Do you need a water-saving shower head?
We all know that showers use less water than baths. And in today’s modern world, many people prefer them. But of course even power showers use a lot of water and energy. And there are other issues like toxic shower gels, and blocked drains full of hair etc. Let’s look at a few ways to take a more sustainable shower.
New showers should be find. Older showers may benefit from 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.
The biggest financial cost of taking a shower is not the water, but the cost of heating the water. So simply don’t spend half an hour in the shower, if you want to lower your bills!
Also take showers off-peak, if you’re on a time-of-use tariff. Keeping the room warm through closed doors and draught excluders will also mean you are less likely to need a hotter shower.
Due to detergents you can’t really use shower water for other purposes. But one thing you can do if you wish, is to use a bowl or bucket to catch it, and then use it to flush the loo. It may be a bit ‘hippy’, but if you’re on a water meter, this could save you lots of bills.
