With the ever-growing population and more people at home than ever before, the water demand is ever-growing. Brisbane plumbers will tell you saving water is pivotal to your bills and the environment. Luckily, new technology has increased water efficiencies in all sorts of ways. However, you can still do a lot to save your money and the environment. Brisbane plumbers remind us that conserving water will keep us all safe during a drought.
We’ve put together a guide on saving water in different areas of your house.
Conserving Water in the Kitchen
It has been estimated that the average Australian household uses as much as 31 litres of tap water daily in the kitchen sink alone! Here are some ways Brisbane plumbers recommend saving water more efficiently in the kitchen.
1. Use Your Dishwasher
Brisbane plumbers frequently point out dishwashers are far more water-efficient than washing dishes by hand. Handwashing uses up to three times more water than a dishwasher. Modern dishwashers, particularly those with a 4.5-star water rating, use only 15 litres per cycle. By contrast, filling a sink with soapy water or letting the tap run while handwashing uses far more precious drinking water. A dishwasher saves time and effort, making it a smart choice for water conservation and efficiency.
However, it is essential to ensure that your dishwasher is used efficiently. Only run the dishwasher when it has a full load, as this reduces the number of times you need to use it, cutting down on water and energy consumption. Stack your dishwasher effectively to maximise space and ensure that all items are properly cleaned. Following these simple practices can save money on water bills and significantly reduce your household’s water usage.
2. Fit Your Faucets With Aerators
Aerators are one of the most cost-effective ways to save water. Brisbane plumbers often recommend aerators because they reduce water usage without compromising the flow rate. An aerator mixes air into the water flow, splitting it into smaller streams. This reduces the volume of water coming through the faucet while maintaining sufficient pressure for everyday tasks.
Aerators are inexpensive and easy to install, making them an ideal solution for conserving water at home. Fitting aerators onto your taps helps you reduce the amount of drinking water used without realising it. These devices are particularly effective when used with water-efficient shower heads, which reduce water flow without affecting your shower experience. This combination can significantly impact your overall water usage and help lower your water bills.
3. Use Single-Lever Mixer Taps
Single-lever mixer taps are designed to provide better control over water temperature, thus reducing wastage. With traditional two-tap systems, it often takes a while to balance hot and cold water, which means a lot of water gets wasted during adjustment. A single-lever mixer allows you to regulate the temperature and flow using one simple motion, making it far easier to get the desired water temperature immediately.
Brisbane plumbers usually recommend single-lever mixer taps for improved water efficiency. Though older properties may still have separate hot and cold taps, retrofitting mixer taps is a worthwhile investment to help conserve water and cut down on unnecessary wastage. This installation can also contribute to reducing water bills over time.
4. Use Still Water to Clean Fruits and Vegetables
Many households use running tap water to wash fruits and vegetables, which is a huge waste. Brisbane plumbers advise placing fruits and vegetables in a basin filled with water rather than letting the tap run. Using still water for cleaning is an excellent way to conserve water while effectively washing your produce.
After rinsing your fruits and vegetables, the rinse water can be repurposed to water plants in your garden. This simple change saves drinking water and helps water plants in an eco-friendly manner. Every drop counts, and reusing water this way can significantly impact overall water conservation efforts.
5. Ensure You Have No Leaks
A dripping tap or a leaking pipe may not seem like a big issue, but it can lead to significant water wastage over time. Brisbane plumbers estimate that a dripping tap can waste up to 9,000 litres of water yearly— equivalent to an individual’s monthly water usage. The best way to prevent this wastage is to have an expert inspect and fix leaks in your home.
You can also monitor your water meter to detect possible leaks. If you notice the meter reading going up when no water is being used, there is likely a hidden leak in your home. Addressing these water leaks as soon as possible will conserve water and help lower your water bills.
Repairing leaks promptly is an essential step towards a more water-efficient household. If you notice any signs of water leaks—whether a dripping tap or damp spots on walls or floors—it is crucial to fix leaks immediately to avoid unnecessary water wastage. Regular maintenance checks of your faucets, pipes, and appliances can prevent leaks before they escalate into larger problems.
6. Choose Water-Efficient Washing Machines and Shower Heads
Washing machines are another area where significant water savings can be made. Opting for a water-efficient washing machine that uses minimal water can significantly reduce the household’s water consumption. Always wash with a full load to maximise efficiency and ensure you’re not using more water than necessary.
Installing a water-efficient shower head in the bathroom can make a big difference. Modern shower heads are designed to limit the flow rate while providing a comfortable showering experience. Additionally, using a shower timer can help limit your showers to 4-5 minutes, saving water and energy. This simple habit, combined with efficient fixtures, can reduce water usage considerably.
7. Reuse Rinse Water
When washing dishes by hand, it is recommended to fill one sink with soapy water and another with clean water for rinsing. Instead of letting the rinse water go down the drain, consider reusing it for other tasks around the house. Rinse water can be used for pre-soaking laundry, flushing toilets, or even watering plants in your garden. By adopting this practice, you not only conserve water but also get double use out of the same amount of water, ultimately helping to reduce your water bills.
8. Water Plants During Cooler Hours
Watering plants in the early morning or late evening is an effective way to minimise water evaporation. Brisbane plumbers often recommend watering during these cooler periods to ensure your plants receive maximum hydration without wasting water. Consider using a watering can rather than a hose to ensure you use a measured amount of water and avoid excessive wastage.
Using greywater, such as leftover water from washing machines or dishwashing, is another way to water plants while conserving water. As long as the water does not contain harmful chemicals or excessive soap, it can be safely reused in the garden. This approach ensures that less water is wasted and that every drop is put to good use.
9. Invest in a Shower Timer
Reducing the time spent in the shower is one of the most effective ways to save water. A shower timer is an inexpensive tool that can help you monitor your shower duration. Keeping showers to 4 minutes or less can save thousands of water annually.
Shorter showers conserve water and help save on energy bills, mainly if you use hot water. Less hot water used means less energy required for heating, making shower timers an excellent tool for water and energy efficiency.
10. Install a Water-Saving Toilet
Toilets account for a large portion of indoor water usage, especially older models that use significantly more water per flush. Installing a dual-flush, water-saving toilet can dramatically reduce water consumption. These toilets have two flushing options—one for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste—allowing you to use only as much water as necessary. This small change can significantly impact reducing your water consumption and ultimately lowering your water bills.
When washing dishes, it’s advisable to use a water-efficient dishwasher or wash by hand using only one sink filled with cold water or hot water instead of letting the water run. When rinsing dishes, reuse the rinsing water for other purposes, like watering plants. Stack washed dishes in a dish rack to dry naturally.
Consider installing a rainwater tank to collect and use rainwater and choosing water-efficient appliances to reduce your water bill. A hot water system thermostat can help maintain the right temperature, avoiding unnecessarily using boiling water. Regular hot water system maintenance is essential to prevent wastewater and ensure efficiency.
Got leaky pipes or want to install water-saving devices?
All this knowledge about saving water is excellent, but some require installing or repairing certain aspects of your plumbing. For all things plumbing and gas-related, and even emergency plumbing, call The Brisbane Plumbers. We’re Brisbane’s leading emergency plumbers. If you need plumbing help in a pinch, we’re available all day and night, every day of the year. We’ll be there in 60 minutes, guaranteed. Call The Brisbane Plumbers on 1300 847 086 for all your plumbing needs.