How to Save Money on Your Sewer Bill

Sewer bills represent a considerable portion of household expenses, covering the essential services of collecting, treating, and safely disposing of wastewater from homes. This charge ensures that water used indoors is properly managed after it goes down drains and toilets. Understanding the components of this bill and actively managing indoor water consumption are effective strategies for reducing associated costs.

Deciphering Your Sewer Bill

Sewer charges are typically intertwined with your water consumption, as measured by the water meter connected to your property. Utility companies commonly use units like CCF (centum cubic feet) or HCF (hundred cubic feet). Your bill usually outlines two main types of charges: a fixed service charge, which is a base fee, and volumetric charges, calculated based on the amount of water used.

Volumetric charges are determined by multiplying your water usage by a specific rate, often presented per 1,000 gallons or per CCF. Some utility providers base your annual residential sewer charge on your average water use during specific winter months, assuming lower outdoor water usage during this period. This approach means that reducing water consumption in these months can influence your sewer bill for the entire subsequent year. Detailed information about your specific billing method and rates can usually be found by reviewing your utility bill or visiting your local utility’s website.

Reducing Indoor Water Usage

Addressing water leaks promptly is a significant step in managing sewer costs, as even small drips can lead to substantial wasted water and increased bills. Common culprits include running toilets, dripping faucets, and leaky showerheads. To check for a toilet leak, placing a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and waiting about 15-30 minutes without flushing can reveal if colored water appears in the bowl, indicating a leak. Fixing these issues directly reduces the amount of water entering the sewer system.

Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures can also provide long-term savings. Products bearing the WaterSense label, a voluntary program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are certified to be at least 20 percent more water-efficient than standard models while maintaining performance. For instance, WaterSense-labeled toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less, a notable reduction from the federal standard of 1.6 gpf. Similarly, WaterSense-labeled showerheads can save approximately 4 gallons per shower, and faucets can reduce flow to 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) compared to the standard 2.2 gpm.

Beyond fixture upgrades, adopting mindful water-saving habits in daily routines can collectively impact your sewer bill. Taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving, and only running washing machines and dishwashers when they are full loads are simple yet effective practices. These behavioral adjustments minimize the volume of water consumed and, consequently, the amount of wastewater requiring treatment, contributing to lower charges.

Addressing Unexpected High Bills and Special Cases

If your sewer bill suddenly increases without a clear reason, it is advisable to re-check for hidden leaks that might not be immediately visible, such as underground pipe leaks or issues with water heaters. These can significantly impact water usage and subsequently, your sewer charges. Once you have investigated and potentially identified a cause, contacting your local water and sewer utility is an important next step to inquire about the high bill.

Many utilities offer leak adjustment policies, which can provide a one-time reduction on your bill for significant leaks that have been repaired. To qualify for an adjustment, you typically need to submit a formal request and provide proof of repair, such such as a plumber’s invoice or receipts for repair parts. Some policies may require the water usage to exceed a certain threshold and may limit adjustments.

For properties with outdoor water usage that does not enter the sewer system, such as for irrigation, some utilities offer specific programs. This may include eligibility for sewer credits on the portion of water used outdoors or the option to install a separate irrigation meter. An irrigation meter measures outdoor water use independently. It is beneficial to check with your local utility to see if such programs are available in your area.