It’s no surprise that water bills tend to spike in the summer. Between keeping the lawn green, filling the pool, and doing extra laundry after outdoor fun, your home’s water use can climb fast. But just because water usage increases doesn’t mean your bill has to.
With the right plumbing fixes, Snellville homeowners can enjoy all the perks of summer while keeping utility costs under control. Here are six smart plumbing solutions that can help you cut down your water bills this summer without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
1. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures
- Old faucets, showerheads, and toilets can waste gallons of water each day. Swapping them out for low-flow models is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce household water usage.
- Low-flow showerheads can cut water use in half while maintaining strong pressure.
- WaterSense-labeled faucets reduce flow without affecting performance.
- High-efficiency toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, compared to older models that use up to 5 gallons.
- Upgrading to water-saving fixtures is an investment that pays off quickly in lower water bills—especially during peak-use months.
2. Fix Leaks—Even the Tiny Ones
A dripping faucet or a slow-running toilet may not seem like a big deal, but these small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons over the course of a month. In fact, the EPA estimates that household leaks waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year in the average home. What to watch for:
- Constantly running toilets
- Dripping faucets or outdoor hose bibs
- Damp spots under sinks or near pipes
- Unexpected spikes in water usage
Leak detection and repair is one of the fastest ways to stop the waste and bring your water bill down. Our Snellville plumbers can help you track down hidden leaks and provide fast, lasting repairs.
3. Install an Efficient Irrigation System
Watering your lawn and garden is a major contributor to high summer water bills, but it doesn’t have to be. An efficient irrigation system can dramatically reduce water waste. Tips for water-wise landscaping:
- Use drip irrigation for flower beds and gardens to deliver water directly to the roots.
- Install smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions.
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
If you’re still watering with a handheld hose or outdated sprinkler, an upgrade could save you hundreds over the summer.
4. Adjust Water Heater Settings
Your water heater plays a bigger role in your water bill than you might think. If it’s set too high, not only are you wasting energy, you may also be using more water as you mix cold to balance out the temperature. Set your water heater to 120°F for optimal efficiency. If your heater is more than 10–15 years old, it may also be worth exploring a high-efficiency replacement, such as a tankless model.
5. Use Appliances Efficiently
The dishwasher and washing machine are two of your home’s biggest water users. To save water:
- Only run full loads.
- Use eco or water-saving cycles when available.
- Upgrade to ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, which use significantly less water and energy.
Consider holding off on heavy laundry days during the hottest afternoons to avoid peak energy demand, too.
6. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Sometimes, the best way to save is to get a professional eye on your entire system. Our Snellville plumbing team offers full-home inspections that can identify leaks, outdated fixtures, inefficient appliances, and other water-wasting issues.
Contact Scaran today to schedule an appointment with our professionals for your plumbing service.
