Water Saving Techniques
Check out some of our tips to help you save water and costs when it comes to using your water.
1. Leak detection
To check for leaks, read the water meter late at night and again early the next morning to see if water has been running while everyone is asleep. Undetected leaks can be extremely wasteful, not to mention costly. We can assist with electronic leak detection and leak location.
2. Reduce the pressure
High water pressure increases flow from showers, taps, leaks and drips. If you have extreme high water pressure, we can fit a pressure reduction valve at your property boundary. Reducing your water pressure can also reduce water hammer. Consider installing water saving aerators to reduce flow rates.
3. Too many toilet flushes
The toilet is a big user of water in the home, with anything from 3 to 11 litres needed for every half or full flush. It is surprising how many people use the toilet to flush away cigarette butts, tissues and other rubbish. Apart from the potential to cause problems in the sewerage or septic system, this practice wastes large volumes of water.
4. Keep showers short or have a long, relaxing bath
Long, hot showers waste water and power. So keep your showers short. Conventional showers typically use around 25 litres of water per minute. A minute or two less showering time adds up to a lot of water over a year. Consider using AAA rated shower heads, and Wells Star Rated products (Wells 4 Star preferred)
For a long, relaxing soak, a bath will use less water than a long shower.
5. Run dishwashers full
Dishwashers can be thirsty items. Even a dishwasher with a low water use rating can use the equivalent of two sinks of water per wash. Older models can use more … up to 50 litres. The way to save water is to operate your dishwasher only when it is full. This way you will also save on your power bills.
6. Washing machines
Washing machines are major users of water in the home. As with dishwashers, try not to operate them with small loads. If you are buying a new machine, look for Standards Australia ratings which indicate good water efficiency – the more ‘A’s’ the better; the more stars the better.
Consider buying a front-loading machine. They generally use less water than top loaders.
Use the suds-saver option if you have several loads to put through.
7. Catch the cold water
Water is wasted each time cold water is flushed from a hot water pipe. Keep containers near the sink and shower, and use this excess on the garden or indoor plants.
8. Rainwater tanks
Installation of rainwater tanks which can be plumbed into toilets and/or used for reticulation or irrigation will also save water and reduce costs. Government rebates may apply!