Simple Ways to Cut Your Water Bill Without Major Changes

Water bills can add up fast, but saving money doesn’t have to mean expensive upgrades or major lifestyle changes. In fact, small adjustments to daily habits can make a big difference.

Want to lower your water bill? Here are some practical, easy-to-implement tips to cut water usage—without sacrificing comfort.

1. Skip Pre-Rinsing Dishes

Most modern dishwashers are designed to clean without pre-rinsing. Scraping off food bits is enough—there’s no need to run the tap before loading. This simple habit can save hundreds of litres of water each year.

2. Catch Water While Waiting for It to Heat or Cool

Whether you’re waiting for the shower to warm up or the tap to run cold, don’t let that water go to waste. Keep a jug or bucket nearby to collect it, then use it for watering plants, cleaning, or even filling the kettle.

3. Fix Dripping Taps and Hidden Leaks

A small leak might not seem like much, but even a slow-dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water per year. Some leaks—especially those in pipes under sinks, behind walls, or underground—often go unnoticed. If your water bill seems higher than usual, it could be a sign of a hidden leak.

4. Only Run Appliances When Full

Dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of water whether they’re full or half-empty. Waiting until you have a full load reduces the number of cycles needed, cutting water and energy usage at the same time.

5. Keep a Jug of Water in the Fridge

Instead of running the tap while waiting for cold water, store a jug in the fridge. You’ll have chilled water ready to go—without wasting a single drop.

6. Time Your Showers

It’s easy to lose track of time in the shower. Setting a timer (or playing a short song) can help keep showers to five minutes or less. Even cutting back by just one minute per shower can save thousands of litres per year.

7. Water Plants in the Morning or Evening

Watering during cooler hours reduces evaporation, meaning your plants absorb more and you use less. A simple switch in timing can lead to significant savings.

8. Use the Right Size Pan for Cooking

Boiling pasta or vegetables? Using a smaller pot means you need less water, which also heats up faster—saving both water and energy.

9. Reuse Cooking Water

Instead of pouring leftover pasta or vegetable water down the drain, let it cool and use it to water your plants. The added nutrients are great for them!

10. Turn Off the Tap While Brushing Your Teeth

Leaving the tap running while brushing can waste up to 6 litres per minute. Simply turning it off when not in use can make a noticeable difference on your bill.

Need Help Reducing Water Waste? We Can Help!

Many water-saving habits are easy to implement, but hidden leaks and inefficient fixtures can cause water waste without you even realising it. Our team at McDonald Trade Network can inspect your plumbing, fix leaks, and recommend simple upgrades to help lower your water bill.

Want to start saving today? Contact us now to schedule a check-up and take control of your water usage!