10 Easy Ways to Save Water at Home (And Reduce Your Energy Bills)

Saving water is good for the environment, but it can also be good for your bank balance. With household bills continuing to rise, finding simple ways to use less water around the home can help reduce both your water consumption and the cost of heating it.

The good news is that you don't need to make huge changes to your lifestyle to start saving water. A few simple adjustments to everyday habits, along with some clever water-saving products, can make a real difference.

Here are 10 easy ways to save water at home.

1. Install a Water-Saving Methven Shower Head

One of the easiest ways to reduce water consumption is to look at how much water your shower uses.

Showers can use a surprising amount of water, especially if you enjoy a long, hot shower every morning. Fitting a water-saving shower head, such as one from Methven, can help reduce the amount of water used without sacrificing a great showering experience.

Methven is well known for its innovative shower technology, including Satinjet® and Aurajet™. Its range includes water-efficient shower heads designed to make better use of water while still delivering an enjoyable and refreshing shower.

Using less hot water also means your boiler or water heating system doesn't have to work as hard. This could help reduce your gas or electricity consumption, saving you money on your energy bills as well as your water bill.

It's a relatively simple bathroom upgrade that could deliver savings every time you shower.

2. Spend Less Time in the Shower

We all enjoy a nice hot shower, but cutting your shower time by just a couple of minutes can save a surprising amount of water.

Try setting a timer or playing a short favourite song while you shower. Reducing a 10-minute shower to 5 minutes could make a big difference over the course of a week.

If everyone in your household does the same, the savings can soon add up.

3. Turn Off the Tap When Brushing Your Teeth

It's easy to leave the tap running while brushing your teeth, but there's really no need.

Turning the tap off while you brush can save several litres of water every time. If you brush twice a day, those little savings can quickly add up over the year.

Simply turn the tap back on when you need to rinse.

4. Fix Leaking Taps and Toilets

A dripping tap might not look like a big problem, but even a small leak can waste a surprising amount of water over time.

Leaking toilets can be even worse, particularly if water is constantly running into the bowl without you noticing.

Check your taps, toilet cisterns and pipework regularly. Fixing leaks as soon as possible is an easy way to prevent unnecessary water waste.

5. Only Use Your Washing Machine & Dish Washer When It's Full

Washing machines and dishwashers can use a lot of water, so try to make sure you have a full load before switching yours on.

Most modern machines also have eco settings, which are designed to use less water and energy.

If your machine has a half-load or automatic load-detection setting, this can help when you don't have enough for a full wash.

6. Use a Water Butt to Collect Rainwater

Why use drinking-quality tap water to water your garden when you can collect rainwater for free?

Installing a water butt is a simple way to collect rainwater from your roof via a downpipe. You can then use this water to keep your plants, flowers and garden looking healthy.

Rainwater is also great for watering many garden plants, and collecting it helps reduce the demand for mains water.

7. Don't Leave the Tap Running When Washing Up

If you wash dishes by hand, try filling the washing-up bowl rather than leaving the hot tap running continuously.

This can save a considerable amount of water, particularly if you have a large family and do the washing up several times a day.

If you have a dishwasher, make sure you use it with a full load and choose an eco programme where possible.

8. Install a Dual-Flush Toilet

Older toilets can use quite a lot of water with every flush.

A modern dual-flush toilet gives you the option of using a smaller flush for liquid waste and a larger flush when needed.

If you're renovating your bathroom, it's worth considering a water-efficient toilet. If you're keeping your existing toilet, a suitable cistern-saving device may also help reduce the amount of water used.

9. Water Your Garden at the Right Time

During warmer weather, it's tempting to water your garden every day. However, watering at the wrong time can mean much of the water is lost through evaporation.

Try watering early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

Watering plants directly at their roots, rather than spraying the whole garden, can also help make better use of the water.

10. Don't Use a Hosepipe to Clean Everything

Using a hosepipe to clean patios, driveways and garden furniture can waste a lot of water.

For smaller cleaning jobs, try using a bucket of water and a brush instead. It gives you much more control over how much water you use.

You could also use a broom to sweep leaves and dirt from paths rather than washing everything away with a hose.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Saving water doesn't have to mean changing the way you live or giving up the things you enjoy.

Simple changes, such as turning off taps, fixing leaks and spending less time in the shower, can all help reduce your household water consumption.

However, one of the most effective changes you can make is choosing more water-efficient bathroom products.

Installing a water-saving Methven shower head is a great place to start. With innovative shower technology, stylish designs and products developed to make better use of water, Methven makes it easier to enjoy a fantastic shower while being more mindful of the environment.

And remember, using less hot water doesn't just save water. It can also mean less energy is needed to heat it, helping you save money on your household bills.