How to Lower Your Sewer Bill: Proven Methods
Reduce your sewer bill significantly. Gain insights into water use and discover actionable steps to achieve long-term savings.
Sewer bills represent a substantial portion of household expenses, often tied to water consumption. Understanding how these charges are levied and implementing strategies to reduce water usage can lead to noticeable savings. This article provides actionable methods to help lower your sewer bill by focusing on consumption, identifying waste, adopting water-saving practices, and reviewing utility statements.
Understanding Your Sewer Bill Calculation
Sewer bills are typically calculated based on your household’s water usage. Most water supplied to a property eventually enters the wastewater system, and utility providers often use the same water meter readings for both water and sewer charges. This means every gallon of water consumed contributes to your sewer expense.
Bills commonly include both fixed and variable charges. Fixed charges are base fees covering administrative costs and infrastructure maintenance, remaining constant regardless of water use. Variable charges fluctuate with the amount of water consumed, often measured in units like CCF (centum cubic feet). Some utilities may calculate residential sewer bills based on average winter water usage to avoid charging for outdoor water use, such as lawn irrigation. Checking with your local utility provider can clarify their specific billing methodology, including variations like increasing block rates where the cost per unit of water increases after certain consumption thresholds.
Identifying and Eliminating Water Waste
Even minor leaks can lead to significant water waste and higher sewer bills. A dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons annually, while a continuously running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons daily. Detecting these hidden leaks is crucial for managing consumption.
To check for a silent toilet leak, add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank. Wait 15 to 30 minutes without flushing; if colored water appears in the bowl, a leak is present. For faucets, look for visible drips or puddles and check around the base for moisture. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent substantial water loss.
Implementing Water-Saving Practices
Beyond fixing leaks, adopting water-saving habits and installing efficient fixtures can further reduce your sewer bill. Toilets are a major source of indoor water use. Replacing older, inefficient toilets with low-flow models can lead to substantial savings. Many modern low-flow toilets offer dual-flush options, providing different water volumes for liquid and solid waste.
Upgrading to low-flow showerheads, which typically operate at 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or less, can reduce water usage during showers. Behavioral changes also contribute to savings, such as taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, and running washing machines and dishwashers only when full. Choosing appliances with water efficiency certifications, like the ENERGY STAR label, ensures they consume less water and energy.
Reviewing Your Bill and Utility Options
Regularly reviewing your sewer bill ensures accuracy and helps identify potential issues. Compare your current usage to previous billing periods to spot any unexplained spikes. If you notice a significant increase without a corresponding change in water use, contact your utility provider.
Many utility companies offer leak adjustment policies, providing relief for high bills caused by repaired leaks. These policies often require proof of repair. Some utilities also offer programs like separate meters for outdoor irrigation, which can prevent outdoor water use from being included in sewer calculations, or assistance programs for eligible customers. Inquiring about these options can help manage costs and ensure fair billing.