Ultimate Guide to Reducing Your Water Bill with Efficient Plumbing Practices

Reduce your water bill with expert plumbing tips from Melbourne’s leading plumbers. Save money with efficient practices and smart meters. Discover how to lower your water costs effectively.

Struggling with the current cost of living? Alarmed by a higher-than-normal water bill? You’ve come to the right place. As one of Melbourne’s leading plumbing companies, we’ve created an ultimate guide to reducing your water bill. From efficient plumbing practices to smart meters and more, our aim is to provide some expert advice and help you make some real savings!

Let’s not waste any more time and dive right into it.

What are the Major Causes of Higher Water Bills?

High water bills are not only a financial burden, but they can also be quite distressing–especially if they’ve suddenly skyrocketed out of nowhere. So, what are the major causes of higher water bills? Let’s cover some of the most common right now:

Overuse and Bad Habits: Simple habits like long showers, leaving taps running, and overwatering gardens can all contribute to higher water usage. This is why there’s real value in being mindful of your water use, as well as adopting water-saving habits that reduce water consumption and bills.

Leaks: Hidden leaks can be a major source of waste. Even a small drip may equate to up to hundreds of litres lost over time, significantly increasing your water bill without you even realising. Leaks could occur in various different places, such as faucets, toilets, and pipes, both inside and outside your home.

Inefficient Fixtures: Older plumbing fixtures and appliances have the tendency to use significantly more water than more modern and efficient models. For example, older toilets, showerheads, and washing machines could be using up to twice as much water as their newer counterparts. 

Seasonal Changes: Increased water usage during hot months for gardens, pools, and cooling systems can all lead to a spike in your water bills. During these periods, it’s essential to use water wisely and take steps to reduce unnecessary water use.

Faulty Meters: Sometimes, the water meter itself might be faulty or misreading usage. If you suspect this, contact your water provider to check and, if necessary, replace the meter.

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Water Consumption

Although rising utility bills are something people are experiencing across the country, you still have a certain level of control over the amount of water used. With that in mind, here are some simple ways to reduce your water consumption:

Use a Dishwasher Efficiently: Make sure your dishwasher is full or, at the least, two-thirds full before running it. Although modern dishwashers are often more water-efficient than washing by hand, there’s no sense turning it on just to clean a few dishes. Running a full dishwasher will use less water than filling and emptying the sink multiple times for handwashing dishes.

Skip Rinsing: Scrape plates instead of rinsing them before putting them in the dishwasher. This can actually help to save a considerable amount of water over time, as pre-rinsing dishes can use up to 20 litres of water per load.

Use a Sink Plug: When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink rather than letting the tap run continuously. This method uses a fixed amount of water, whereas running the tap can waste a lot of water.

Cold Washes: Wash clothes in cold water and only run the washing machine with a full load. Modern washing detergents are also effective in cold water, and washing full loads maximises the efficiency of your machine.

Indoor Water-Saving Tips

Shorter Showers: Reducing shower time by just a few minutes can lead to significant water savings. Aiming to shave off just a minute or two from your shower routine can save up to 10,000 litres of water annually. Consider using a shower timer to help keep track of your shower time.

Water-Efficient Showerheads: Install water-efficient showerheads to save thousands of litres each year. These showerheads are designed to use less water without compromising on water pressure, providing a satisfying shower experience while conserving water. Look for models with a high Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating.

Dual-Flush Toilets: Upgrade to dual-flush toilets, which can save over 35,000 litres of water annually for a family of four. These toilets offer two flush options: a full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush function, effectively cutting water usage by more than half compared to traditional toilets.

Fix Drips: Repair leaking taps and fixtures promptly to prevent waste. A single dripping tap can waste up to 9,000 litres of water per year, so addressing these minor issues can lead to substantial savings. If you notice a drip, fix it as soon as possible to avoid wasting water and money.

Need new shower heads or dual-flush toilets in Melbourne? We’re your go-to source for a knowledgeable local plumber in Brighton, Braeside, and Broadmeadows. Our team can source an affordable option and handle all aspects of the installation process.

Outdoor Water-Saving Tips

Native Plants: Plant indigenous species in your garden, which require less water and are more drought-resistant. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and less dependent on regular watering. For an even more efficient solution, ditch the water-intensive outdoor options and buy some indoor plants (which require far less watering). 

Water Wisely: Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to minimise evaporation. Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulching not only conserves water but also helps suppress weeds and improve soil health. Additionally, consider using drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the plant roots, reducing water waste.

Rainwater Tanks: Install a rainwater tank to collect and use rainwater for your garden and other outdoor needs. Rainwater is free and can be used to water plants, wash cars, or even flush toilets, reducing your reliance on mains water. Ensure your tank is properly maintained and that you comply with local regulations regarding rainwater use.

Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect outdoor plumbing for leaks and repair them quickly. Leaks in garden hoses, irrigation systems, and outdoor taps can waste a significant amount of water if left unchecked. Conduct periodic checks to ensure your outdoor plumbing is in good condition.

Water-Efficient Plumbing Solutions

Leak Detection: Regularly check your water meter for leaks. If the meter is ticking over even when no water is in use, you may have a leak. To check for leaks, turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home, then observe the water meter. If the meter is still moving, it indicates a leak somewhere in the system. Identifying and repairing leaks promptly can save hundreds of litres of water daily and prevent costly damage to your home.

Flow Restrictors: Install flow restrictors on taps and showerheads to limit water usage. Flow restrictors reduce the volume of water that flows through taps and showerheads without affecting water pressure, helping you save water with every use. They are easy to install and can make a noticeable difference in your water consumption.

Insulate Hot Water Pipes: Insulating pipes reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach taps, saving both water and energy. By keeping the water in the pipes warmer for longer, you reduce the need to run the tap until the water heats up, conserving both water and the energy used to heat it. Pipe insulation is an inexpensive and effective way to improve the efficiency of your hot water system.

Greywater Systems: Reuse greywater from baths, showers, and laundry for garden irrigation. Greywater systems collect and treat used water from these sources, making it safe for use in the garden. This not only reduces the amount of fresh water you use but also provides a sustainable way to keep your garden green during dry periods. Installing a greywater system may require permits and adherence to local regulations, so be sure to consult with a professional before proceeding.

Support for Vulnerable Customers

The Victorian Government offers rebates and concessions for eligible customers to help reduce water consumption and water bills. Programs like the Community Rebate Program provide financial assistance for installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures. 

These initiatives aim to support vulnerable customers in managing their water usage and ensuring access to essential water-saving technologies. If you qualify for these programs, you can receive financial assistance to cover part of the cost of upgrading to more water-efficient appliances, fixtures, and systems.

Dealing with High Water Bills? Contact MCN Plumbing Now

Whether you’ve noticed a sudden spike or simply want to lower your water consumption, we hope that these tips will be able to make a difference! If you’re also looking to get emergency efficient fixtures and appliances installed, call us and we can provide a licensed plumber in Blackburn, Port Melbourne, Bundoora, or any other corner of the city. 

If you need assistance with any plumbing upgrades or leak repairs, MCN Plumbing is here to help. Our services come with $0 call-out fees, guaranteed workmanship, and honest advice from start to finish.