With a simple bathroom switch you can save up to € 140 per year on your water bill
HOUSEHOLDS can save up to £140 a year on water bills by making just one simple switch.
Water bills are expected to rise by 6.2% per year in England and Wales in April, so it's a good time to implement some money-saving hacks.
Plumbing experts from Trade Plumbing have revealed that Brits with water meters can save £137 a year by switching to a water-saving shower head.
By 2023, the average shower time will reportedly be eight minutes per day. If you shorten it by one minute, you can save even more money.
Research has shown that using a water-saving shower head and reducing shower time by one minute can increase those savings to more than €150 per year.
On average, a regular shower head has a flow of 12 liters per minute, while a water-saving shower head has about 5.7 liters per minute.
The difference of 6.3 liters reduces the British water consumption by more than 18,000 liters of water per year.
Based on average water and sewer costs per liter, a regular shower head costs $261.38 per year and a low flow shower head costs $124.16 per year, saving $137.22.
Peter Clayton, from Trade Plumbing, said many Brits are 'shying away' from switching to a regulated flow shower head due to concerns about shower quality and water pressure.
However, the plumber added that “water saving shower heads are known to specifically reduce water production while maintaining the shower experience.”
We looked online at how much it would cost if you wanted to switch to a water-saving shower head.
As you would expect, B&Q has a huge range depending on what style you want and how much you want to spend.
Prices start from just £4.99 for a portable water saving shower head.
The next price of this is £10.99 for an Uppower three-setting shower head.
One customer who reviewed this product online described it as “Amazing” and says it is “ideal for washing hair.”
There are also larger shower heads that cost as much as £39.99.
Screwfix also has a good selection on its website, we spotted a Hansgrohe eco-smart shower handset for £22.49.
As always, it's good to do your own comparisons and shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal and the product that's right for you.
If you want to compare prices from different retailers online, you can use comparison sites such as Google Shopping.
More tips to save money on your water bill
If you use a water meter, there are some things you can do to reduce your water use and save money.
By using the dual flush system on your toilet you can reduce your water bill and save up to €100 per year.
Many modern toilet systems come with a dual flush option, but many users don't know how much of a difference they can make.
The large flush can use six to nine liters at a time, while the small flush uses less water, three to four liters.
By using the right rinse, you can save 50-60% of water with each use.
The large flush should be used for solid waste while the small flush should be used for liquid waste.
You can also save money by turning off the tap when you brush your teeth. This small change in your daily routine can save you quite a bit of money.
If you brush your teeth for two minutes and leave the tap running, you can use more than 12 liters of water – which could cost you more than €60 per year.
If you only use the tap to clean your brush, the sink uses a fraction of that.
If you haven't already, consider switching to a water meter to save some extra money.
Obviously, if you use a lot of water, there is no point in having a meter as your bills could increase. So think about how much your household uses before you switch.
Having a water meter also won't help with the standard rate that is based on where you live, but it can help you reduce the costs of your personal use at home.
What water bill assistance is available?
Water companies do offer support to families who are having a hard time.
This includes a cap on bills for large families and people with certain medical conditions through the WaterSure program.
To qualify for the scheme, you must have already installed a water meter and demonstrate that you need to use a lot of water.
You can find out more about the Watersure program by calling your water company or contacting Citizens Advice.