Water is one of our most precious resources, and with drier springs and hotter summers becoming the norm in the UK, it’s more important than ever to think about how we use it. For many homeowners, the installation of a water meter has brought water usage into sharper focus. Whether you’ve recently had a water meter fitted, already have one, or simply want to do your part to save water and reduce water bills, there are plenty of simple changes you can make.
At PM247, we understand the importance of water conservation—not just for the environment, but for your wallet too. Our expert team of plumbers is here to help you spot and fix leaks that may be wasting water without you even realising it. In this guide, we’ll take you through practical steps to save water around the home, as well as show you how to identify leaks and what you can do about them.
Top Tips to Save Water Around the Home
- Only Wash Full Loads
Whether it’s your dishwasher or washing machine, running a full load is always the most efficient way to use water. Not only does it save water, but it cuts down on energy consumption too. Waiting for a full load instead of running multiple half loads throughout the week can make a noticeable difference on your bill.
Water Savings: Running a washing machine only when full can save up to 10 litres per load. A household that typically runs three half-loads per week could save up to 1,560 litres of water annually.
- Take Shorter Showers
Did you know that around 12% of your household energy bill goes towards heating water? Cutting your shower time by just one minute can save approximately 10 litres of water each time. Over a year, this amounts to about 3,650 litres saved per person. In the East of England, cutting shower times to five minutes could save almost 200 million litres of water daily if everyone participated.
Cost Savings: Reducing your shower by one minute every day could save around £20 per year on water and heating costs.
- Turn Off the Tap When Brushing
It’s easy to forget, but leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth can waste up to 6 litres of water per minute. Turning it off while you brush is one of the simplest ways to conserve water.
Water and Cost Savings: Simply turning off the tap while brushing twice a day can save over 8,700 litres annually, equating to around £25 in savings per person.
- Fix Dripping Taps
A dripping tap might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can waste up to 5,500 litres of water a year. Most drips are caused by worn washers that can be easily replaced. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, our team at PM247 can sort it for you quickly and efficiently.
Cost Savings: Fixing a dripping tap can save around £14.24 annually in water costs based on average UK water rates. If it’s a hot water tap, the cost of heating that water can increase savings up to £35–£40 a year depending on your energy rates. Addressing this small issue not only saves money but also conserves thousands of litres of water.
- Reuse Water Where You Can
Water used to rinse fruit and vegetables doesn’t have to go to waste. Collect it in a bowl and use it to water your plants. It’s an easy way to make your water go further. A little bit of planning can mean your plants thrive while you save on water usage.
Cost Savings: Reusing water for plants may seem minor, but if done daily, it can save up to 300 litres a year, especially during dry months.
- Use a Water Butt for Rainwater Collection
Setting up a water butt allows you to collect rainwater from your roof, which can then be used to water your garden or clean patios. On average, a water butt can collect around 5,000 litres of water per year.
Cost Savings: Using collected rainwater instead of tap water can save you around £20 per year, depending on your usage.
Need a plumber to search for or fix leaks? Call us on 08082 504 203 or fill in the form here to get a water leak fixed by a local PM247 plumber.
Save Water by Spotting Leaks Around the Home
Leaks are one of the biggest culprits of water wastage, often going unnoticed for long periods. If you’re trying to cut down your water usage, checking for water leaks is a must.
- Check Your Meter
One of the easiest ways to spot a leak is by checking your water meter. Make sure all water appliances are off, then watch the meter. If it’s still ticking over, you could have a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing. Regular checks can prevent long-term wastage and save you money.
- Test for Toilet Leaks
Toilets are a common source of hidden leaks. A simple trick is to put a few drops of food colouring into the cistern. Wait for around 10 minutes—if the colour seeps into the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak. Catching these early can save hundreds of litres of water a day. Also, if you have a running toilet, this can lead to substantial amounts fo water being wasted. Click this link for a step-by-step guide on how to fix a running toilet.
- Look for Damp Patches
Unexplained damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors can often be a sign of a slow leak. Ignoring these signs can lead to costly water damage and higher bills. If you spot damp spots, it’s worth investigating further.
How to Fix Water Leaks
If you find a leak, it’s important to act fast. Some small fixes, like replacing a washer or tightening a joint, can be done yourself if you’re confident. For larger leaks or if you’re unsure, it’s best to call in the experts. At PM247, our team of experienced plumbers is available 24/7 to help identify and repair leaks quickly and efficiently. Here’s what one of our customers said about our work:
Whether it’s a dripping tap, a leaky toilet, or a more substantial plumbing issue, we’re here to help you save water and reduce your costs.
Water conservation isn’t just about saving money; it’s about doing our bit for the environment too. With these tips and a little help from PM247, you can reduce your water usage, save money, and help protect this valuable resource for the future.
Need a plumber to search for or fix leaks? Call us on 08082 504 203 or fill in the form here to get a water leak fixed by a local PM247 plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions on Water Saving Tips
1. How much water can I save by taking shorter showers?
Reducing your shower time by just one minute can save approximately 10 litres of water each time. Over the course of a year, this adds up to about 3,650 litres saved per person. If everyone in the East of England cut their shower time to five minutes, it could save nearly 200 million litres of water daily.
2. Are dripping taps really that expensive?
Yes, a dripping tap can waste up to 5,500 litres of water per year, costing around £14.24. If it’s a hot water tap, the costs can rise to £35–£40 due to energy consumption.
3. How often should I check for leaks around the house?
It’s recommended to check for leaks at least once every few months, or if you notice an unexpected spike in your water bill. Simple tests, like using food colouring in toilet cisterns, can help identify hidden leaks.
4. Can I save money by using a water butt for rainwater collection?
Absolutely. Installing a water butt can collect up to 5,000 litres of rainwater per year, saving you around £20 annually. This water can be used for gardening, washing patios, or even cleaning windows.
5. Is it really worth waiting for full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher?
Yes, running a full load in your washing machine or dishwasher is far more efficient. Doing so can save up to 10 litres per load compared to half loads. Over a year, this can save a household around 1,560 litres of water.
6. How do I know if my toilet has a hidden leak?
A simple trick is to place a few drops of food colouring in the toilet cistern and wait 10 minutes. If the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak. These hidden leaks can waste hundreds of litres of water every day.
7. What are the main signs of hidden water leaks in the home?
Look out for unexplained damp patches, the sound of running water when taps are off, or unusually high water bills. Also, regularly check your water meter when everything is turned off – if it’s still moving, you may have a leak.
8. Can PM247 help if I find a leak?
Yes, PM247’s experienced plumbing team can quickly identify and repair leaks, saving you water, money, and the risk of further damage. We’re available 24/7 to handle emergencies and routine plumbing needs.
9. How can I reduce outdoor water usage?
Using a water butt, watering plants during cooler parts of the day, and using mulch to retain soil moisture are all effective strategies. Additionally, setting sprinklers to targeted areas instead of the entire garden can help minimise waste.
10. Are there government incentives for water conservation?
Some local councils and water companies offer rebates or discounted water-saving devices, such as water butts and efficient showerheads. It’s worth checking with your water provider to see if these options are available.
Need a plumber to search for or fix leaks? Call us on 08082 504 203 or fill in the form here to get a water leak fixed by a local PM247 plumber.