Take These Small Steps to Save Water in the Bathroom
Experts share tips on being water-wise on a daily basis
It’s easier than you might think to save water in the bathroom. Check out these simple water-saving ideas and find out from the experts why these small steps can make such a big difference.
Professional advice from
Joanne Crane, bathroom designer at Ripples Reigate
Lisa Ward of Bristan
Robert Tyson of Victorian Plumbing
Professional advice from
Joanne Crane, bathroom designer at Ripples Reigate
Lisa Ward of Bristan
Robert Tyson of Victorian Plumbing
Most homes have a water meter, so consumption is a common consideration when choosing a shower head. “Many shower heads are already fitted with a flow restrictor,” explains Joanne Crane of Ripples. “This limits the quantity of water that passes through the shower head, in turn saving on water consumption.”
Looking for a new shower? Check out these options
Looking for a new shower? Check out these options
Switch to eco
Another option is a tap or shower head with an eco setting. This means you can choose when to put it into water-saving mode. “You may choose an eco setting for a quick shower, but normal mode for when you’re washing your hair,” suggests Ward. “However, when it comes to a basin tap, you may prefer to use the eco setting permanently, as most tasks won’t require a high flow.”
Another option is a tap or shower head with an eco setting. This means you can choose when to put it into water-saving mode. “You may choose an eco setting for a quick shower, but normal mode for when you’re washing your hair,” suggests Ward. “However, when it comes to a basin tap, you may prefer to use the eco setting permanently, as most tasks won’t require a high flow.”
Invest in quality
The saying “you get what you pay for” rings true when buying taps and shower heads. “Cheaply manufactured fixtures can begin to rust over time, which looks unsightly and in some cases, completely spoils the look of the room,” says Robert Tyson of Victorian Plumbing. “Poorly made taps can stiffen up over time too, especially if they feature a crosshead handle design, which can make them difficult to use.” Stiff taps can be tricky to turn off and may drip continually, which in turn wastes water.
Quality brassware with water-saving credentials doesn’t have to mean a hefty price tag. Stick to well-respected brands and always check that the product you’re buying comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee, which will protect you if there’s a problem later on.
The saying “you get what you pay for” rings true when buying taps and shower heads. “Cheaply manufactured fixtures can begin to rust over time, which looks unsightly and in some cases, completely spoils the look of the room,” says Robert Tyson of Victorian Plumbing. “Poorly made taps can stiffen up over time too, especially if they feature a crosshead handle design, which can make them difficult to use.” Stiff taps can be tricky to turn off and may drip continually, which in turn wastes water.
Quality brassware with water-saving credentials doesn’t have to mean a hefty price tag. Stick to well-respected brands and always check that the product you’re buying comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee, which will protect you if there’s a problem later on.
Swap a single flush for a dual one
You may not realise it, but your loo is a huge water waster. In fact, according to Waterwise, 30 per cent of the water each adult uses daily goes down the toilet.
Ward argues that making the switch to a modern dual-flush option can make for some serious water savings. “Typically, a traditional single-flush toilet will use a generous nine to 12 litres per flush, whereas today’s dual options use a maximum of just six litres – with some as low as two,” she explains.
You may not realise it, but your loo is a huge water waster. In fact, according to Waterwise, 30 per cent of the water each adult uses daily goes down the toilet.
Ward argues that making the switch to a modern dual-flush option can make for some serious water savings. “Typically, a traditional single-flush toilet will use a generous nine to 12 litres per flush, whereas today’s dual options use a maximum of just six litres – with some as low as two,” she explains.
Don’t go for a cheap loo
Choosing a dual-flush cistern from a reputable company will save you time and money in the long run. “Many cheaply built toilets can have problems such as water running into the bowl continuously, which can be a hassle to fix,” explains Tyson. “Some designs don’t have enough power either, so when you flush, the amount of water let into the bowl is insufficient and you actually end up using more water as a result of multiple flushes.”
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good quality loo, but it pays to do some research before you buy. Look at customer reviews before making a decision as these will often warn you away from poor quality designs.
Choosing a dual-flush cistern from a reputable company will save you time and money in the long run. “Many cheaply built toilets can have problems such as water running into the bowl continuously, which can be a hassle to fix,” explains Tyson. “Some designs don’t have enough power either, so when you flush, the amount of water let into the bowl is insufficient and you actually end up using more water as a result of multiple flushes.”
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good quality loo, but it pays to do some research before you buy. Look at customer reviews before making a decision as these will often warn you away from poor quality designs.
Include affordable updates
There are also clever water-saving devices that can make a difference. “A nice little option is a cistern displacement device (CDD), which, as the name suggests, is placed in the cistern to displace water, which can reduce up to three litres each flush,” adds Ward. “According to Waterwise, this can equate to a saving of 5,000 litres per year.”
There are also clever water-saving devices that can make a difference. “A nice little option is a cistern displacement device (CDD), which, as the name suggests, is placed in the cistern to displace water, which can reduce up to three litres each flush,” adds Ward. “According to Waterwise, this can equate to a saving of 5,000 litres per year.”
Enjoy guilt-free bathing
Baths come under scrutiny when water-saving measures hit the headlines. Manufacturers have responded by redesigning baths so that they still deliver a luxurious experience, but with less water. “This is achieved by contouring the internal profile of the bath, so that it requires substantially less water to fill up to the overflow – up to a 90-litre saving in some examples,” says Ward.
Low-volume baths have the same dimensions as standard ones, so you can slot in a water-saving model without having to change your whole bathroom layout.
TELL US
What are your water-saving tips and tricks? Share them in the Comments below.
MORE
Bathe With a Clear Conscience With Water-Saving Innovations
Baths come under scrutiny when water-saving measures hit the headlines. Manufacturers have responded by redesigning baths so that they still deliver a luxurious experience, but with less water. “This is achieved by contouring the internal profile of the bath, so that it requires substantially less water to fill up to the overflow – up to a 90-litre saving in some examples,” says Ward.
Low-volume baths have the same dimensions as standard ones, so you can slot in a water-saving model without having to change your whole bathroom layout.
TELL US
What are your water-saving tips and tricks? Share them in the Comments below.
MORE
Bathe With a Clear Conscience With Water-Saving Innovations
Standard showers tend to deliver a flow rate of 13.5 litres per minute, while flow-regulated ones reduce this to a rate of 10 litres per minute. “Although this can translate to significant water savings over the year, the difference in the shower performance is barely noticeable,” says Lisa Ward of Bristan.
Look for models that feature a flow restrictor and an aerator, which enriches the water with air and delivers a softer spray.