‘We’re plumbing experts – four simple tips to slash your water bill by £145’ | Personal Finance | Finance
Britons are being urged to check where they can make savings on their water bills following news that costs are set to rise.
Under new draft proposals announced by water regulator Ofwat, water bills are expected to become £19 a year more expensive over the next five years. While this is said to be “a third less” than what water companies had proposed, the plans have still been widely criticised.
Depending on how a household pays for their water, they may be able to reduce their costs by making a few energy-efficient changes.
While those on fixed rates receive bills based on a fixed charge determined by the rateable value of their home, people whose bills are calculated by a meter can make a few “simple” changes to reduce their costs, an expert has said.
A spokesperson from kitchen and bathroom experts Plumbworld said: “One great way to save on your water bill is by regularly maintaining your household appliances. For instance, cleaning the filters in your dishwasher and washing machine not only helps these appliances run more efficiently, but it also reduces water usage. A well-maintained appliance performs better, which means you won’t need to run extra cycles to get your dishes or clothes clean. This small step can lead to noticeable savings on your water bill over time.”
Install water-saving devices
Installing water-saving devices, such as showerheads, faucet aerators, toilet tank bags and dual flush systems, as well as looking into water-saving toilets, could save households upwards of £75 a year.
Plumbworld said: “Many households in the UK use high-flow showerheads and taps, which can lead to excessive water use.
“Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can significantly reduce water consumption. These devices limit water flow without compromising pressure, helping you save water with every use.”
Meanwhile, they noted: “Toilets are one of the largest water consumers in a household. By placing a water displacement bag in your toilet tank, you can reduce the amount of water used per flush. Additionally, consider upgrading to a dual-flush system, which allows you to choose between a full or a half flush, depending on your needs.
Plumworld said low-flow showerheads can save up to 50 litres per 10-minute shower, which could save a family of four around 73,000 litres annually, equating to approximately £50.
Meanwhile, they say a dual-flush toilet can save up to six litres per flush. Assuming a family of four flushes the toilet 16 times per day, this change can save about 35,000 litres annually, saving around £25.
Fix leaks promptly
Fixing leaks promptly could save households around £15 on average in annual water costs.
Plumbworld said: “Leaking taps, toilets, and pipes can waste a significant amount of water over time. Conduct regular inspections of your plumbing fixtures. A small drip might not seem like much, but it can add up to thousands of litres of wasted water annually.”
According to Plumworld, fixing a leaking tap can save up to 5,500 litres per year.
Adopt water-efficient practices
Adopting certain water-efficient practices, such as shorter showers, turning off taps, efficient dishwashing and insulating pipes, can save people around £37 a year.
Plumworld said: “Reducing shower time is one of the easiest ways to save water. Aim to keep your showers under five minutes. Installing a shower timer can help you track and reduce your water usage effectively.”
For a family of four, Plumworld said this can save approximately 26,000 litres annually, amounting to about £18.
Turning off the tap while brushing teeth can save households around six litres of water per minute, which translates to an annual saving of £10 for a family of four.
Washing dishes efficiently – by filling the sink with warm water or only using a dishwasher when it’s full – can save up to 25 litres per load. Plumbworld said this could save around £5 a year.
Meanwhile, insulating water pipes can reduce the water wasted while waiting for it to heat up, and households who do this can save around £5 a year too.
Use appliances efficiently
Finally, people save around £17 a year using their appliances at maximum efficiency. For example, only operating dishwashers and washing machines at full capacity, and opting for “eco-friendly” cycles.
Plumworld said: “Running appliances with partial loads wastes water and energy. Waiting until you have a full load ensures that each cycle is as efficient as possible.”
Running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines is estimated to save about 10,000 litres annually, equating to approximately £7. Meanwhile, eco settings can reduce water usage by up to 30 percent, cutting costs by around £10 annually.
By implementing these changes, Plumworld estimated total savings to equate to £145 a year.
The spokesperson added: “Another tip is to be mindful of how much water you use when cooking. Using just enough water to cover your food when boiling vegetables or pasta can save significant amounts of water. Similarly, using a steamer instead of boiling can save water and retain more nutrients in your food, benefiting your health. These simple adjustments in the kitchen can contribute to lower water consumption and healthier meals.”