Tips to Avoid Skyrocketing Water Bills Over Christmas

After the holiday season do you dread the sight of your water bill? The festive season is often when water bills rise quicklyᅳthanks to extra guests, cooking, cleaning and all the festivitiesᅳso it's no surprise. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

How to save money on water bills over holidays period

If you’re looking to manage your usage, cut down on waste, and save money, there are a few simple changes you can make and a little more awareness of your water habits. Here are some simple tips. 

1. Check for Hidden Water Leaks Before the Holidays

Unexpected spikes in water bills are one of the main reasons for leaks, and they can go unnoticed for weeks. Before the holiday season begins, check your home for any signs of leaks. Look for damp patches on walls, dripping taps, or water collecting where it shouldn’t.

One easy way to detect hidden leaks is to turn off all water fixtures and appliances and watch your water meter. If it is still moving, there is probably a leak somewhere that needs attention. Getting your eyes on these issues early can save you money on your water bill as well as expensive repairs later. 

• Additional Tip: Don’t forget about outdoor areas. Common and often missed during regular inspections are leaks in garden taps, hoses and irrigation systems.

2. Use Water-Saving Appliances and Fixtures

There’s no better time than the holiday season to consider upgrading your home’s water fixtures and appliances. Aerated taps, low-flow showerheads, and dual flush toilets are great options for reducing water use while still performing well. These modern fixtures are every bit as effective as standard fixtures but much better at conserving water. 

If your dishwasher or washing machine hasn't seen better days, it might be time to buy a more efficient one. When looking for appliances, look for ones with a good WELS star rating, as these are designed to use less water but still perform well. 

• Additional Tip: Consider fitting flow restrictors or timers to your garden irrigation system. This can help prevent overwatering, especially during the hotter summer months.

3. Run Dishwashers and Washing Machines on Full Loads

During the holidays, all the extra dishes and laundry can add up, so it’s important to make each cycle count. Running these appliances will save you money, but only if you have a full load. It’s a simple step that can reduce water waste and help lower your water bill.

Many newer appliances have eco-settings designed to cut down on water and energy use. These settings are great when your household is busier than usual, and they strike a good balance of efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Additional Tip: When hosting guests, swap out disposable plates and cups for reusable ones. It uses less water and produces less waste, so you won’t have to do as many dishwasher loads after your parties or family meals. 

4. Maintain Your Water Heater for Optimal Efficiency

During the holidays, your hot water system also works hard to supply hot water for showers, cooking, and cleaning. If it’s not working efficiently, you could be wasting energy and water while waiting for it to heat up, which means higher water and energy bills. 

Make sure to flush the tank to remove sediment build-up, which can impact its performance, and check for any signs of damage or wear.  If your system is old or unable to keep up with your household’s needs, you may want to consider hot water system repairs, hot water heater installation, or hot water replacement. Having these systems in good working order can significantly reduce both energy and water waste. 

• Additional Tip: Wrap your water heater tank and pipes with insulation to retain heat better. It can save you wasted water and get you hot water quicker when you need it.

5. Be Mindful of Holiday Water Habits

The holiday season is a time when your water usage naturally goes up when you host guests, but small efforts can lead to less waste. You could ask everyone to take shorter showers and to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth.

Repurposing water is another smart way to save water. For instance, put a bucket in the shower when you're warming it up and use the water later to clean or water your plants. This is a practical way to not waste unnecessarily. 

• Additional Tip: If you’re preparing large holiday meals, only boil or steam as much water as you need. Reuse that water once it cools for your garden or to wash down your driveway or patio. 

Contact Ausco Plumbing for Reliable Holiday Plumbing Services

Plumbing issues can strike at the worst possible times, and the holidays are no exception.



The last thing you want during the Christmas holidays is to face a burst pipe or a faulty water heater.  That’s where we come in. At Ausco Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service and will be available throughout Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 to take care of any urgent repairs or plumbing needs you might have. Whether it’s fixing a broken water heater, installing a new one, or replacing an old system, our team is ready to assist.

With Ausco Plumbing, you can relax and focus on enjoying your time with family and friends, knowing that your plumbing is in good hands. Concerned about how much is the water bill per month? Want to know how often are water bills? We can help you find ways to save you money on your water bill all year long.