Simple Plumbing Practices to Lower Your Water Bill

You’ve tried everything to lower your water bill in your Orange County home. Your family doesn’t dare to spend one minute longer than necessary in the shower, but your water usage and bill continue to rise.

It’s driving you up a wall more than when your kids thought the furniture was the perfect canvas for permanent marker stick figures. You can’t even relax during your shower time since the water pressure has been so low.

Before you try to lower your water usage further to get your water bill down, you might want to consider that there is a hidden water leak or other plumbing issue making your water bill skyrocket.

Leaks can siphon thousands of gallons of water away from your sinks and showers. Preventive care and necessary upgrades can eliminate potential damage, saving your home and your water bill.

Upgrades and Practices to Save on Water Usage and Utilities

  1. Install an Emergency Water Shut-Off Device – Leaks can account for thousands of gallons of water escaping from your pipes. A smart water monitor and shut-off device is attached to your main water line and can automatically shut off your water if it detects a leak as small as a dime!
  2. Install a Water Softener – It’s no secret that the water quality in Orange County isn’t amazing. Hard water doesn’t pose a serious health risk to you and your family, but the same can’t be said for your plumbing appliances. Pipes and appliances that are continuously exposed to hard water are prone to problems ranging from minor clogs to complete system breakdowns. Hard water refers to water that is full of abrasive minerals like calcium and magnesium. These harsh materials can break down rubber attachments in your plumbing, creating even more issues down the line. A water softener reduces these minerals, adding ions like hydrogen, potassium, and sodium so your pipes can stay clean and unobstructed!
  3. Install a Water Filtration System – Sometimes, the water in Orange County is like eating food from a toddler—it’s mostly harmless, but you’d rather not consume it. Tests have shown Orange County water has over 40 chemicals that you probably don’t want in your body or your plumbing. A whole-home water filtration system filters out sediment and other minerals that build up in your water heater, sinks, showerheads, and pipes. That build-up can reduce efficiency, cause clogs, and degrade the integrity of your system.
  4. Upgrade Your Pressure Regulator – Pressure regulators last for 3-5 years before they need to be replaced to maintain proper water pressure. Your home’s water pressure shouldn’t drop below 45 psi or go above 70 psi. Low water pressure reduces efficiency, while high water pressure can create leaks and tears in your plumbing fixtures.
  5. Schedule Annual Plumbing Inspections – Since your plumbing system is almost always in use, burst pipes and leaks are common. Annual inspections can help you catch any problems before they lead to a leaky disaster! Thanks to advancements in leak detection technology, we use microphones, amplifiers, and cameras to check your plumbing and sewage systems without invasive procedures.

Rain or Shine, Barker & Sons Has You Covered

Sometimes, surprises are just that—surprises. If you wake up to flooding, you can count on our 24/7 emergency plumbing to save you from a sticky situation. When it comes to plumbing and sewage, our technicians are always ready to assist you with prompt service and expertise.

A mother knows the endless frustration of always cleaning up after your kids. That’s why our technicians are also great at leaving your home as clean as—or even cleaner—than they found it. If you’re ready to improve the quality of your plumbing and water AND save money, give us a call. We can help you find the solution that best fits your home and your family’s needs.