Plumbing Statistics You Should Know Before You Take That Long Shower

If you've been shocked by your monthly water bill, you may need to make a few plumbing fixes and adjustments to your water usage. Many people take long showers or soak in the bathtub for hours without realizing exactly how much water they're using. While lots of people are trying to keep sustainability in mind and worry about overusing water for environmental purposes, trust us when we say there are other reasons why you should reconsider how much water you're using. The reality is that water is more expensive than you might think, and you will pay for excessive usage.

With that being said, let's look into some of the reasons why you should change your approach to your plumbing system. You may be surprised by how easy it is for those bills to get out of hand.

1. Families Use Thousands of Gallons of Water

Yes, you read that correctly. The typical American family will use thousands of gallons of water every month. This isn't even necessarily excessive; rather, it's fairly normal. According to the EPA, the average American family of four will go through about 400 gallons of water per day. Keep in mind that we do go through water shortages and droughts on a global scale. This water is potentially being wasted, and it's also running up your bill.

2. The Price of Water Varies

According to Home Water Works, the average American shower uses approximately 16 gallons and lasts for 8 minutes. There is not a set, evenly regulated price of water. Rather, prices will vary depending on where you live. So don't assume that because you paid less for water in your hometown, you'll be able to use the same amount of water at the same rate if you move.

3. Small Leaks Matter

Those seemingly minor water leaks do matter in terms of how much water you use and how much money you spend on it. According to Comfy Living, it's estimated that small leaks waste about 10,000 gallons of water per year. If leaks are fixed, you can potentially lower your bill by 10% per month.

Unlicensed plumbers can potentially wreak havoc on your home. Plumbing materials are very expensive to both fix and replace, so you should avoid risking damage caused by inexperienced, unlicensed plumbers. Damaged plumbing can lead to issues in other areas of your home. Be sure to hire insured professionals to perform your plumbing services.

Now that you understand how important these plumbing fixes are, start researching licensed plumbers in your area. The sooner you begin, the better!