9 Ways to Stop Your Water Bills Skyrocketing This Spring and Summer

Spring and summer in Australia are all about soaking up the sun, enjoying backyard BBQs, and keeping the garden lush and green. But along with the warmer weather often comes a not-so-pleasant surprise—sky-high water bills.

Whether it’s from overzealous watering, hidden leaks, or inefficient fixtures, the costs can add up fast. Luckily, a few smart changes around the home (and a little help from a professional tradie) can keep your water use—and your bills—under control without sacrificing comfort.

Here’s how to stay cool and hydrated this season without draining your wallet.

1. Check for Hidden Leaks Before They Soak Your Budget

Even a small leak can waste thousands of litres of water every year. A dripping tap, a running toilet, or a slow leak in your irrigation system might seem minor, but over time, they add up—both in water waste and on your bill.

The fix:
Start by checking for leaks around taps, showerheads, outdoor hoses, and toilets. You can even do a quick meter test: turn off all water-using appliances and check your water meter. If it’s still ticking, you likely have a leak somewhere.

Call in a plumber through ServiceSeeking.com.au to find and fix the source properly. Many plumbers offer water efficiency checks to make sure your entire system is watertight.

2. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

Older taps, showerheads, and toilets can be real water guzzlers. A single old-style toilet can use up to 12 litres per flush, compared to 4.5 litres or less for a modern dual-flush model. The same goes for showerheads—upgrading to a WELS-rated water-efficient model can cut your shower water use by half without losing pressure.

The fix:
If your fixtures are more than a decade old, it’s probably time to upgrade. A licensed plumber can install water-saving showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and mixer taps that regulate flow automatically.

It’s a quick upgrade that often pays for itself in just a few billing cycles.

3. Give Your Garden a Smart Irrigation Makeover

Your garden likely accounts for a huge portion of your water use in spring and summer. A well-intentioned daily watering routine can quickly turn into a money drain—especially if you’re watering in the middle of the day when much of it evaporates.

The fix:

• Water early or late. Watering before 9 am or after 6 pm reduces evaporation and ensures plants actually absorb the moisture.

• Use mulch. Mulching garden beds can reduce evaporation by up to 70%.

• Install drip irrigation. Unlike sprinklers that spray water everywhere, drip systems deliver water directly to the roots where it’s needed most.

If your irrigation system’s seen better days—or you’re not sure how efficient it is—hire a landscaper or irrigation specialist through ServiceSeeking.com.au. They can design a system that fits your garden’s layout and uses water wisely.

4. Collect and Reuse Rainwater

Australia’s unpredictable weather means that when it rains, it really rains. Installing a rainwater tank is one of the best long-term investments you can make to slash your water bills. You can use collected rainwater for:

• Watering gardens and lawns

• Flushing toilets

• Washing cars

• Even laundry (if your system is plumbed for it)

The fix:
A professional plumber can help you choose the right size tank and connect it safely to your home’s system. Many Australian states also offer rebates or incentives for rainwater harvesting systems, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.

You’ll save money, and you’ll be doing your part to live more sustainably.

5. Be Smart About Pool Maintenance

Pools are great for keeping cool in summer—but they can send your water usage soaring. Evaporation, leaks, and inefficient filters can waste more water than you think.

The fix:

• Use a pool cover. It reduces evaporation and keeps your pool cleaner (saving you time on maintenance too).

• Fix leaks promptly. Even a small leak can lose hundreds of litres a day.

• Service your equipment. A pool technician can inspect your pump, filter, and plumbing to make sure everything’s working efficiently.

If your pool needs a little pre-summer TLC, jump onto ServiceSeeking.com.au to book a local pool technician. You can compare quotes, read reviews, and get your pool sorted before the heat hits.

6. Give Your Plumbing a Pre-Summer Check-Up

Think of it as a “spring clean” for your plumbing. Seasonal changes can cause pipes to expand and contract, which may lead to leaks or low pressure later on. A professional plumber can inspect your entire system, check for inefficiencies, and suggest upgrades that save water in the long run.

Common upgrades that save water:

• Pressure-reducing valves

• Greywater recycling systems

• Smart water meters for real-time usage tracking

By catching small issues early, you’ll avoid bigger (and pricier) plumbing headaches down the track.

7. Rethink Outdoor Cleaning Habits

A quick hose-down of the driveway or patio might seem harmless, but it’s a huge waste of water.

The fix:

• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas.

• If you must hose, attach a trigger nozzle to control flow.

• When washing your car, use a bucket and sponge—or take it to a water-efficient car wash.

Small changes to your outdoor cleaning routine can make a surprisingly big dent in your water use over time.

8. Don’t Forget About Appliances

Your dishwasher and washing machine might be using more water than necessary—especially if they’re older models.

The fix:

• Look for WELS-rated appliances with high efficiency scores.

• Run full loads instead of half-loads.

• Choose “eco” or “water-saving” cycles when possible.

If you’re not sure whether your plumbing can handle a new model, a plumber or appliance installer can help you upgrade safely.

9. Get Professional Help When You Need It

While some water-saving tips are simple DIY fixes, others are best left to the pros. Whether it’s installing a rainwater tank, upgrading fixtures, or finding a hidden leak, a licensed tradie can ensure the job’s done safely and to standard.

And with ServiceSeeking.com.au, finding the right tradie is easy. You can:

• Post your job for free

• Compare quotes from local plumbers, landscapers, and irrigation experts

• Check reviews to hire with confidence

No more guesswork or overpaying—just fast, reliable help from local experts who know their stuff.

Final Thoughts

As the temperature rises, it’s tempting to just accept that your water bill will too—but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of planning, some smarter water habits, and the right tradies on your side, you can enjoy the best of spring and summer without the shock of soaring bills.

So before you reach for the hose or refill that pool, take a moment to think about how you can save water—and your wallet.

When you’re ready to make your home more water-efficient, jump onto ServiceSeeking.com.au and find a trusted tradie to get it sorted. Because saving water isn’t just good for your bills—it’s good for Australia too.