Find out how to stop your money from going down the drain with these tip top tap tips
RISING water bills are creating a flood of worries in hard-up households.
But there’s plenty of ways to stop money going down the drain.
Follow these tips to save . . .
SWAP TO A METER: It is estimated that around 60 per cent of homes are on a water meter.
If you are not, it might be worth swapping so that you pay for the exact amount you use — and then lowering your consumption — rather than relying on an average charge.
LEAKY TAP: If you have a leaky tap it pays to fix it.
Just one dripping tap can waste up to nine litres of water every day, according to Thames Water.
You likely need to replace either the O-ring or washer — parts which should cost no more than a couple of pounds.
There is a step-by-step guide to fixing taps, at wickes.co.uk/how-to-guides.
DUAL FLUSH: Toilets make up a big chunk of a home’s water usage — but a dual flush helps to cut down by allowing you to use half a flush.
You don’t need to replace your entire toilet, but it is likely a job for a plumber unless you’re handy with tools.
UN-POWER SHOWER: Low-flow shower heads help slash consumption — and you can buy one for less than £10.
The change can save around £38 a year on water bills and helps to save on gas and electricity bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
You can also time showers to no more than five minutes to help cut down further.
SWITCH OFF: A running tap uses six litres of water a minute.
If you’re washing up, make sure you use a bowl rather than running the water in the sink.
You should also use a bowl to wash food.
And turn off taps when you’re brushing your teeth or shaving.
TEA FOR ONE: Kettles can typically hold 1.5 litres of water, yet you only need 250ml on average for a cuppa.
You’ll save by only filling up with what you need.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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