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Last Revised: 2/7/2025
Have you ever stood at the sink or shower, waiting forever for hot water, and wondered how many gallons are being wasted right in front of you? If you’re tired of watching your money go straight down the drain month after month, you’re not alone.
While the sources of wasted water aren’t always that obvious, they can add up quickly and lead to jaw-dropping water bills. The good news is that, with a few smart upgrades and small habit changes, you can cut your usage, lower your bills, and keep your home running more efficiently.
At Mattioni, our master plumbers have spent over 75 years helping homeowners tackle high water bills and inefficient plumbing. We’ve seen firsthand the small, but costly, mistakes that add up fast.
In this article, you’ll discover 10 practical ways to cut your water usage and keep your bills in check. You’ll learn some tried and true strategies, as well as some unexpected solutions to the problem.
We kick things off with one of the biggest sources of wasted water: toilets.
10 Ways to Save Water and Lower Bills
1. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Toilet
Toilets account for close to 30% of all household water usage, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and if your toilet is over 20 years old or has a silent leak, it’s likely using way more water than necessary.
Older models can use up to 6 gallons per flush, but with a newer, high-efficiency toilet, that number is reduced to 1.28 (or less) without sacrificing any flushing power. That’s a big difference when you think about how many times your toilet gets used every single day. In fact, it’s a difference of about 13,000 gallons per year.
If you’re still flushing an outdated model in your home, replacing it with a WaterSense-certified toilet can significantly lower your monthly water bill.
2. Use a Low-Flow Showerhead
A long, hot shower might be a relaxing remedy to a long day – until you realize how much water is pouring out of that showerhead. Standard models can use up to 2.5 gallons per minute, while a low-flow showerhead can deliver the same shower quality while only using 1.5 gallons per minute.
Over the course of a year, that simple upgrade could save thousands of gallons of water. Of course, taking shorter showers is always an easy way to limit water usage, but upgrading to a low-flow showerhead is another simple step to lower your water bill.
3. Don’t Wait to Address Leaks in Pipes & Fixtures
A dripping faucet may not seem urgent, but even a slow drip can waste several gallons of water every day. The same goes for small pipe leaks under sinks, behind walls, or in your basement.
Small issues can lead to a seemingly inexplicable increase in water bills, not to mention costly water damage if left unaddressed. Fixing leaks promptly is one of the easiest ways to reduce wasted water and protect your home.
4. Schedule Plumbing Inspections Annually
Not all leaks are obvious. An uninspected slow-dripping pipe inside a wall or a hidden underground leak can waste water indefinitely without you even realizing it. That’s just one of the reasons why annual plumbing inspections are so important.
A professional can spot inefficiencies and minor leaks throughout your home before they turn into major (and costly) problems. For instance, bringing a plumber into your home can make sure your water heater is still in sound condition and not at risk of failing. They’ll also test your water quality to make sure that it’s safe for both you and your plumbing system.
The benefits that come from annual plumbing inspections are far-reaching, so don’t hesitate to bring in professional assistance as you search for ways to lower your water bill.
5. Invest in a High-Efficiency Water Heater
Your water heater regularly stays full of 40 to 100 gallons of water, depending on the tank size. If it’s not running efficiently, that means you’ll have to wait for the tap to warm up either at the sink or in the shower – and all that water goes straight down the drain and onto your bill.
High-efficiency options not only save on fuel costs, but they deliver hotter water faster, leading to less waste. Whether it’s a tankless, hybrid (heat pump), or other ENERGY STAR-certified models, investing in a high-efficiency water heater can lower your bills and ensure you always have hot water when you need it.
6. Flush Your Water Heater Regularly
Sediment buildup inside your water heater doesn’t only lead to constant delays when getting hot water at your faucet – it also makes the system work harder, using more water and energy. Flushing your water heater once a year removes eliminates this buildup, extending the lifespan of your system, improving performance, and enhancing efficiency. If it’s been a while since you last flushed yours, it might be time to call a plumber.
7. Install a Leak Detection System
Leaks can be sneaky, sometimes popping up in places that you can’t easily see. Many times, you won’t notice them until they’ve already done damage and wasted a significant amount of water.
A smart leak detection system can monitor water flow in your home, alerting you to unusual usage patterns or potential leaks before they spiral out of control. Some advanced systems can even shut off your water automatically if a major leak is detected. It’s a small investment for some serious peace of mind.
8. Make an Effort to Use Less Water and Track Results
Taking shorter showers, washing dishes without constantly running water, limiting toilet flushes, and filling your dishwasher before running it are all excellent habits for those who have set lowering their water bill as a financial goal.
Most people have no idea how much water they use until they investigate the total numbers on their water bill. Many people don’t realize, however, that utility providers often offer online tracking tools that let you monitor usage over time, helping you spot patterns and identify areas where you can cut back as you go.
Installing a smart water meter is another great way to get real-time data on consumption, making it easier to stay on top of usage and appliance efficiency. When you pay attention to the impact of small changes, it’s easier to stay motivated to continue to save water.
Make a Change Today, Save on Water Tomorrow
Saving water is about more than just cutting costs – it’s about improving your home’s efficiency, preventing costly repairs, extending the lifespans of appliances, and conserving a vital natural resource.
Quick fixes, like swapping out your showerhead for a more efficient model, are great ways to get started. And when it comes time to replace your water heater, choosing a high-efficiency model is another excellent way to cut your home’s water consumption.
Staying aware of your water consumption habits by checking your provider’s tracking tool can also help you stay motivated to use less water in your daily routine.
If you’re searching for expert guidance on plumbing improvements, leak detection systems, or inspections and maintenance, Mattioni’s team is always here to help. To schedule a consultation with one of our master plumbers, call our friendly staff at (610) 400-8510, or book an appointment directly online.
A lower water bill tomorrow starts with small changes today – so don’t wait to take action.
