How to Lower Your Sewer Bill in an Apartment

Sewer bills are a significant part of monthly utility expenses for apartment residents, often tied directly to water usage. Managing and reducing this cost requires informed awareness, diligent habits, and effective communication with property management. Adopting practical strategies can help lower your expenses and conserve water.

Understanding Apartment Sewer Billing

Sewer charges for apartment residents are typically calculated based on water consumption. This direct link makes water conservation a primary strategy for reducing sewer costs. Average monthly sewer bills in the United States range from approximately $14 to over $135, depending on location and usage.

Apartment complexes often use two main billing methods for water and sewer: master metering or submetering. With master metering, a single meter measures the entire building’s water usage, and the landlord typically pays the utility company directly. Your sewer cost might then be included in your rent or allocated through a ratio utility billing system (RUBS), which divides the total bill among units based on factors like occupancy or apartment size. Submetering involves individual meters for each unit, allowing tenants to be billed directly for their actual water and sewer consumption. This method encourages conservation as residents see the direct financial impact of their usage.

To understand your specific billing structure, examine your lease agreement, review past utility statements, or contact your property manager directly. Your lease should outline how water and sewer charges are handled, whether through direct billing, inclusion in rent, or a calculated allocation. Knowing this information is the first step in identifying opportunities for savings.

Practicing Water Conservation Habits

Adopting water-saving habits in your daily routine can directly reduce water consumption and, consequently, your sewer bill. Simple adjustments in how you use water lead to significant savings over time. For instance, taking shorter showers, limiting them to five minutes, substantially decreases water usage. Installing a low-flow showerhead further reduces consumption without sacrificing water pressure, potentially saving gallons with every use.

In the bathroom, avoid letting the tap run unnecessarily, such as while brushing your teeth or shaving; turning off the water during these brief periods saves several gallons daily. For toilets, which are significant water users, avoid flushing tissues or small trash items, as each flush can waste several gallons. In the kitchen, run dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full to maximize efficiency and avoid wasting water on half-loads. When washing fruits and vegetables, use a bowl of water instead of letting the faucet run continuously, and consider reusing this water for plants.

Identifying and Reporting Leaks

Undetected water leaks can significantly increase your sewer bill, as even small drips waste considerable amounts of water over time. A dripping faucet, for example, can waste 15 gallons a day, totaling thousands of gallons annually. Similarly, a running toilet can silently waste hundreds of gallons daily. Regularly checking for leaks is an important step in managing your water usage.

To check for a leaky toilet, perform a simple dye test: add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank. Wait about 20 to 30 minutes without flushing; if colored water appears in the bowl, there is a leak, often from a worn flapper valve. For faucets, inspect for visible drips or moisture around the spout and base. You can also place a dry paper towel under the faucet overnight to detect slow, unnoticeable leaks. Once a leak is identified, promptly report it to your property management in writing, including details about the location and type of leak. Landlords are generally responsible for addressing issues stemming from structural failures or faulty plumbing systems, provided tenants report them in a timely manner.

Communicating with Property Management

Engaging with property management beyond reporting leaks can contribute to lower sewer bills and promote water conservation within your apartment complex. Initiate conversations to understand the building’s water usage patterns or inquire about community-wide conservation initiatives. Property managers often track water consumption for the entire building and may have insights into areas of high usage.

You might also discuss the possibility of installing water-saving fixtures in your unit, such as low-flow aerators for faucets or more efficient showerheads, if these are not already in place. While landlords are generally responsible for maintaining habitable properties, some may be receptive to upgrades that can reduce the building’s overall utility costs in the long run. Some jurisdictions also require landlords to ensure that replacement water-using fixtures are efficient. Open communication helps ensure that both residents and management work collaboratively towards efficient water use, benefiting everyone through reduced expenses and resource conservation.