Water-Saving Plumbing Upgrades That Lower Your Utility Bill
If your water bill seems to keep rising—even when your habits haven’t changed—it might be time to take a closer look at your plumbing. Many homes in Billings and Laurel still rely on outdated fixtures and inefficient systems that waste gallons of water every day. At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we help homeowners make smart upgrades that not only conserve water but also save money month after month.
Here’s a breakdown of the most effective water-saving plumbing upgrades and how they can benefit both your wallet and the environment.
1. High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs)
Older toilets can use up to 5 gallons per flush, while modern high-efficiency models use just 1.28 gallons or less. That’s a major difference when you consider how often toilets are used in a day. Upgrading to a WaterSense-certified toilet can save the average family thousands of gallons each year—and shave up to 20% off your water bill.
If your toilets were installed before 1994, this is one of the first places to consider an upgrade.
2. Low-Flow Showerheads
Traditional showerheads often use 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or more. A low-flow model reduces that to about 1.5 GPM without sacrificing pressure or performance. Over time, that adds up—especially for larger households or families who love long showers.
Low-flow options also reduce your hot water usage, which means your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard—another bonus for energy savings.
3. Faucet Aerators
Swapping out old faucet heads for aerators is one of the cheapest and quickest upgrades you can make. These small attachments control the flow of water while maintaining good pressure. Installing aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets can save hundreds of gallons each month.
They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can start saving you money immediately.
4. Smart Leak Detection Systems
Hidden leaks are one of the biggest culprits behind high water bills in Billings and Laurel. Installing a smart leak detector (often installed near water heaters, dishwashers, or washing machines) can alert you to moisture before it turns into costly damage.
Some systems even allow remote monitoring via smartphone, so you can catch a leak while you’re away from home.
5. Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless or on-demand water heaters heat water only when you need it, instead of keeping a tank full and warm all day. These units can be more energy-efficient and reduce standby water loss, especially in households with lower daily water use.
They also tend to last longer and take up less space—an excellent investment for long-term savings.
6. Greywater Reuse Systems
For environmentally-conscious homeowners, greywater systems reuse lightly used water (like from showers or sinks) for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation. While these systems require a higher upfront cost and proper installation, they’re ideal for areas like Montana where conservation is becoming more important.
If you’re building a new home or undergoing a remodel, this is an option worth discussing with a professional plumber.
Why It Matters in Montana
In communities like Billings and Laurel, where seasonal changes can place a heavy demand on plumbing systems, water efficiency isn’t just about savings—it’s about sustainability. Summer droughts, frozen winter pipes, and fluctuating utility costs make water-smart choices even more valuable.
Upgrading now can also help avoid costly repairs later by improving the overall performance of your plumbing.
Ready to Save? Let Brown Plumbing & Heating Help
Our licensed plumbers specialize in efficient, modern plumbing solutions tailored to Montana homes. Whether you want to replace an old toilet, install low-flow fixtures, or explore advanced upgrades like tankless water heaters or leak detection, we’re here to help you save.
Contact us at https://brownplbg.com to schedule a water-efficiency consultation for your Billings or Laurel home. Small changes today can lead to big savings tomorrow—and we’ll make the process easy from start to finish.