Melbourne water bills have been steadily increasing, and a lot of households are paying more than they need to. Often the culprit is inefficient plumbing. Here are 10 practical tips that can make a real difference to your water bill.

1. Fix Leaking Taps and Toilets

This is the single biggest money-saver. A dripping tap wastes over 12,000 litres per year. A running toilet can waste up to 60,000 litres per year — that’s hundreds of dollars going down the drain.

Quick test for toilet leaks: Put a few drops of food colouring in the cistern. If colour appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

2. Install Water-Efficient Showerheads

Old showerheads use 15-25 litres per minute. A modern water-efficient showerhead uses just 6-7 litres per minute while still providing good pressure.

For a family of four, this switch alone can save over 40,000 litres per year.

3. Upgrade to Dual-Flush Toilets

If your home still has single-flush toilets, upgrading to dual-flush can cut toilet water use by up to 70%. A half flush uses just 3 litres compared to 11 litres for old single-flush systems.

4. Check for Hidden Leaks

Hidden leaks in walls, underground pipes, or your hot water system can waste enormous amounts of water without you noticing.

How to check: Read your water meter before bed, don’t use any water overnight, and check the meter in the morning. If it’s moved, you have a hidden leak.

5. Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes

Uninsulated hot water pipes lose heat as water travels from the heater to your taps. This means you run the tap longer waiting for hot water, wasting both water and energy.

Pipe insulation is cheap and easy to install on exposed pipes.

6. Install Aerators on Taps

Tap aerators mix air with water to reduce flow without reducing pressure. They cost just a few dollars each and can cut tap water use by up to 50%.

They’re particularly effective on kitchen and bathroom basin taps.

7. Maintain Your Hot Water System

An inefficient hot water system wastes water and energy:

• Set the thermostat correctly - 60°C at the unit, 50°C at the tap
• Flush the tank annually - Removes sediment that reduces efficiency
• Check the pressure relief valve - A faulty valve can waste water constantly
• Service regularly - Annual servicing keeps it running efficiently

8. Use Your Dishwasher (Properly)

A fully loaded dishwasher uses less water than washing the same dishes by hand. To maximise savings:

• Only run it when full
• Use the eco cycle when possible
• Skip the pre-rinse — modern dishwashers don’t need it

9. Check Your Water Pressure

High water pressure doesn’t just waste water — it puts stress on your pipes, taps, and appliances. Melbourne’s standard residential pressure is 500 kPa, but some areas run higher.

A plumber can install a pressure limiting valve to bring it to an efficient level, saving water and extending the life of your plumbing.

10. Consider a Greywater System

Greywater systems recycle water from your shower, bath, and washing machine for garden irrigation. In Melbourne’s dry summers, this can significantly reduce your outdoor water use.

You’ll need a licensed plumber to install one correctly and ensure it meets Victorian regulations.

How Much Water Can You Actually Save?

Based on typical Melbourne households:

Combined, these upgrades can save a Melbourne household hundreds of dollars per year on water bills.

Get a Plumbing Efficiency Check

At Hankook Plumbing, we can assess your home’s plumbing for leaks, inefficiencies, and upgrade opportunities. A small investment now can save you hundreds every year.

Call 0407 756 172 for a free consultation on reducing your water bills.