5 Ways to Lower Your Water Bill This Summer
Summer is a time when water use naturally spikes in the UK. From watering gardens to filling paddling pools and taking extra showers, it’s easy to see why our water bills often rise during warmer months. However, higher water use doesn’t automatically mean higher bills. Simple changes in habits and using the right tools can significantly lower your water bill in the UK, saving money while protecting this precious resource.
Water Your Garden Smartly
One of the biggest reasons your water bill might jump in the summer is gardening. Keeping lawns green and flowers blooming takes a surprising amount of water. However, efficient garden watering can save a lot of water—and money.
Start by watering plants early in the morning or late in the evening. When you water during cooler parts of the day, less water evaporates, giving your garden more hydration. Instead of using a hose, switch to a watering can to better control how much water each plant gets. Another great way to save water is by collecting rainwater in a water butt. Rainwater is free, clean, and perfect for plants, helping to reduce water usage from taps.
Choosing drought-resistant plants, such as lavender, thyme, or succulents, also reduces the need for constant watering. These plants look great and thrive with much less water. Additionally, adding mulch around plants helps keep soil moist, meaning you won’t need to water as frequently. Regularly removing weeds also helps because weeds compete with your plants for water, forcing you to water more.
Take Shorter Showers
Did you know showers use up to 12 litres of water per minute? Shortening your showers can make a significant difference to your summer water usage in the UK.
Aim to keep your showers around five minutes long. Setting a timer or playing a short song can help keep track. Installing a water-saving showerhead is another easy step. These showerheads reduce water flow without affecting your shower experience, which means you use less water without even noticing.
To save even more water, turn off the shower while shampooing or soaping up. These small changes can save thousands of litres of water annually, dramatically reducing your summer water bill. Consider also turning down the water pressure slightly; even a small reduction can lead to significant water savings over time.
Fix Leaks & Drips
Even a tiny drip from a tap can waste up to 5,500 litres of water per year. That’s enough to fill a paddling pool many times over. Our leak detection advice can help you avoid these costly issues.
Begin by checking all taps, hoses, and toilets around your home regularly for leaks. If you find dripping taps or hoses, replacing worn washers or valves usually fixes the problem quickly and cheaply. Toilet leaks are harder to spot but easy to test. Simply add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet cistern and wait a few minutes. If colour appears in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak to repair.
Fixing leaks immediately reduces water wastage, lowers your water bill, and prevents damage to your home. It is also a good practice to regularly check your water meter to detect hidden leaks. If your meter continues to run when all taps and appliances are off, you likely have a hidden leak.
Use Appliances Efficiently
Household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines can be major water guzzlers. Thankfully, using them more efficiently can significantly lower your water bill in the UK.
Always wait until your dishwasher or washing machine is fully loaded before running it. Half-full appliances waste both water and energy. Many newer appliances have eco-friendly or water-saving modes designed to reduce water consumption. Always choose these modes when available.
If you’re thinking about upgrading appliances, choose models with high water efficiency ratings. Although these appliances may cost a bit more initially, they save substantial amounts of water and energy, reducing long-term costs. You can also pre-rinse dishes in a bowl of water rather than under running water, further lowering your overall water usage.
Be Smart About Summer Water Use
Outdoor fun and household chores don’t have to use large amounts of water. Small adjustments in how you use water outside can add up quickly.
Instead of filling and emptying paddling pools daily, fill them once and keep them covered overnight. This prevents debris from getting in and keeps water clean longer. Cleaning patios or driveways with a broom instead of a hose is another smart change. It saves hundreds of litres of water each time you clean.
Encourage children to play with water wisely. Using small buckets or cups instead of running hoses for water games saves substantial amounts of water without spoiling the fun. You can also reuse leftover paddling pool water for watering garden plants once you’re finished using it.
Bonus Tip: Install Water-Saving Devices
Small changes can significantly reduce your water bill over time. Water-saving devices are an easy way to cut down water usage in everyday life.
Tap aerators, for example, reduce the flow of water without sacrificing pressure. They’re simple to install and inexpensive, making them a great option for any home. Dual-flush toilets help you control how much water you use with each flush, reducing wastage significantly.
Another great option is low-flow showerheads. They deliver a comfortable shower experience using much less water than standard showerheads. These eco-friendly plumbing tips can have a big impact on your water bills, especially during the busy summer months.
Reduce Your Water Usage With Fords South West Ltd
Reducing your water usage this summer is easier than you think, and following our water-saving tips and making small changes can lead to significant savings on your water bill. Simple steps like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and being mindful of daily consumption can make a real difference. For expert advice or plumbing solutions to help improve your home’s water efficiency, trust Fords South West Ltd. With over a century of experience serving Devon, Somerset, and beyond, we offer professional plumbing services, repairs, and installations tailored to your needs. Contact our team today or visit our Sidmouth showroom to discover how we can help you save water and cut costs this summer.
