindful of Your Water Habits

Lastly, one of the most effective ways to lower your water bill is by being mindful of your water habits. Simple actions like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, and only running the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads can significantly reduce water consumption.

Encourage your family members to adopt water saving habits and make it a household initiative. By working together, you can make a positive impact on the environment and save money on your water bill.

In Summary

Lowering your water bill doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing these seven quick plumbing solutions, you can make significant strides in reducing your water usage and saving money. From upgrading to water efficient fixtures to being mindful of your daily habits, every step counts.

Remember, the key is to be proactive and address any leaks or inefficiencies promptly. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of a reduced water bill while contributing to a sustainable future. So why wait? Start implementing these plumbing solutions today and see the positive impact they have on both your wallet and the environment!

How to Lower Your Water Bill in Chicago

How to Lower Your Water Bill in Chicago

Water costs for residents of Chicago used to be very affordable as the city had one of the lowest water rates amongst America’s major cities. That was until previous administrations – Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration specifically – thought it necessary to raise water rates and fund improvements to the city’s waterworks.

But even though rates increased substantially, the cost per gallon of water in Chicago still compares very favorably with what residents of other cities pay. Most of the city’s residents have not had trouble paying their water bills, at least not until recently. A lot has happened since the appearance of COVID-19 that has impacted Chicago negatively.

Soaring unemployment rates mean that formerly affordable things to citizens are now out of reach. Many Chicagoans struggle to keep up with their water bill payments, and water is not something you can expect people to forgo. Access to sufficient potable water is a human right. There is a violation of that right if people cannot afford water.

The issues causing the current water affordability problem in Chicago are as follows:

  • The city’s aging water infrastructure requires steady funding for repairs, replacements, and upgrades. The bulk of this money comes from the pockets of the city’s resident.
  • The fact that most people’s income is not growing at the same rate as water costs are rising. The effect is lower-income families now face significant struggles paying their water bills; many have backlogs running into thousands of dollars.
  • The pandemic worsened an already bad situation. Before this, incomes were insufficient, but now several people don’t even have an income anymore. That is due to the lockdowns and social distancing rules that have forced many businesses to shut down.

What is the city doing about the issue?

How the city is tackling the issue

The city is taking steps to handle the problem through a “Water for All” ordinance. The regulation will let some city residents pay a discounted water bill or give others free water. That is just one of the steps the city is taking. Here are some of the details of the City Council’s effort to make water more accessible for Chicagoans.

Moratorium on shut-offs

The city has temporarily suspended water shut-offs due to non-payment of water bills. This program was initiated last year when Mayor Lori Lightfoot took office. The community now has a team to restart water service to homeowners whose water was shut-off before shut-offs were suspended.

The Utility Billing Relief Program (UBR)

This program will subsidize water bill payments by as much as 75% for some homeowners and make water free for some other residents. There are about 168,000 homeowners with past due payments that may qualify for the UBR program. But to qualify, applicants have to earn 200% less than the federal poverty level. Homeowners who participate will be required to pay their monthly bills for one year, while the old charge is set aside. If they complete the one-year payments, the backlogs will be waived. This program is for homeowners who own single-family homes and duplexes.

Senior citizen sewer exemption

For elderly homeowners not eligible for the UBR program, they can apply for the city’s Senior Citizen Sewer Exemption program. Since the sewer bill is 100% the cost of what people pay for water bills, this program can help homeowners reduce their water bills by 50%.

Relieving tenants of their water bill burdens

The city is also looking into protecting renters from landlords who pass the water bill to their tenants. As Bigham & Associates LLC explains, the logic behind this move is that water bills are sent to buildings and not to renters.

Others

Financial help is also expected from the state and federal government, particularly for the city’s water systems. These will help the city improve its waterworks without charging the consumers for it.

The city of Chicago is taking steps to make sure water does not stop flowing in the homes of Chicagoans. But you can also take steps to reduce your water usage and make it easier to pay your water bills. Simple things you can do that don’t involve spending money include:

  • Taking shorter showers; every minute in the shower uses 5-10 gallons of water.
  • Not using the toilet for dumping tissue and other things. Every time you flush the toilet, you use 5-7 gallons.
  • Take a bath instead of a shower. Baths use less water than the shortest shower.
  • Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Only use the automatic dishwasher when you have a full load; your dishwasher uses 30-45 gallons of water per cycle.
  • Fill a plastic bottle with sand, pebble, and stone. Put it inside the tank. This step will save you more than 5 gallons of water daily without affecting the toilet’s efficiency.

You should also consider replacing some of the bathroom fixtures to a more eco-friendly ones, which help with water saving.