How to Lower Your Water Bill and Save Money Every Month

If your water bill feels higher than it should be, you're not imagining it. Water rates across Brevard County have gone up steadily over the past few years, and many Melbourne FL homeowners are paying more than they need to. The good news? There are straightforward things you can do to bring that number down -- and some of them won't cost you a dime.

But here's the thing we really want you to hear: if your bill suddenly spikes and you can't explain why, call us right away at (321) 626-6153. You might have a hidden leak that's costing you money and damaging your home every single day it goes undetected.

When a High Water Bill Means Trouble

A water bill that jumps up unexpectedly is often the first sign of a plumbing problem. And we're not talking about a dripping faucet -- we're talking about leaks that can be completely invisible. Pipes running under your slab, through walls, or underground in your yard can crack, corrode, or separate at joints without you ever seeing a drop of water.

Tree roots are a common culprit here on the Space Coast. They push against foundations and underground pipes, eventually causing cracks. You could be losing hundreds of gallons a day straight into the ground. By the time you notice, the damage to your foundation or flooring can be significant.

We've responded to leak detection calls in Palm Bay and Rockledge where homeowners had been overpaying on their water bill for months before they realized something was wrong. The sooner you catch it, the less it costs to fix.

The Water Meter Test

Here's a simple trick every homeowner should know. Turn off every water source in your home -- faucets, dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, irrigation, everything. Then go check your water meter. Write down the reading, wait 30 minutes without using any water, and check it again.

If the number changed, you've got a leak somewhere. That's when you call a professional for slab leak detection or a full plumbing inspection. Don't try to find it yourself -- modern leak detection equipment can pinpoint the exact location without tearing up your floors or walls.

Snowbirds and Part-Time Residents: Pay Attention

A lot of people on the Space Coast only live in their home part of the year. If you're a snowbird or split your time between states, your empty home is especially vulnerable. A slow leak that starts in April can cause months of damage before you're back in October.

Before you leave for the season, have a plumber do a quick inspection. Consider shutting off your main water valve while you're away, or at minimum, have a neighbor or property manager keep an eye on your water bill. A small monthly monitoring effort can prevent a disaster.

Practical Ways to Cut Your Water Usage

• Fix drips and running toilets fast. A single leaky faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons per year. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day -- that's not a typo.
• Install WaterSense fixtures. Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators cut water use by 30% or more and you won't notice a difference in pressure. These are cheap and easy upgrades.
• Run full loads only. Wait until your dishwasher and washing machine are full before running them. Partial loads use almost as much water as full ones.
• Upgrade old toilets. If your toilets are from the 1990s or earlier, they're using 3-5 gallons per flush. Modern dual-flush toilets use as little as 0.8 gallons. That adds up fast for a family.
• Check your irrigation system. In Florida, outdoor watering is often the biggest water expense. Make sure your sprinklers aren't watering the sidewalk, and adjust your timer for the season.
• Schedule a plumbing inspection. An annual plumbing check-up catches small problems before they become expensive ones. Think of it like an oil change for your house.

Consider a Smart Water Monitor

Smart home water monitors have come a long way. Devices that attach to your main water line can track usage in real time, send alerts to your phone when they detect unusual flow, and some can even shut off your water automatically if a major leak is detected. For snowbirds and vacation homeowners on the Space Coast, this kind of technology can be a real lifesaver.

If you're interested in having one installed, give us a call. We can recommend the right system for your home and handle the installation.