Rises in utility, fuel, and interest costs, combined with global inflation and economic downturns, are pushing people to cut expenses and seek ways to earn and save more money.
A simple way to save money is by reducing your water bill. When your bill arrives, you will notice a breakdown of various fees. The billing statement will include the water consumption costs and other additional charges. It might seem impossible to change the cost, but you can always cut down on usage by changing your daily water consumption habits.
In Australia, easy access to clean water often leads to it being taken for granted. The country has one of the highest per capita water usage rates globally, and as the population grows, demand continues to rise. With unpredictable weather patterns and the impacts of global warming, conserving water is more important than ever.
In this blog, we discuss several strategies that you can adopt to conserve water and reduce your expenses.
Tips for Cutting Your Water Expenses
Laundry
Around 15-20% of household water is consumed for laundry, however, you can always manage this consumption by following these tips:
- Use a front-loading washing machine, as it can use up to 60% less water than traditional top-loaders.
- Customise the water level and temperature to match the capacity. If possible, choose the economy mode to optimise the washing cycle.
- Treat tough stains beforehand to refrain from repeating the washing process.
- When handwashing clothes, use a moderate amount of soap to reduce the need for excessive rinsing.
- Look out for signs of leaks. Generally, the lifespan of a washing machine ranges between 7 and 13 years. Even though you have maintained it properly, you should always be prepared for the potential. You can contact Melbourne plumbers at https://neighbourhoodplumbing.com.au/ for a reliable solution.
Cleaning Vehicles
Cleaning your vehicle can lead to excessive water use. Below are some ways to get it clean while using less water:
- To set limits, take a bucket of water or a hose that has a flexible trigger nozzle. You can easily spray or stop the flow by pressing and releasing the trigger.
- Recycle the wastewater from your showers and air conditioning units by collecting it in a storage tank, then use it to clean your wheels. This way, you can reduce water waste while maintaining your vehicle.
- Occasionally use a gentle cloth and waterless car wash products for less water consumption.
Cooking and dishwashing
Homeowners spend 10% of their water usage in the kitchen to prepare meals and wash the dishes afterwards. Below is what you can do to reduce your water bills:
- Place a container below your vegetables or fruits when you want to clean them. With this method, the water you collect in the box can be reused for other purposes like feeding the plants in your yard.
- Pour just enough water when boiling vegetables, then cover with a lid to heat them quickly.
- When washing dishes by hand, avoid running the tap continuously. Instead, turn off the tap while scrubbing each dish and only turn on the water when necessary for rinsing. Keeping the water off between steps can save a significant amount of water and help lower your water bill.
- If you utilise a dishwasher, make sure that it is the water-efficient type and that it is fully loaded when operating.
Alternatively, you can hire a plumber in Melbourne to install a flow-controlled aerator on your kitchen tap, which can reduce water consumption by up to 50%.
Bathroom use
This place is where most of the household water goes. Many homeowners unconsciously take water for granted to maintain personal hygiene. A simple change to your bathroom habits, as follows, can make a significant cost reduction in your monthly expenses.
- Replacing your old showerhead with a water-efficient model can reduce water flow without sacrificing performance.
- Though relaxing, cutting down your shower time can help conserve litres of water every day.
- A leaking tap or showerhead may seem like a small issue, but over time, it can waste gallons of water. Regularly check for leaks and fix them immediately to prevent water loss.
- Instead of keeping the water running when brushing your teeth, you can use a cup of water.
Conclusion
By making small adjustments to your daily water usage habits, you can significantly reduce your water bill and contribute to the ongoing efforts to conserve this valuable resource. Hiring a professional plumber in Melbourne from Neighbourhood Plumbing can ensure that your plumbing system is running efficiently, helping to identify and fix any issues that could lead to water wastage.
As we face rising costs and the challenges of climate change, being conscious of how much water we use not only saves money but also helps protect the environment for future generations. Start implementing these simple changes today and see the difference in your monthly expenses.
