As temperatures warm up in the spring, you can typically expect to see your water bill creep higher. One of the most significant reasons for this is because of extra water usage for lawn care and other exterior purposes. However, there are other reasons why your water bill may be higher during these seasons. Water waste is significant and problematic in many homes in the spring and summer. A closer look reveals how you may be able to rein in your water bills and save a substantial amount of money in the months ahead.

Identify and Repair Leaky Pipes

Once freezing temperatures have abated, any pipes that have ruptured over the winter may begin leaking water. Some of these issues are immediately apparent in the home. However, if the leaks are in your sprinkler system or other exterior pipes, they can be difficult to identify. Schedule plumbing maintenance in early spring to identify and repair these issues. Plumbing maintenance is also a smart way to address toilets that run frequently, slow drips in the bathroom faucet and other issues that can contribute to water waste in the home.

Upgrade Your Sprinkler System

If your sprinkler system is older or basic, it may not be equipped with weather sensors. Advanced systems can detect rain, humidity, temperature and other factors to determine how frequently your lawn requires hydration. This prevents you from wasting water by running a sprinkler when hydration is not yet needed.

Harvest and Use Rainwater

Another effective way to reduce water waste at home and to save money in the process is to invest in a rainwater collection system. By attaching a collection feature, such as a rain barrel, to the downspout on your gutter system, rain that falls onto your roof can be captured. When you need to wash your car, water your garden by hand or use water for other similar outdoor purposes, you can use this free water rather than paying money to tap into the public water supply

When the concept of reducing your water bill originally came to mind, you may have thought about needing to make stressful and inconvenient changes in how you use water. While you could save money by cutting your time in the shower by half, you can see that there are easier ways to save water. Identify how each of these tips may apply to your home, and implement them today to enjoy immediate results.