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Water Bills Skyrocketing? This Is How Smart Plumbing Upgrades Actually Save You Money
- Oliver Owens
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
We all know the feeling — opening a water bill that hits harder than your car payment. Whether you're trying to rein in your summer water budget or just doing your best to keep a thirsty lawn alive, those monthly numbers creep up fast.
But here's the thing: if your plumbing is outdated, inefficient, or hiding even a few small leaks, you’re probably paying a lot more than you need to. At MACA Plumbing, we’ve helped dozens of Ontario, CA homeowners get their water bills back under control. Here’s how you can do the same—with a few smart plumbing upgrades that truly make a difference.
Why Are Water Bills Getting So High?
You're not imagining it—water bills are on the rise, especially here in Southern California. Between the dry heat, longer showers, lawn watering, and rising utility costs, it all adds up.
But here’s the part most folks don’t see: a lot of that water waste is happening behind the scenes.
Drips under sinks or inside walls
Toilets that flush way more water than needed
Old faucet washers that wear out over time
Water heaters using energy around the clock
I’ll never forget one job in Ontario—a sweet older house with a "small" leak under the guest bathroom sink. The homeowner didn’t notice until her bill suddenly spiked. That quiet drip was wasting over 20 gallons a day. Fixing it took less than an hour. The next bill? Right back to normal.
Here’s a look at some of the easiest ways you can stop that kind of waste before it starts.
Upgrade #1: Trade Out Old Toilets for High-Performance Models
Still hanging onto toilets from before 1994? They might be using up to 6 gallons per flush. Today’s high-efficiency toilets (HETs) use closer to 1.28 gallons or less—and trust us, they still get the job done.
Real Talk: Let’s say your family flushes 15 times a day. That’s 90 gallons with an older model vs. just 19 gallons with a newer one. Multiply that over 30 days, and you’re saving more than 2,000 gallons a month—just from a toilet swap.
Upgrade #2: Switch Outdated Showers and Faucets
Sure, your old-school power-shower might feel nice, but it could be burning up to 5 gallons a minute.
WaterSense-labeled showerheads use just 2 gallons or less, and they’re designed to not skimp on pressure. Same goes for faucets—newer models give you a better-feeling stream with way less water.
We replaced a full set of fixtures for a family last year. The dad laughed and said, “I thought low-flow meant weak. I stand corrected—this feels just as strong, and my wife’s thrilled about the savings.”
Upgrade #3: Go Tankless on Your Water Heater
Traditional water heaters keep a tank full of hot water ready 24/7. That means you’re using energy all day long—even when you're not home. It’s like leaving your oven on just in case you get hungry.
Tankless water heaters only heat water when you turn on the tap. That saves water, energy, and space.
Bonus Tip: They also last longer. One of our clients made the switch and called us a month later just to say her electric bill dropped—and she hasn’t run out of hot water since.
Upgrade #4: Add Smart Leak Detection Devices
Not all smart tech is just for show. Some of it saves your home and your wallet.
Smart leak detectors like Flo by Moen or Phyn Plus watch your water usage in real-time. They’ll ping your phone if something's off—and some can even shut the water off automatically.
We had a couple in Ontario go on vacation. While they were gone, a pipe behind their washer cracked. The system caught it, shut the water off, and sent them an alert. What could’ve been a flood? Completely avoided. Their insurance premium even dropped afterward.
Upgrade #5: Book a Full-Home Plumbing Inspection
Not sure where to start? A whole-house inspection is always a smart first step.
We check:
Water pressure
Pipe condition
Signs of hidden leaks
Fixture performance
Water heater efficiency
It’s a full wellness check for your home. Most homeowners don’t think about calling a plumber until something breaks, but catching issues early can save you from big damage—and bigger bills—down the line.
Why These Upgrades Actually Matter
It’s easy to brush off a few dollars here and there on your bill. But small inefficiencies add up fast—and left alone, they turn into real problems.
Smart plumbing upgrades:
Lower your water and energy use
Reduce your monthly bills
Protect your home from damage
Make everyday use easier and more reliable
Boost long-term property value
And more than anything? They give you peace of mind.
Why We Do This Work
At MACA Plumbing, it’s not just about fixing pipes—it’s about helping people feel good about their homes again.
We’ve seen firsthand how a simple upgrade can take the pressure off—literally and figuratively. We’ve been at this a long time, and one thing we’ve learned: homeowners don’t like surprises. They want someone who shows up, tells it straight, and gets the job done right.
So if your water bills are climbing or your fixtures feel like they belong in a time capsule, let’s chat. We’ll walk through your options and help you make smart choices that pay off now and later.
Final Word: Save Water, Save Your Wallet
Don’t wait for your next water bill to send you into sticker shock. With just a few upgrades, your plumbing can run smoother, use less, and save you money month after month.
Whether it’s a leaky faucet, an overworked water heater, or just an old system that’s ready for some love—MACA Plumbing is here to help Ontario homeowners cut waste, not corners.
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