Have you noticed a sudden increase in your water bills? It could be because of changes in the rates from your local utility company. In Kelowna, water rates have increased slightly in each of the last two years. However, that increase should have been offset at least somewhat by the water usage restrictions that are currently in place.
If you have been diligently playing by the rules and your bills continue to climb, here are some ways you can cut your water costs, and help preserve this precious resource while you’re at it.
Check the Toilets
Most people don’t give the toilet much thought until it’s not working as it should in a time of great need. If you find yourself constantly flipping down the flapper to stop a running toilet, it’s time to replace some parts.
Don’t have the tools or the time to do this job yourself? Feel free to contact a local plumber to get the assistance you need.
Outdoor Water Connections
Did you remember to turn off the water to the outdoor connections and drain the pipes last winter? If the water was left on as the temperatures dipped below zero, there could be a cracked pipe. A dip in the water pressure outside lets you know that this is a good place to start looking.
Watch for Slow Leaks
Everybody has heard the annoying drip, drip, drip of a tap after tucking into bed at night. Don’t ignore it! A slow leak can affect your water bills. If it’s a hot water leak, it can affect your electricity bills too. Fixing a leaking tap can save money, not to mention helping you sleep at night.
Consider Water Saving Taps
It may be too expensive to consider changing all of the plumbing fixtures and toilets to ones designed to save water at once. However, if you have fixtures that are due for replacement anyway, it’s worth investigating new ones that use less water. Low-flow toilets and water-saving shower heads can go a long way to cutting your water costs. In fact, you can probably save enough make it worthwhile to have a professional plumber handle the installation!
We’re all trying to conserve water in here in Kelowna. Addressing sources of wasted water in your home is one more way you can do your part. If you need a local plumber to help you implement any of the suggestions above, give us a call at (250) 681-0089.
