Living on an island is great until you get your water bill in the mail. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your way of life to cut those monthly payments. After years of looking under sinks and behind water meters, plumber Hawaii Kai suggest the following:
1. Find and fix the sneaky leaks.
A running toilet or a faucet that barely drips might waste hundreds of gallons of water per month. If you hear “phantom flushes” or hissing sounds coming from the toilet, it means the seal needs to be replaced. Look under sinks for slow leaks; even a wet cabinet is a sign that something is wrong. Plumbers may pressure-test your pipes and find leaks that you might not be able to see.
2. Get new fixtures
Modern toilets, showerheads, and faucets use a lot less water than older ones. Changing to WaterSense-labeled fixtures can save water use by as much as 30%. Don’t know where to begin? A lot of Hawaii Kai plumbers suggest dual-flush toilets and showerheads that don’t use a lot of water but yet feel good.
3. Take shorter showers
It may sound old-fashioned, but cutting back just a few minutes saves liters every day. Set a timer or make it a game to finish before your favorite song ends if you have teens or if you are one yourself.
4. Only Run Full Loads
Always wait until you have a full load of laundry and dishes. Washing only a few loads at a time wastes water and energy. Need a little more help? When modern washers and dishwashers are full, they clean better.
5. Take care of the garden
Using water outside adds up rapidly. Water your plants and lawns in the early morning or late evening so that less water evaporates in the heat of the day. A lot of Hawaii Kai plumbers also put in rain catchment or drip irrigation systems that send water straight to the roots.
6. Be Careful with Old Pipes
Pipes that are rusted or fractured let water leak underground, where you might not notice the problem until you get the bill. Plumbers can use moisture meters and even tiny cameras to look for leaks that aren’t easy to see.
7. Think about checking your water meter
Your meter can be your best buddy if your bill unexpectedly goes up. Check the meter after turning off all of the appliances that use water. It’s time to look for leaks if it keeps moving.
8. Cover the hot water pipes
Older, exposed lines lose heat quickly, so you have to run the tap and wait. Insulating such pipes will help you get hot water faster and waste less.
9. Get an audit of your whole house
Don’t guess—plumbers can figure out how much water you use, find ways to save money, and suggest specific renovations or fixes that would save you money.
The ocean is always free, while city water costs a lot. You can keep your water cost down by making a few changes around the house and paying attention to what’s going on behind the walls. You might even want to get an additional shave ice instead.