December 15, 2025
Beyond environmental concerns, efficiently using water in your home can also lead to significant savings on your monthly utility bill.
At On The Ball Plumbing, we believe in smart solutions that benefit both your wallet and the environment. We’re here to show you how easy it can be to make your home more water-efficient. Here are three impactful water efficient upgrades Twin Falls homeowners can consider to start saving every drop and lowering that water bill.
Why Water Conservation Matters in Our Region
Much of our region’s drinking water is drawn from the Snake River Plain Aquifer, a massive but not infinite underground resource. Practicing water conservation helps ensure this vital resource remains healthy and sustainable for future generations in our community.
Beyond the source, there’s a significant amount of energy used to pump, treat, and deliver that water to your home—and then more energy to heat it. This is known as the energy-water nexus. When you save water, you are also reducing your carbon footprint by cutting down on the energy required for these processes. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to save on water bill expenses? Making your home more efficient is a win-win for your wallet and our beautiful Idaho environment.
3 High-Impact Upgrades for a More Efficient Home
You don’t need a full home renovation to make a significant difference in your water consumption. These three targeted upgrades offer excellent returns on your investment by tackling the most common sources of water waste in the home.
1. Upgrade to High-Efficiency Toilets
Toilets are by far the largest source of water use inside most homes, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water consumption. If your home was built before the 1990s, your toilets could be using anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water with every single flush.
Modern high-efficiency toilets (HETs) use 1.28 gallons per flush or less—a 60% savings over older models—without sacrificing performance. Look for fixtures with the EPA’s WaterSense label, which certifies that they meet strict efficiency and performance criteria. Upgrading this one fixture can drastically reduce your household’s water consumption.
2. Install Efficient Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
Taking a refreshing shower doesn’t have to drain your water supply. Traditional showerheads can pour out 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or more. By simply twisting on a WaterSense-labeled showerhead, you can reduce that flow to under 2.0 GPM. These efficient fixtures are engineered to maintain a strong, satisfying spray, so you’ll enjoy your shower just as much while using significantly less water and less energy to heat it. Don’t forget your sink faucets, either; adding inexpensive faucet aerators can reduce their flow by 30% or more.
3. Fix Leaks Promptly
This might seem obvious, but leaks are silent money-wasters. Even a small, persistent drip can waste an astonishing amount of water over time.
- A faucet dripping just once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.
- A constantly running toilet is often caused by a worn-out flapper—an easy and inexpensive fix—but it can waste over 200 gallons of water every day.
- A hidden pipe leak behind a wall or under a slab is the most serious, secretly inflating your water bill and risking serious water damage.
Addressing these leaks immediately is one of the quickest and most effective ways to save on water bill costs. If you suspect a hidden leak, it’s crucial to call a professional for leak detection.
Potential Cost Savings for the Average Family
Just how much can these changes save you? By replacing old, inefficient fixtures with WaterSense-labeled models, the average family can reduce their indoor water usage by 20-30%, leading to substantial savings on their utility bills year after year.
Fixing a serious toilet leak could save you even more. These upgrades aren’t just an initial cost; they are a long-term investment. They pay for themselves over time through lower monthly bills and can even increase the value of your home.
Your Water Efficiency Questions Answered
Q: Do “low-flow” fixtures mean I will have bad water pressure?
A: That’s a common concern, but thankfully, it’s not the case. Modern water-efficient fixtures are engineered to use less water while maintaining a strong, satisfying pressure. They do this by mixing air into the water stream or using innovative nozzle designs. This means you can upgrade your fixtures to save money and water without having to sacrifice a good shower.
Q: Besides fixtures, how can I reduce my water heating costs?
A: Your water heater is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. Besides using less hot water with efficient fixtures, you can reduce water heating costs by insulating the first few feet of pipes coming from your water heater and by checking the tank’s temperature setting. Many are set to 140°F by default, but lowering it to 120°F is safe for most homes and can significantly reduce energy use. If you have an older unit, considering a modern, high-efficiency water heater is also a great long-term investment.
Q: How can I tell if a hidden leak is increasing my utility bill?
A: A hidden leak is a frustrating problem that wastes both water and money. One of the best ways to check for one is to use your water meter. First, make sure all water-using appliances and faucets in your home are turned off. Then, go check your meter. If the dial is still moving, you likely have a leak somewhere in your system. If you suspect a hidden leak, it’s important to call a professional for leak detection to prevent potential water damage.
Q: Are high-efficiency water heaters worth the cost?
A: For most homeowners, yes. While a high-efficiency water heater, such as a tankless model, may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings are substantial. They use significantly less energy to heat your water, which lowers your monthly utility bills. They also typically have a longer lifespan than traditional tank models, making them a smart investment for your home’s value and your budget.