Soaring utility bills can make your budget feel like it’s underwater—especially when sewer charges sneak in and inflate your monthly payments. The good news? You don’t have to live with high water and sewer bills. By changing just a few habits at home, you can reduce water use, lower sewer costs, and protect your financial stability. Even better? You can leverage these savings into long-term financial health by using Ava Finance to build your credit while you’re at it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how sewer bills are calculated, explore the broader financial implications of unpaid utility bills, and share six powerful ways to reduce your usage. We’ll also break down how building credit through responsible utility management is possible—and how Ava Finance can help turn bill payments into credit-building milestones without relying on loans or credit cards.
How Is Your Sewer Bill Calculated?
Your sewer bill is typically part of your monthly water bill, and how it’s calculated depends on your local utility provider. Some companies install separate meters to track both water consumption and wastewater flow, while others use a single water meter and estimate your sewer usage based on the amount of water entering your home.
Most sewer charges are based on the assumption that nearly all water entering your home eventually goes down the drain and into the sewer system. So the less water you use, the lower your sewer bill will likely be.
If you’re unsure how your local provider calculates sewer usage, contact your water utility company or check your bill for a breakdown of charges.
6 Ways to Lower Your Sewer Bill
Even small water conservation steps can lead to big savings—both on your sewer bill and your broader utility costs.
1. Check for Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common (and most overlooked) causes of high utility bills. A dripping faucet or running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water annually. The EPA estimates that 10% of U.S. homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
How to Fix It:
- Inspect faucets, showerheads, and toilets for visible leaks.
- Use food coloring to check for toilet tank leaks.
- Monitor your water meter before and after a two-hour no-use period to detect hidden leaks.
Repairing leaks can reduce your water and sewer bills by as much as 10%, depending on the extent of the problem.
2. Take Smarter Showers
Long showers are relaxing, but they’re also costly. A standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute, so a 10-minute shower equals 25 gallons of water.
Water-Saving Tips:
- Cut your shower time in half.
- Install WaterSense-labeled low-flow showerheads (use 2.0 gallons per minute or less).
- Consider gym showers if you're already paying for a membership.
These strategies can save a family of four hundreds of gallons—and dollars—every month.
3. Turn Off Faucets
Leaving water running while brushing teeth, shaving, or rinsing dishes adds up quickly. Simply turning off the tap can save thousands of gallons annually.
Water-Saving Stats:
- Turning off the tap while brushing saves 8 gallons per day.
- Turning off the tap while shaving saves 10 gallons per session.
- A five-minute dishwashing session with the tap running can waste 10 gallons.
Being mindful of when water is needed—and when it’s not—has a measurable impact on your bill.
4. Wait Until You Have Full Loads
Dishwashers and washing machines use a large volume of water, even for half-full loads.
Efficiency Tips:
- Only run appliances when you have a full load.
- Use cold water settings to reduce energy costs.
- Adjust the water level or load size setting on your washer.
One fewer dishwasher cycle per week can save over 300 gallons annually. Efficient laundry practices can yield even larger savings.
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers and washing machines use significantly less water and electricity.
Cost-Saving Stats:
- ENERGY STAR washers use 20% less energy and 30% less water than standard models.
- An efficient washing machine can save nearly $500 over its lifetime.
While there's an upfront cost, the long-term savings on utilities more than make up for it.
6. Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance.
Smart Upgrades Include:
- WaterSense-labeled faucets and aerators
- Low-flow toilets (1.28 gallons per flush or less)
- Outdoor hose nozzles and irrigation controllers
According to the EPA, replacing outdated fixtures with WaterSense versions can save the average family 13,000 gallons and $250 in utility costs annually.
The Hidden Credit Risk of Unpaid Sewer Bills
Missed utility payments don’t always show up on your credit report—at least not immediately. But if the balance goes unpaid long enough (typically 90 to 180 days), the utility company may send the debt to a collection agency. That’s when your credit score can take a hit.
Key Facts:
- A collection account stays on your credit report for seven years.
- Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score (35% of FICO®).
- Even one collection account can drop your score significantly.
This risk applies to all utilities, including sewer, water, electricity, and gas.
Avoiding Collections:
- Set up autopay to avoid missing due dates.
- If you’re struggling financially, contact the provider and ask about hardship plans.
- Pay down any past-due balances to avoid further credit damage.
Protecting your credit means protecting your financial future—including interest rates, loan approvals, and even job opportunities.
How Utility Payments Can Help Build Credit
Although most utility providers don’t report positive payment history to the credit bureaus, third-party tools allow you to opt in and report your on-time payments yourself.
These services typically cover:
- Rent
- Cell phone bills
- Utility bills (including sewer, gas, electric, and water)
Some services only report to one or two bureaus, and some may charge fees. But others—like Ava Finance—offer broader coverage with no hidden interest or loan obligations.
Build Credit with Ava Finance
Ava Finance is a credit builder app that helps you turn everyday bills into credit-building opportunities. You don’t need to open a credit card or take on new debt. You just need to keep paying the bills you already have.
How Ava Works:
- You sign up and link recurring bills like rent, phone, or utilities.
- Ava verifies your payment history.
- Ava reports your positive payment activity to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
This consistent reporting builds your credit profile, boosts your score, and prepares you for future financial goals.
Perfect For:
- First-time credit users
- People recovering from financial setbacks
- Renters and nontraditional borrowers
Ava gives you control over your credit narrative—without the risks of high-interest products.
Final Thoughts: Conserve Water, Cut Costs, and Build Credit
Paying less for your sewer bill is more than just a budgeting win—it’s a step toward smarter, more sustainable living. Combine water-saving habits with consistent utility payments, and you’re setting yourself up for long-term financial success.
Here’s What to Do Next:
- Start tracking your water usage.
- Repair leaks and switch to low-flow fixtures.
- Upgrade appliances when possible.
- Pay all utility bills on time.
- Use Ava Finance to ensure your payments boost your credit.
It’s not just about cutting costs—it’s about building a foundation for credit access, lower interest rates, and future financial opportunities. Ava Finance is here to help you make every payment count.
Start your credit-building journey today at www.meetava.com
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