One of the top utility costs for property managers is water. As a landlord, you need to find ways to save money and keep your apartment complex running smoothly while keeping your tenants happy and comfortable.
Monitoring water usage in real-time is a key way to save money and minimize unexpected costs. Here are some tips to help you monitor water consumption in your apartment building and reduce your water bills.
Water Submetering
One of the most effective ways to monitor water usage in your apartment is by installing water submeters. This will allow you to see how much water each tenant uses in their apartment or area, and it can also help encourage tenants to use less water.
Depending on your local laws and regulations, you may be able to install water submeters yourself or hire a professional. However, you should do your research and communicate with tenants before starting the process.
While submetering is a great way to monitor water usage in your apartment, you should be aware that it comes with some risks and complications. For instance, you might find it difficult to install a water submeter due to existing plumbing in your building. You should also consider hiring a professional to ensure the meter is installed properly and that you receive accurate billing information.
In addition to installing water submeters, you should take steps to reduce your water consumption. For example, you can install low-flow shower heads and toilets that save water. You can also switch to water-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines.
The best way to avoid water bills that skyrocket is to monitor your water usage on a regular basis. You can do this by logging onto a water meter website and reviewing your recent meter readings.
If you notice that you’re using a lot of water in your apartment, you can contact your landlord to request an adjustment. This will help reduce your water bill and make it easier for you to pay your rent on time.
Another benefit of monitoring your water consumption is that it can help you spot leaks in your apartment. This will allow you to fix them before they lead to serious damage. You can also keep track of your water consumption so that you can make informed decisions about how to improve your apartment’s energy efficiency.
Using submeters is also an effective way to make sure that you’re not overpaying for your water. This will help you stay within your budget and ensure that your tenants are paying their bills on time.
Installing Water-Efficient Fixtures
Water is one of the most expensive utilities to run, so it’s important for property managers to find ways to reduce water use in their apartment complexes. By implementing a few simple water conservation strategies, property owners can save money on their monthly bills and help preserve the health of local water reservoirs.
The best way to conserve water in your apartment is to install water-efficient fixtures and appliances. These items are inexpensive to replace, and they can dramatically reduce your water usage.
For instance, you can install faucets and hose bibs that have better flow rates than standard ones. This can significantly reduce your water use and lower your utility bills.
You can also replace showerheads and toilets that use too much water. These items can be easily replaced with high-efficiency models, which can save you a lot of money over the lifetime of the product.
In addition, you can also make sure that your landscaping is well-maintained and water efficient. This can be achieved by avoiding watering plants too frequently or using hardier varieties that require less water.
Landlords can also use water collected from sinks and baths to water lawns, patios, and other outdoor areas. This can be an easy way to cut costs while still having beautiful, lush lawns that tenants love.
Another great way to save money on your property’s water bill is to install water submetering. This is a system that allows you to monitor water usage in your building and charge tenants based on their actual water consumption. This helps you keep track of how your updates to water efficiency are doing and ensure that they’re lowering your tenants’ water bills.
As a landlord, you want to look for ways to save money on your monthly rents and maintenance costs. There are many things that you can do to reduce these expenses, but reducing your water consumption is one of the easiest and most effective.
The first step to installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances is to perform a thorough inspection of your property. This will allow you to identify leaks and other problems. It will also let you know whether or not the equipment is performing at its peak efficiency.
Installing Water-Efficient Shower Heads
If your apartment has an existing shower head, consider replacing it with a low-flow, EPA WaterSense certified model. This can significantly reduce your water usage and energy costs.
A water-efficient shower head can save up to 40 percent of the water used in a bath or shower, and it’s an easy and inexpensive way to conserve energy and water in your home. A low-flow showerhead can be found in many different styles, including fixed and handheld models.
These can be a great way to cut down on your water and heating bills, but make sure to choose one that is easy to install and maintain. Also, opt for shower heads that are made from metal (such as brass or stainless steel) rather than plastic.
Another important factor when choosing a water-efficient showerhead is the flow rate, which measures how much water it can deliver in a given amount of time. Products that are labeled with the EPA’s WaterSense logo are certified to use no more than 2 gallons per minute, which is 20 percent less than standard shower heads.
Some low-flow showerheads have flow restrictors, which can be set to deliver a specific amount of water. This is especially useful if you have a hard-water area or if your household has high water pressure, as these restrictors can help control the amount of water that passes through your pipes and prevent water waste.
A quality, low-flow showerhead can be installed quickly and easily by a handyperson or professional plumber. They’re available in a wide range of prices, from about $20 to $200, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget.
To keep a water-efficient showerhead in good condition, it’s important to clean and rinse the nozzles regularly. Also, be sure to replace the water filter or “o” ring in the head as needed.
Lastly, you should make sure that your showerhead has a water temperature display or other feature that allows you to see the actual water temperature so that you can monitor it and ensure that it’s not too hot or cold. This can help prevent scalding and freezing in shower areas, particularly if your home’s water pipes are older and not equipped with automatic temperature compensation.
Installing Water-Efficient Toilets
Managing water costs in an apartment can be a challenge, especially when rates are rising. Keeping track of usage and sending alerts when leaks are detected can help you save money, time, and water.
One way to do this is by installing water-efficient toilets. These devices use much less water than older models, which can mean big savings for you and your tenants.
In fact, the EPA estimates that replacing old and inefficient toilets with water-saving models can reduce your home’s water use by 20 to 60 percent. This means you could save about 13,000 gallons of water per year.
Installing water-efficient toilets can also lower your energy bills, as they use less electricity than older models. Electricity is needed to power the pumps that deliver water into your building and run your plumbing system.
If you’re interested in installing water-efficient toilets, ask your local utility company about their rebate program. Many offer a $100 rebate for high-efficiency toilets that use 1.28 gallons of water or less and are on the EPA’s WaterSense list.
Another benefit of water-efficient toilets is that they can prevent clogging, which can be a problem with older toilets. This is due to the amount of debris that can get into a toilet.
By using a tank bag, you can keep unwanted debris out of your toilet bowl. This can reduce clogs and help you save money on repairs or a new toilet in the future.
In addition, a water-efficient toilet will save you money on your water and sewer bill over its lifespan. It’s important to choose a quality model and have it installed properly, so make sure to do your research before buying a new toilet.
Water-efficient toilets are an easy way to cut down on your water and sewer costs while making your home more sustainable. They can also help protect your local water supply and reduce pollution. It’s up to you to make a positive impact on our water resources! For more information on water-efficient toilets, check out the EPA’s website. You can also find out more about how you can make your home water-efficient at the EPA’s Green Builds resource library.