Category Archives: water bills

Feb '24

How our Plumbers Save on their Own Water Bills

Professional plumbers in Chicago know a thing or two about saving money on their home’s water bills.

That is because they work with plumbing systems all the time and know the different household activities that are most likely to increase their home’s water usage.

Moreover, they also know how to tweak these activities to shave hundreds of dollars off their yearly spending on water.

That is good for Chicago plumbers, but what about the rest of us who are not professional plumbers? Do we have to stay stuck with paying high water bills?

The good news is the water-saving techniques used by Chicago city plumbers are also available to other homeowners.

Even if you know nothing about how your home’s plumbing works, you can still use these methods.

Below, we outline some everyday steps real plumbers use to save money on their home’s water bills. Apply these steps to gain control of your water usage and put an end to spiraling water bills in your home, advises Vesta Electric.

6 water-saving strategies used by Chicago plumbers

Check your plumbing for leaks

You may be paying for way more water than you use because of leaks in your plumbing. One small leak can waste between 2,000 and 5,000 gallons of water yearly. If there is more than one leak, the impact on your home’s water bills is best imagined. The trouble with water leaks is they may be present in your home without showing up inside the house. To know if there is a leak in your plumbing, you should learn how to use the water meter to check for it.

Eliminate inefficiencies in your plumbing

If neglected, small problems like a running toilet or dripping faucet can waste several gallons of water and add hundreds of dollars to your water bill. In addition to fixing these problems, doing the following upgrades will help you save money:

Install water-efficient showerhead: Modern low-flow models let you save as much as 750 gallons of water every year without sacrificing the quality of shower times
Install new aerators: Aerators cost almost nothing to replace, but they can help to reduce water usage by up to 30%
Install low-flow faucets: Instead of the 2.2 gpm that you get with standard faucets, low-flow models deliver below 1.6 gpm and lower
Install efficient appliances: The large upfront cost of a new washer or dishwasher is worth it because these newer models use half the water of older models

Shower, don’t take a bath

A nice warm bath is good if you do it occasionally. But if you indulge in baths too often, you could see a massive spike in your home’s water bills. While the average bath uses around 36 gallons of water, a ten-minute shower uses an average of 20 gallons. If you use a low-flow showerhead and cut the number of minutes you spend in the shower, the water usage of the shower can even be lower.

Use greywater for your garden

Greywater is the name for the used-up water from your sinks, tub and washing machine. This water is unsafe for drinking or washing dishes but perfectly fine for watering your plants. There are many ways to collect water in your home; for instance, you can wash fruits and veggies inside a bowl instead of inside the sink or place a bucket under the washing machine hose to catch water after the rinse. This water can be used to water indoor and outdoor plants or to flush the toilet.

Take your car to the carwash

Why spend money to wash a car when trying to save money on water bills? When you wash your car at home, on average, you use 120 gallons of water per wash (same as taking 6 showers a day). In contrast, the car wash only uses 20 gallons of water, and it has a water reclamation system for recycling the water. It makes sense to spend 8 dollars at the car wash if you will save money on your water bill.

Choose local/drought-resistant plants

A significant amount of the water used in your home goes to keeping the lawn green. If the plants in your yard are alien to the environment, they will need a lot of water. But you can cut down on your lawn’s water consumption by selecting plants that are native to the area and also drought-resistant. Those will survive longer periods without water.

And there you have it. With these six steps, anybody – not just professional plumbers in Chicago – can achieve outstanding savings on their home’s water bills. Try these strategies today and let us know how it goes.

Dec '23

Plumbing Tips 101: Start Saving Money on Your Water Bills

Water bills can be a significant expense for homeowners, especially if they have inefficient plumbing systems. However, with a little knowledge and effort, you can start saving money on your water bills without compromising your water usage. In this article, we will provide you with some essential plumbing tips that can help you reduce your water consumption and ultimately save money.

Inspect for Leaks

One of the primary reasons for high water bills is undetected leaks in your plumbing system. Even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water over time, leading to unnecessary expenses. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly inspect your plumbing fixtures and pipes for any signs of leakage.

Look for damp areas, dripping faucets, or water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address the issue promptly. Repairing leaks can be relatively simple, such as replacing a worn-out washer or tightening a loose connection. However, if you aren’t confident in your plumbing skills, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to handle the repairs.

Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

By replacing your old, water-guzzling fixtures with modern, water-efficient versions, you can significantly reduce your water consumption and save money in the long run. The following are some commonly upgraded fixtures that can make a big difference:

Toilets: Older toilets can use up to 6 gallons of water per flush. By installing low-flow toilets, you can reduce the amount of water used to around 1.6 gallons per flush, without compromising performance.

Showerheads: Traditional showerheads can use up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Opting for low-flow showerheads can cut down water usage to 2 gallons per minute or less, while still providing a satisfying shower experience.

Faucets: Older faucets tend to dispense a higher volume of water. By installing low-flow faucets, you can minimize water wastage without sacrificing water pressure.

By upgrading these fixtures, you can make your plumbing system more water-efficient and reduce your overall usage, resulting in lower water bills.

installing faucet aerators helps conserve water.

By using faucet aerators, you can reduce your water consumption by up to 50% without compromising your daily tasks.

Install Faucet Aerators

Faucet aerators are inexpensive devices that can be attached to the end of your faucets. They work by mixing air with the water, creating a steady stream while reducing the amount of water used. Installing faucet aerators in your kitchen and bathroom sinks can help you save water without affecting the functionality of your faucets.

These devices are easy to install and come in various flow rates, allowing you to choose the one that suits your needs. By using faucet aerators, you can reduce your water consumption by up to 50% without compromising your daily tasks such as washing hands, brushing teeth, or rinsing dishes.

Fix and Replace Faulty Toilet Flappers

If you notice that your toilet continues to run even after you’ve flushed it, it’s likely due to a faulty or worn-out toilet flapper. The flapper is the rubber valve that controls the water flow from the tank to the bowl. When it becomes damaged or warped, it can cause water to constantly leak from the tank, leading to an increased water bill.

To fix this issue, first, determine the type and size of your toilet flapper and purchase a suitable replacement from your local hardware store. Then, turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush it, and remove the old flapper. Install the new flapper and ensure that it forms a watertight seal. Finally, turn the water supply back on and test the toilet to confirm that the leak has been resolved.

By promptly fixing faulty toilet flappers, you can prevent water wastage, save money, and contribute to water conservation efforts.

Monitor Your Water Usage

Keeping track of your water usage can help you identify any sudden increases in consumption, allowing you to detect potential leaks or wasteful habits. Most water utilities provide homeowners with monthly water usage reports, which can be a good starting point for monitoring your consumption.

You can also install water flow monitoring devices that attach to your main water line and provide real-time data on your water usage. These devices can help you detect leaks quickly and understand how your household consumes water. Additionally, you can set water usage goals for your family members and encourage them to be mindful of their water consumption.

collecting rainwater to help reduce high water bills.

By utilizing rainwater, you can reduce your reliance on the municipal water supply and further decrease your water bills.

Collect and Reuse Rainwater

Collecting rainwater can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to reduce your water bills. Installing a rain barrel or a larger rainwater harvesting system can help you conserve water for various purposes, such as watering your garden, washing your car, or flushing toilets.

When collecting rainwater, make sure to use a fine mesh screen on the gutter downspout to filter out debris and prevent mosquito breeding. Additionally, check your local regulations regarding rainwater collection to ensure compliance with any restrictions or permits required.

By utilizing rainwater, you can reduce your reliance on the municipal water supply and further decrease your water bills.

In Conclusion

Reducing your water bills is not only beneficial for your wallet but also for the environment. By implementing these plumbing tips, you can start saving money while promoting water conservation in your household. Regularly inspect your plumbing for leaks, upgrade to water-efficient fixtures, install faucet aerators, and fix faulty toilet flappers to minimize water wastage. Monitoring your water usage and collecting rainwater are additional steps you can take towards a more sustainable water consumption. With these efforts, you can enjoy the financial savings and contribute to a greener future.

Sep '23

Advice From a Chicago Plumber: How to Save Money On Your Utilities and Water Bills

As a Chicago plumber with years of experience serving the local community, I have witnessed firsthand how high utility and water bills can impact homeowners’ budgets. In today’s economy, finding ways to save money is of the utmost importance. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, there are several practical steps you can take to reduce your utility and water expenses without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Understanding Your Utility Bills

Before exploring money-saving tips, it is essential to understand how your utility bills are calculated. Most utility companies charge based on the amount of energy and water consumed, as well as any additional fees or taxes. By analyzing your bills and identifying areas of high consumption, you can gain insights into your household’s energy usage patterns and make informed decisions to cut costs.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Utilities

1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Investing in energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce your electricity bills over time. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. From refrigerators to washing machines and air conditioners, these appliances use less energy without compromising performance.

2. Implement Smart Thermostat Technology

Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely and create personalized heating and cooling schedules. By optimizing your HVAC system based on your daily routine, you can avoid unnecessary energy consumption when no one is home. This simple upgrade can lead to substantial savings on your monthly heating and cooling bills.

3. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use

Even when they are not in use, electronic devices and appliances continue to consume energy if they are plugged into an outlet. This phenomenon, known as standby power or phantom load, can account for a significant portion of your electricity bill. Make it a habit to unplug chargers, televisions, computers, and other devices when they are not actively being used.

4. Use Natural Light and LED Bulbs

Take advantage of natural lighting during the day by opening curtains and blinds. This will reduce your reliance on electric lights and save on energy costs. Additionally, replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs can significantly lower your lighting expenses. LED bulbs consume less electricity, last longer, and produce less heat.

5. Insulate Your Home

Inadequate insulation is one of the leading causes of energy loss in homes, especially during extreme weather conditions. Insulating your walls, attic, and windows can help maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce your heating and cooling expenses. Consult with a professional to determine the best insulation options for your home.

6. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Reducing water consumption not only helps the environment but also lowers your water bills. Consider installing low-flow fixtures, such as aerating showerheads and high-efficiency toilets. These fixtures use less water without compromising water pressure, allowing you to save money while still enjoying a satisfying shower or efficient flush.

7. Fix Leaks promptly

Even minor leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes can add up to significant water waste and inflated bills. Take swift action to repair any leaks as soon as they are detected. Hiring a professional plumber to inspect and fix plumbing issues can help identify hidden leaks and ensure long-term water savings.

8. Practice Water-Saving Habits

Simple changes in your daily routines can make a big difference in reducing water consumption. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, install water-efficient showerheads, and only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load. Every drop of water saved adds up to long-term savings on your utility bills.

Conclusion

By implementing these money-saving tips, you can effectively reduce your utility and water bills while contributing to a more sustainable future. Conserving energy and water not only benefits your wallet but also the environment. Start making small changes today, and watch as your utility bills decrease month after month. Remember, every little effort counts!