Consider taking shorter showers. Install flow restrictors in faucets. Do not leave the faucet running when brushing teeth or shaving. These actions may also reduce sewer bills while lowering energy bills related to heating the water.
Be Mindful of Water Use: Simple habits like turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, and only running full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine can significantly reduce your water usage. This will not only help you save money, but it's also an eco-friendly plumbing tip!
The most common source of abnormally high water/sewer bills is leaky plumbing inside the property. More often than not, the source of that leak is a toilet. Did you know that a toilet constantly leaking at only ¼ gallon per minute can cost you as much as $350 over a 3-month billing cycle?
An unusually high water bill is most often caused by a leak or change in water use. Some common causes of high water bills include: A leaking toilet, or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed, most common.
If your home is on the public utility system, you likely pay for both water and sewer services. These services can be billed together or separately, and the bulk of the cost is tied to consumption. That is, you pay for the clean water that comes in through the faucets and the wastewater that flows out, down the drains.
It's easy to underestimate how much water you use daily, but small habits can add up. Factors contributing to high water usage may include: Long Showers: Spending extra minutes under a warm shower might be relaxing, but it can also substantially increase your water bill.
If you have a large family or several occupants in one household, the rate will skyrocket. Even installing a high-efficiency toilet won't completely prevent you from seeing a noticeable increase in your water usage and cost. The average toilet uses between 1.6 and 3.6 gallons of water per flush.
To clear obstructions or blockages, utilize appropriate tools such as a plumber's snake or a high-pressure water jet to dislodge debris and restore proper flow. When repairing leaks or cracks in the line, you can use specialized sealants or epoxy compounds designed for sewer pipe repairs.
Sometimes, a high water bill with no visible leak points to other issues, like a faulty water meter or billing errors.
Close any doors to contaminated areas to prevent tracking sewage or debris into an untainted room. Remove sewage water as soon as possible. Use a water pump or wet vacuum with a filtration device for small backups. Remove saturated carpeting, flooring, insulation, wall paneling, and basements.
Sewer cleaning
This reduces blockages which can cause sewer flooding. Over 80% of sewer blockages are caused by fat, oil and grease or paper and rag (including wet wipes). Most of the planned cleaning is to remove this type of material.
Repair Leaks
The average household's water leaks account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year. Fixing a leak can save you as much as 10% on your water and sewer bill. Leaks often go undetected, so checking for dripping faucets, pipes, shower heads, and garden hoses is essential.
If a standard showerhead is fitted, it will use around an extra half a gallon each minute, accounting for a 25-gallon emittance every 10 minutes, or 50 gallons throughout a 20-minute shower. *1 gallon = 4.54 litres.
On average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors, with the bathroom being the largest consumer (a toilet alone can use 27 percent!).
While leaks are the most common reason for water waste, activity or seasonality can contribute to increased usage. Also, look at other changes in your daily routine to spot the issue. Hosting house guests or watering your lawn more often can lead to an uptick in running water.
A: Graywater is untreated wastewater from showers, laundry machines, and bathtubs which has not come into contact with toilet waste. It does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks, photo lab sinks, dishwashers, or laundry water from soiled diapers.
Negotiating with utility providers requires a proactive approach. Contact your provider and express your interest in discussing your current plan or exploring available options. Be polite, patient, and persistent throughout the process.