Using less water can lower a metered water bill and may also cut your energy costs, as showers, baths and hot taps all need energy to heat the water.
If your water use suddenly goes up for no clear reason, however, check for a leak.
Where Does Your Water Go?
Most homes use water for showers, baths, toilets, washing, cooking and cleaning. Gardens can also use a lot during dry weather.
Instead of trying to save small amounts everywhere, focus first on where you use the most.
Use Less Hot Water
Hot water is a good place to start because using less can save both water and energy.
Shorter showers can help, while fixing a dripping hot tap stops water and energy being wasted throughout the day.
Check Your Toilet
A leaking toilet can waste water without being easy to spot, as water may run quietly into the bowl.
Check whether water keeps flowing after the toilet has filled. You can also place a piece of dry toilet paper against the back of the bowl. If it becomes wet between flushes, you may have a leak.
Check Your Taps
A dripping tap may seem like a small problem, but it can waste water all day and night.
Check taps around your home, including any outside taps, and repair any that continue to drip.
Use Appliances Wisely
Washing machines and dishwashers use both water and energy, so run full loads where practical and use an eco setting when it suits the load.
If you are buying a new appliance, also check how much water it uses.
Use Less Water Outside
Gardens can use a lot of water during warm weather, especially if you regularly use a hose.
A watering can gives you more control, while a water butt lets you collect rainwater for your plants. Watering early or late in the day can also reduce the amount lost through evaporation.
Has Your Water Use Gone Up?
If you have a meter, an increase in water use does not always mean there is a problem. You may have had visitors, watered the garden more often or simply used more during hot weather.
However, if you cannot explain the increase, check for a leak.
How to Check for a Leak
Turn off your taps and make sure your washing machine, dishwasher and other appliances are not using water. Then check your meter.
Write down the reading, wait for a while without using any water and check it again. If the reading has changed, there may be a leak.
Only check the meter if you can reach it safely.
Where Could the Leak Be?
Start with the places that are easiest to check:
- dripping taps
- running toilets
- showers
- visible pipes
- outside taps
- washing machines and dishwashers
- damp or wet areas
If you cannot find a problem but your meter still shows water being used, the leak may be hidden.
Is the Leak Inside or Outside?
If you know where your internal stop tap is, you may be able to find out which part of the property has the problem.
Turn off the water at the stop tap and check your meter again. If it still moves, the leak may be on the pipe between the meter and your home. If it stops, the leak may be inside your home.
If you are unsure, contact your water company or a plumber.
Who Is Responsible?
Your water company is normally responsible for the water mains and some pipes leading towards your property. You are usually responsible for the pipe supplying your home and the pipes inside it.
Shared pipes can be more complicated, so ask your water company if you are unsure who needs to arrange the repair.
Can Your Water Company Help?
Some water companies can help find or repair leaks on pipes serving your home.
The help varies between companies, so contact yours before paying for major work. It can also tell you which pipes you are responsible for.
What About Your Bill?
If you have a meter, a leak can increase your bill because the lost water may still pass through it.
Contact your water company once you find the problem and arrange the repair as soon as possible. You may be able to get a leakage allowance, which could reduce the amount you have to pay for the lost water.
The rules vary, so keep details of the leak and repair.
Start With the Biggest Savings
You do not need to change everything at once. Start with the things most likely to make a difference:
- Check for leaks.
- Use less hot water.
- Take shorter showers where practical.
- Run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.
- Avoid leaving taps and hoses running.
- Watch your meter for unusual changes.
These simple steps can cut water waste and may also lower your bills.
Key Points
- Using less water can lower a metered bill and may cut energy costs.
- Start with hot water and the things you use most.
- Check taps, toilets and pipes for leaks.
- If your meter moves when everything is off, there may be a leak.
- Who pays for a repair depends on where the leak is.
- Your water company may help with some leaks or offer a leakage allowance.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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