Consistent with the steady increase in power costs across the Gold Coast, the average water bill of local properties has increased by more than 10% in the last 4 years, with no signs of slowing down.
While the spike in both water and energy bills has started to cause concern for residents, there are many small yet effective ways to save money on your water bill, and we’re here to share our top tips for success:
Update Appliances
You’d be surprised at the money you can save by replacing your old clothes washer with a newer, more efficient model. Pay close attention to the energy and water ratings before you buy, and consider a front-load washer, which has substantially lower water usage. Do not use the permanent press cycle if possible, as it uses a larger amount of water than needed for most loads, and even consider washing your clothes less often.
In addition, you should also update water faucets to include an aerator, which reduces water flow without sacrificing its function, making it on average 30% more efficient.
Wash Dishes Properly
Doing the dishes by hand actually uses more water than using your dishwasher – provided you don’t waste a bucket load rinsing them off before stacking them in of course. To go two steps further, we also recommend running the dishwasher only when it is fully-loaded and consider skipping the pre-rinsing step completely.
Identify Leaks
Does your toilet constantly run, or your kitchen sink leak well after you’ve turned it off? It’s important to investigate even the smallest leaks, as it could be causing an increase in your water bill without you even knowing.
Use the Hose Cautiously
When doing garden work, lawn maintenance or washing your car in the driveway, consider sweeping debris instead of washing it away, and be sure to turn off the hose between rinses to save water. You can also use a soaker hose for more controlled aim and attach a rain barrel to the downspout of your home to collect rainwater for further use.
Heat & Cool Water Properly
Instead of turning on the tap and waiting for the water to reach your desired level of hot or cold, heat water in your kettle and keep cold water in the refrigerator. You can also install an instant hot water heater under the kitchen sink for faster use.
Perfect Your Shower Routine
Showers typically use less water than baths, and you can switch to a low-flow shower head for reduced water usage, and thus a reduced water bill. Aim for showers 10 minutes or shorter for maximum savings on your water usage.
At Jeff MacDonald Plumbing, our staff are not only well versed in conducting thorough Water Efficiency Audits and installing complete water saving solutions, but we also highly recommend them as a preventative measure to save money in both the short and long term.
If you’re keen to get stuck into a Water Efficiency Audit and receive your free water pressure, temperature and safety test, get in touch with the reputable plumbers at Jeff MacDonald Plumbing today on 07 5535 5591
