Saving Money on Your Water Bill Without Sacrificing Comfort

As the cost of living continues to rise, homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to cut expenses without compromising their lifestyle. One area often overlooked is water usage. Saving water doesn’t have to mean cold showers, hand-washing dishes, or forgoing the lush lawn you love. With a few strategic upgrades and habits, you can enjoy significant savings on your water bill while maintaining comfort and convenience.

This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Gateway Plumbers of Aurora—a trusted plumber Aurora CO—will walk you through five key strategies to help you save water and money.

1. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures

Modern plumbing technology has come a long way, and low-flow fixtures are proof. These devices use significantly less water than traditional fixtures while maintaining the pressure and performance you expect. Upgrading your home with low-flow fixtures is one of the simplest and most effective ways to conserve water and save money.

• Low-Flow Showerheads: A typical showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm), but low-flow showerheads cut that usage to as little as 1.5 gpm. This translates to thousands of gallons saved annually for a family of four, not to mention reduced energy costs for heating less water.
• Faucet Aerators: An aerator attaches to your faucet to reduce water flow without diminishing pressure. It’s a cost-effective upgrade that can cut water usage at the sink by up to 30%.
• Dual-Flush Toilets: Toilets account for nearly 30% of household water usage. Dual-flush models let you use less water for liquid waste while still providing full flushing power for solids. If replacing your toilet isn’t in the budget, consider a dual-flush conversion kit as a budget-friendly alternative.

Low-flow fixtures are easy to install, but for optimal performance, it’s best to have them professionally fitted. Gateway Plumbers of Aurora can help you choose the right products and ensure proper installation, making the upgrade process seamless and stress-free.

2. Detect and Fix Leaks Early

Household leaks are more than just an annoyance—they’re a drain on your wallet. The EPA estimates that the average household loses nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually due to leaks. That’s money flowing straight down the drain.

Common Sources of Leaks

• Toilets: A constantly running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. Drop some food coloring in the tank, wait 15 minutes, and check the bowl. If the color appears, you have a leak.
• Faucets and Showerheads: Even a slow drip can add up to hundreds of gallons wasted each month.
• Underground and Hidden Pipes: These leaks can go unnoticed for months, leading to structural damage and skyrocketing bills.

How to Address Leaks

• DIY Checks: Regularly inspect visible plumbing for drips, puddles, or moisture.
• Monitor Water Bills: A sudden spike in your water bill could indicate a hidden leak.
• Professional Leak Detection: For leaks in hard-to-reach places, turn to experts like Gateway Plumbers of Aurora. Using advanced technology, they can identify and repair leaks before they cause significant damage.

3. Adopt Water-Saving Habits

While upgrading fixtures and fixing leaks is crucial, your daily habits also play a significant role in water conservation. Incorporating these small but impactful changes into your routine can yield substantial savings over time.

Kitchen and Bathroom Tips

• Turn Off the Tap: Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Turning off the faucet during these tasks can save up to 10 gallons per day.
• Fill the Sink for Rinsing: Instead of letting water run continuously, fill the sink or use a basin to rinse dishes.
• Defrost Food in the Fridge: Avoid running water over frozen food to defrost it; plan ahead and let it thaw in the fridge.

Shower Smarter

• Take Shorter Showers: Reducing your shower time by two minutes can save up to 150 gallons per month.
• Install a Shower Timer: A simple timer can help everyone in the household stay mindful of their water usage.

Laundry and Cleaning

• Run Full Loads Only: Dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of water regardless of load size, so always run full loads.
• Spot Clean: For smaller messes, use a damp cloth instead of rinsing items under running water.

These habits are simple enough for the entire household to adopt. Gateway Plumbers of Aurora recommends making water conservation a family effort to maximize savings. If you want to know more, go to Water Conservation Tips For Commercial Plumbing. 

4. Improve Your Irrigation System

For homes with outdoor spaces, lawn and garden care can account for a significant portion of water use. By optimizing your irrigation system and landscaping choices, you can maintain a beautiful yard while drastically reducing water waste.

Optimize Irrigation Systems

• Smart Sprinklers: These systems use weather and soil data to adjust watering schedules, ensuring plants get the right amount of water at the right time.
• Drip Irrigation: Unlike traditional sprinklers, drip systems deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, reducing evaporation and runoff.
• Fix Leaks: Check your irrigation system for leaks or broken sprinkler heads regularly, as these can waste hundreds of gallons of water.

Landscaping Tips

• Water Early or Late: Watering in the morning or evening reduces evaporation, allowing more water to reach your plants.
• Mulching: Adding mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering.
• Native Plants: Consider replacing thirsty grass lawns with drought-resistant native plants. These plants require less water and thrive in the local climate.

Gateway Plumbers of Aurora can evaluate your irrigation system and recommend cost-effective solutions tailored to your yard’s specific needs.

5. Invest in a Water Softener

Hard water isn’t just bad for your pipes and appliances—it also contributes to higher water usage. Mineral buildup can clog pipes and reduce the efficiency of water-using appliances, causing you to use more water than necessary.

Benefits of a Water Softener

• Improved Efficiency: Soft water prevents scale buildup, allowing appliances like dishwashers and washing machines to perform optimally.
• Extended Lifespan of Fixtures: Plumbing and fixtures last longer without the wear and tear caused by hard water deposits.
• Softer Skin and Hair: Bonus! Soft water is gentler on your skin, hair, and clothing.

Installing a water softener is an investment that pays off in lower water bills and reduced maintenance costs. Gateway Plumbers of Aurora specializes in water softener installation and maintenance, ensuring you get the most value from your system.

Bonus Tip: Monitor Your Water Usage with Technology

Modern technology makes it easier than ever to track and control your water consumption. Consider these tools:

• Smart Water Monitors: Devices like Flo by Moen or Phyn detect leaks and track water usage in real-time, alerting you to issues before they escalate.
• High-Efficiency Appliances: Upgrading to energy- and water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines can save significant amounts of water over time.

Gateway Plumbers of Aurora can recommend and install smart systems to help you monitor and optimize your water usage effortlessly.

Conclusion: Start Saving with Gateway Plumbers of Aurora

Cutting down on water bills doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or convenience. By upgrading to efficient fixtures, addressing leaks, adopting water-smart habits, optimizing your irrigation system, and considering a water softener, you can significantly reduce water waste and save money—all while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

When it comes to expert guidance and professional plumbing services, Gateway Plumbers of Aurora has you covered. Whether you need help with installations, leak detection, or system upgrades, our team of experienced professionals is here to assist.



Ready to make your home more water-efficient? Contact Gateway Plumbers of Aurora, your go-to plumber Aurora CO, today to schedule a consultation. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.