Updated: 31-May-2012

Saving Water

More Simple Tips How To Save Water And Money

10 Top Tips How To Save Water

More Tips How To Save Water

A lot of these water saving tips cost very little but the savings in a short space of time can be large.

For more ideas on how to save water check out saving water room by room.

For more information on these tips take a look at the water saving section.

Repair Dripping Taps

Often this can mean simply replacing the seal.

Make Sure There Are No Leaks

It is surprising how many water systems have leaks - unfortunately without a water meter this is difficult to check - don't forget the central heating and toilet cistern overflow pipes.

Use Rainwater To Water The Garden

This does mean you need a collections system such as a water barrel or barrels connected to a rainwater down pipe.

Fit A Self Sealing Connector Or Tap to The End Of Hosepipes

This not only saves a long walk back to turn the water on and off, it also saves water.

Fit A Low Flow Shower Head

It may be worth fitting a low flow shower head, these work by creating finer drops or introducing air and have a flow rate of between 5 to 10 litres a minute.

Use A Bucket And Brush To Clean The Patio

Rather than a hosepipe or power washer.

Cover Open Tanks In The Loft To Minimise Evaporation In Hot Weather

To minimise evaporation. Make sue the tank is properly ventilated.

Make Sure Toilet Cistern Float Levels Are Correctly Set

This ensure that only the right amount of water is used for flushing. The float level does change slowly with time.

Use Rainwater To Wash The Car

Just make sure the water is clean and grit free to stop scratching.

Cover Water Storage Tanks

If you store water in water butts or tanks cover the top to minimise loss by evaporation. Make sure there is an air gap to stop the water becoming stagnant.

Repair Or Replace Leaking Hoses And Tap Connectors

Many litres of water can be wasted by leaks from hosepipes.

Don't Thaw Frozen Food Under A Running Tap

Leave it to defrost slowly in the fridge.

Grow The Grass A Little Bit Longer

It won't need watering so often and will be greener for longer.

Make Sure The Pond Is Not Leaking

It is worth the effort to seal ponds properly to save having to keep topping them up.

Repair Leaks From Water Barrels And Connecting Pipes

To maximise rain water storage so it lasts longer.

Mulch Around Plants To Reduce The Need For Watering

Using mulches like wood chips, bark, grass and gravel reduce the evaporation of water.

Don't Water Plants Too Often

Watering plants and shrubs too often encourages the roots to stay close to the surface. Water them when they just start to show signs of wilting.

Lag All Pipes Feeding Hot Taps

Helps the water to stay hot longer between uses and stops the hot pipes warming cold pipes meaning taps don't need to be run for so long before hot or cold water appears.