Simple Swaps to Reduce Your Water Bills
Our water companies in England are monopolies, so you can’t switch to someone else (in Wales, the water company is non-profit and has much better reviews, unlike some of ours that are presently not doing their job properly, regarding better sewage treatment).
Water bills are not just made up of how much water you use, but also fixed charges, local taxes and fees for stormwater management.
You can make complaints to Ofwat, but that’s about it. So it’s more empowering (and better for the planet) to get creative and find ways to save water yourself, rather than sit at home wondering how to pay for rising energy bills.
Fix Water Leaks
Even a small drip will waste a colossal amount of water over time. If you can’t fix a leak yourself, find a reputable plumber (it will cost less than the resulting bill). A leaking tap can really up your bills. Look for drips or pooling water, and ensure no hoses or sprinklers leak.
To check your home is free from water leaks, take a reading of your water meter, then wait 30 minutes (don’t use any water). Take a second reading. If there’s a change, you have a leak somewhere.
To check for toilet leaks, wipe the back of your pan dry with bathroom tissue (30 minutes after you last flushed). Then place a dry sheet of paper across the back of the pan, leave for 3 hours. If the paper is wet, your loo leaks!
Hippo the Watersaver!
Hippo the Watersaver is good for old toilets (you don’t need water-saving devices for modern cisterns). It’s safer than a brick and simply sits in your cistern, to save water each time you flush. It only costs a few pounds, and some councils even supply them for free.
Repair Leaky Pipes
Kibosh is a quick way to repair leaky pipes, invented by a qualified plumber. Just fit the clamp around a leaking or burst pipe, and clamp shut.
Once fitted, it can be kept in use, until a permanent repair is arranged. Reusable, no tools needed.
Hero Labs App uses HD ultrasonic technology to check your home for leaks, half a million times each day (a burst pipe can release half a ton of water an hour, and damage photos and computer hard drives).
This detects leaks and stops them, and can also perform pressure checks on plumbing systems, to detect tiny leaks. The smart shut-off valve then isolates incoming water supply in seconds, containing a problem before it gets worse.
What About Water-Saving Shower Heads?
New showers should be find. Older showers may benefit from a water-saving showerheads (which aerate so it’s like a rain shower but saves money). To check if you need one:
Place a 2-litre container on the shower floor. If it takes less than 12 seconds to fill when shower is running on full, you could benefit from a low-flow shower, which is easily replaced.
If you need one, your water board may offer one for free. Always use a qualified electrician to fit one. Always check as some are not suitable for certain showers or gravity-fed systems.
If your showerhead is clogged with limescale, Mira has a post on how to fix (and prevent) using cleaning vinegar (instructions are different for fixed showerheads). Learn how to fix a dripping showerhead.
Update Appliances (if you can)
When time comes to replace, go for new appliances (dishwashers and washing machines). All new brands (even budget ones) save more water, than older appliances.
Centre for Alternative Technology has good info on greywater recycling (treated water from sinks, baths and washing machines, be sure to use unscented biodegradable soaps and laundry powder). Not doing so could cause algal blooms in ponds and rivers.
Saving Water in the Garden
To avoid evaporation, water plants early morning or late evening.
Many plants (including lilies and sago palm) are toxic to pets (even if a tail brushes past). Also avoid facing foliage to outdoor gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
EvenGreener water butts are made from quality recycled materials, with locks to keep all the family safe. You may need help connecting them using the Universal Rain Trap (this fits most downpipes – not suitable for cast iron downpipes – place on a flat even surface, not soil or grass).
Avoid open water barrels near children/pets (drowning hazards & stagnant water can attract mosquitoes).
The Water-Smart Garden is a book that covers water-efficient methods of harvesting rainwater, drip irrigation and drought-resilient plants. And building swales to redirect rainwater. Avoid cocoa, pine and rubber mulch near pets (and fresh compost, due to mould).
