Small things make a big difference
The average family uses 10% more water during winter than any other time of year, driven mostly by the fact we use a lot more hot water.
We take longer showers, do more laundry, and run the dishwasher more often. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate your hot water usage, there are ways to reduce it.
And, it’s not just hot water we can save. With an increase in rainfall, comes an increase in the risk of leaks as well as a better opportunity to collect utilise the natural resource.
Here are a few small changes you can make that can add up to big savings on your water bill.
Top water saving advice
Protect your pipes
Insulating exposed pipework (known as “lagging”) in your home will help to prevent it from freezing and bursting.
Use a combination of either rubber or fibreglass foam pipe insulation and other pipe-warming methods to avoid the costly repairs that frozen pipes can bring.
Don’t let water run:
It’s tempting to let the hot water run until it’s just right when we’re getting ready for a shower or doing the dishes, but this wastes a lot of water—not to mention money on your energy bill.
Turn off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth or washing your hands and get into the habit of doing the same while you’re waiting for the temperature to adjust.
Fix known water leaks
One of the most common ways people waste water is through leaks in their pipes. A small drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time, so it’s important to check your pipes regularly and fix any leaks as soon as possible.
If your water bill suddenly goes up for no reason, you may have a leak. An easy way to check is to simply turn off all taps and appliance in your home, then go outside and check your water meter. If it’s still moving, you probably have a leak somewhere.
Another way to isolate the location of your leak is to turn off the water supply to your property using the internal and external stop valves. A leak in your mains supply pipe will waste more water as it carries water at higher pressure than the pipes inside your home.
Collect rainwater
Every year, rainfall provides a free source of fresh water that we can harness with little effort. Setting up rain barrels and water butts is an easy way to collect rainwater that can be later used for watering plants or cleaning.
Use less hot water
Try washing your clothes in cold water and take shorter showers. Heating water uses a lot of energy, so using less hot water will also help lower your energy bill.
Even making just a simple switch such having a shower instead of a bath can save a whopping 30 litres of water every time you wash!
Another counterintuitive change is using a dishwasher over washing dishes by hand. Believe it or not, a full dishwasher uses less water and conserves energy by heating the water for you.
Recycle grey water
Grey water is any household wastewater that doesn’t contain sewage or contaminated runoff. It includes things like dishwater, shower water, and even laundry water. Recycling grey water is a great way to save water to be reused for watering plants or even flushing your toilet.
Other winter water saving tips:
- Only boil the amount of water you need for your hot drinks
- Using a hot water bottle? Don’t pour it down the drain after. Use the cooled water to water your plants.
- Avoid running your washing machine at half-full. Wash full loads on the most efficient energy and water settings. If your clothes aren’t dirty, hang them up to air out instead of throwing them in the wash.
- You don’t need to water your lawn like you do in the summer, nor do you need to frequently water outdoor plants. Once or twice a month for your plants should suffice.
Saving water doesn’t have to be difficult and we can all do our part to reduce our consumption. By following these simple tips, you’ll not only save money on your utility bills but also help conserve this essential resource.
Remember, if you do suspect you have a leak, we offer a free visual inspection of your affected area in Hertfordshire, Essex, Surrey and London.
Call us free on 0800 037 7078 to speak to one of our experts today.