Simple Tips To Save Water And Money In The Home

These tips may seem obvious but from experience most people ignore them and waste money unnecessarily. Some only require getting into the habit of thinking is there a good reason why this is switched on. For more information on reducing costs and saving water see saving money and water at Practical Home Energy Saving.

Turn Off Taps As Soon As You Have Enough Water
Sinks normally have a plug - use it wherever possible rather than just leaving the water running. Turning off the tap while you clean your teeth can save up to 5 litres a minute. In the kitchen use a washing up bowl to save wasting water.

Turn Off Taps Properly After Use
A small drip can waste an awful lot of water. if this is not possible then repair or replace the tap. A slow dripping tap can lose over 6 litres of water a day.

Don't Run The Tap Until You Get Cold Water
Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge for cold drinks.

Wash Vegetables Such As Fruit And Vegetables In A Bowl
Rather than under a running tap.

Load Dishwashers And Washing Machines To Capacity
Rather than using the machine half full, wait till there is a full load. Washing machines use between 45 and 90 litres of water a load. Dishwashers use between 11 and 22 litres a load.

Make Sure There Are No Leaks
It is surprising how may water systems have leaks - unfortunately without a water meter this is difficult to check - don't forget the central heating and toilet cistern overflow pipes.

Use Waste Water To Water The Garden & House Plants
Provided the water is not too contaminated e.g. water used to wash vegetables.

Minimise Hosepipe Use And Don't Leave Running When Not In Use
Use a bucket of water rather than a hosepipe to wash the car, if practicable use a watering can for the garden. A hosepipe uses around 15 litres a minute. If you must use a hosepipe fit a self sealing connector or tap to the end - this saves a long walk back to turn the water on and off.

Use A Shower Or Only Fill The Bath WIth As Much Water As You Need
A 5 minute shower can use about one third the water of a bath BUT if you have a power shower or one fed at mains they can use up to 20 litres a minute. It may be worth fitting a low flow shower head, these work by creating finer drops or introducing air and have a flow rate of between 5 to 10 litres a minute. Baths can use around three times more water than a shower.

Only Fill Saucepans And Kettles With As Much Water As You Need
This also saves heating energy.

Use Rainwater To Wash The Car
Just make sure the water is clean to stop scratching.

Cover Open Tanks In The Loft To Minimise Evaporation In Hot Weather
Make sue the tank is properly ventilated.