30 May Water Charges – 7 Clever Ways to Save Water In Your Bathroom
According to Irish Water, the majority of households in Ireland will have a water meter fitted by 2016. (Source)
With the first bills for domestic water charges being issued from Jaunary 2015 for the last quarter of 2014. (Source)
With all these new charges coming into place, if you are thinking of renovating your bathroom, now is an excellent time to do some research on the best ways of saving water in your bathroom.
Did you know?
- The bathroom accounts for about 60% of the water used in the home. That’s a lot of money being flushed down the toilet.
- A dripping tap it more than just annoying, can lose as much as one litre of water per hour, in a week, that accounts for enough water to to fill your bath. (Source)
With that in mind here are seven ways you can save water in your bathroom.
1. The Royal Flush
About 30% of the water we use in our homes is flushed down the toilet every day. Dual flush and low flush toilets are designed to reduce the volume of water flushed away. They use up to six litres less water per flush than an older toilet and can save you up to 16,000 litres of water per year. If you are redesigning your bathroom in the coming months you should consider installing a dual flush toilet.
2. Choose Your Taps Carefully
There are some great products on the market that save you water without compromising on the experience. For example, aerated or regulated flow taps are great for the bathroom.
3. In the Shower
Taking a quick shower is much more efficient than a bath. If you can’t give up your soak, try to limit it to once a week and consider installing a lower capacity bath. A radio or a timer is a great ways to make yourself and your family aware of just how long your shower is taking. For those with a love of gadgets, a sophisticated electronic timer can be attached to the wall or to your shower head during construction. Also consider installing a low flow shower head which can save you lifers of water on a weekly basis.
4. Check Your Pipes
As already discussed above, a leaky tap can waste an enormous amount of water on a weekly basis. But what about what’s happening below the surface with your pipes. Have a plumber check your pipes to see if there are any leaks. If you are going for a bathroom renovation, this is the perfect time to make sure all your infrastructure is water tight and completed to a high standard. Choose a reputable plumber.
5. Insulate
Insulating your pipes well insures that your are not wasting water while waiting for the hot water to flow through.
6. Thermostat
Ensure your thermostat is not set too high. Adding extra cold water to your hot water is a waste of energy and water.
7. Everyday Habits
Develop everyday habits that save water. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, and while soaping your hands. Use the plug instead of leaving the water to drain down the sink and make sure your plug hasn’t started to leak and still fits perfectly.
If your bathroom has been crying our for an update there has never been a better time to do it. Choose a quality company with lots of experience and knowledge of the best water saving practices.
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