The average water bill in Virginia is about $70 per month, but with a few smart adjustments, you can significantly lower that amount. Whether you’re trying to cut costs or reduce your environmental footprint, there are several ways to save on water bills in your home. Let’s explore practical tips and tricks to help you reduce your water usage and keep your bills in check.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Water Heater
Older water heaters tend to be less energy-efficient, which can cause your water bill to rise over time. Newer, high-efficiency water heaters use up to 50% less energy than older models, which can make a noticeable difference in your utility bills. Since most water heaters last an average of 13 years, replacing an outdated unit with an energy-efficient one is a smart investment.
A high-efficiency water heater helps reduce energy consumption, and the savings you get from lower utility bills often offset the initial installation cost.
Consider Installing a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters, also known as demand water heaters, only heat water when you need it, making them much more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters with storage tanks. If your household uses less than 41 gallons of hot water per day, a tankless water heater can save you anywhere from 24% to 34% on your energy bill, according to Energy.gov.
While savings can vary based on usage, tankless units typically save around $70 to $100 per year in energy costs. If your family uses a lot of hot water, the savings over time could be even greater.
Schedule Routine Plumbing Maintenance
Regular plumbing maintenance can help your plumbing system run more efficiently, preventing problems that could increase your water bills. When pipes, faucets, and fixtures are well-maintained, water flows more smoothly, and leaks or drips are less likely to go unnoticed.
Consider investing in a plumbing maintenance plan, which typically includes annual inspections and discounts on services. Proper maintenance can also extend the life of your plumbing and save you money on repairs in the long run.
Address Water Leaks Immediately
Water leaks are one of the most common reasons for higher-than-normal water bills. Leaks can occur anywhere in your plumbing system, but some common spots include:
- Around toilets
- Under sinks
- At the base of the water heater
- In showers and tubs
- Around exterior faucets
Small leaks can waste a surprising amount of water and drive up your water bill. If you notice signs of water leaks, such as damp spots, mold, or higher bills, contact a professional plumber for immediate repair. Early detection and repair can prevent further damage and reduce water waste.
Conserve Water with Simple Changes
There are many everyday habits that can help reduce your water consumption. With just a few adjustments, you could cut back by as much as 25%, saving up to $300 annually on your water bill. Here are some simple ways to conserve water at home:
- Only flush your toilet for human waste.
- Limit shower time.
- Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead of running the tap.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Run your dishwasher and laundry machines only when full.
- Opt for cold water when doing laundry.
- Water your lawn only when necessary.
By making a few small changes, everyone in your household can help reduce water consumption and lower your monthly bill.
Use Green Solutions During Kitchen or Bathroom Remodels
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, consider investing in water-saving fixtures and appliances. High-efficiency toilets, low-flow showerheads, and water-saving faucets can reduce water use without compromising comfort.
You can also opt for energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines. These “green” solutions may cost more upfront but will save you money over time with lower water and energy bills.
Install a Water Softener
Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can make it harder to clean your skin, hair, and dishes, leading to wasted water. Installing a water softener can help. Soft water allows soap and detergents to work more effectively, so you don’t need to use as much water to wash your clothes, dishes, or yourself.
A water softener can save you money by improving the efficiency of your water usage, making it easier to clean and reduce wear on appliances like your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher.
Schedule Plumbing Services in Sterling, VA
If you’re ready to lower your water bills and improve the efficiency of your plumbing system, Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air is here to help. We offer comprehensive plumbing services in Sterling, Virginia, including water heater replacement, plumbing maintenance, and leak detection. Our team can assist you in making your home more water-efficient and ensuring your plumbing system operates at its best.
Contact us today for an in-home assessment and get an estimate on plumbing work that can help you save on water bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
My water bill is unusually high — how do I tell if it’s a usage problem or something a plumber should look at?
Start by checking your water meter, then turn off all fixtures and watch whether the meter still moves. If it does, you likely have a leak somewhere contributing to the spike. If the meter is steady, the increase is probably tied to actual usage, and looking at water-intensive appliances like the water heater or toilet fill valves can help you find where to cut back.
Why do water heater upgrades help with the water bill and not just the energy bill?
Older water heaters that take longer to deliver hot water often keep the tap running longer, which adds up on the water side. An inefficient unit also loses heat faster, triggering more heating cycles that shorten the tank’s lifespan and keep energy costs elevated. A high-efficiency or tankless model addresses both the energy and water waste at the same time.
Is a tankless water heater the right choice for every household?
Tankless water heaters work best in households where hot water demand is spread throughout the day rather than concentrated in one heavy-use window. Homes with one or two people who stagger their showers tend to see the most savings. In larger households with simultaneous high-demand usage, proper sizing matters a lot, and a plumber can help you choose the right setup for your family’s patterns.
How does hard water affect water consumption and plumbing efficiency?
Hard water mineral deposits narrow pipe diameters over time, which reduces flow and often leads people to run water longer to get adequate pressure. Scale buildup in water heaters also makes them work harder and heat water less efficiently. A water softener addresses both problems and helps appliances perform closer to their original specs for longer.
Can a dripping faucet really make a meaningful difference on my water bill?
A faucet dripping once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year, which adds up noticeably on a utility bill. Multiple small drips across several fixtures can easily account for a $10 to $20 monthly increase without any obvious cause. Fixing drips is usually a straightforward repair that pays for itself quickly.
What’s one plumbing habit that consistently helps homeowners keep their water bills lower over time?
Scheduling an annual plumbing inspection is the most reliable way to catch slow leaks, identify fixtures running less efficiently than they should, and make sure water pressure isn’t running high enough to waste water or stress your pipes. Most homeowners find that catching one small issue during an inspection more than covers the cost of the visit.
Last Updated: 05/01/2026
