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All you need to know about boiler installation when moving house

When you improve your water efficiency, you can reduce both your water bills and energy expenses. This is due to the energy consumption involved in using the hot water. There are various plumbing-related things you can do to reduce water and energy consumption in the home.
In this post, we provide 5 plumbing tips to help you conserve precious water and energy. Read on to become more efficient.

 

water tap

1. Install low-flow fixtures

Low-flow fixtures are readily available and are very effective as a measure for conserving water. You can simply replace your existing fixtures with minimal disturbance to your actual plumbing.
  • Low-flow taps for the kitchen and bathroom cut the water flow by as much as 40% in comparison to standard taps.
  • Low-flow showerheads allow as much as 30% less water to travel through when in use.
  • The flow rate is reduced through the use of aerators. You can even retrofit an aerator on some taps for a very cost-effective measure.
  • Old toilets are very inefficient, using lots of water to flush. This can be substantially reduced with a modern, high-efficiency toilet.

2. Get a new boiler

While not a small measure, this can be a very effective one. Boilers have an impact on the amount of energy used to heat water for the central heating and hot water systems. Older boilers tend to be less efficient than newer ones, and there are even alternatives like heat pumps available now.
  • Replace old boilers with newer, more energy-efficient models
  • Keep the water tank clean (if relevant) to maintain optimal performance
  • Set the water heater to 50°C or lower and watch your energy bills tumble
  • Insulate pipes to prevent heat loss

3. Check the house for plumbing issues

Minor plumbing issues are easier to address if they are detected early. They cause water to be wasted so it is in your interest to find them and repair them as quickly as possible.
  • Check your sink, shower and bath hardware for leaks
  • Look at exposed pipes beneath the sink, the bath and anywhere else they are visible
  • Check your toiler for leaks. You can do this by adding a few drops of food colouring to the tank and then looking to see if the colour has leaked down to the bowl after about 10-15 minutes. Also, look out for water on the floor around the toilet.
If you detect a leak, get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to save water and avoid the problem getting worse.

4. Check washing machine hoses

Water consumption is high with washing machines and leaks only make that worse.
  • Pull the washing machine away from the wall and look for signs of leaks
  • Inspect the hoses for cracks or damage – rubber deteriorates over time
  • Rubber hoses should be replaced every 5 years

5. Don't forget your drains

While drains do not directly impact water and energy consumption, they are crucial to the efficient performance of your plumbing system.
  • Aim to prevent clogging rather than trying to fix it when it happens
  • In the bathroom, strainers can prevent large particles from entering the pipes
  • Don’t pour fats or oils down the pipes
  • Don’t flush dental floss or wet wipes

Final Thoughts

There is a misconception that water efficiency has to be an expensive and complicated task. It can actually be an achievable goal made up of lots of small steps. Follow the steps outlined in this guide and you will be off to a good start, improving your plumbing system and reducing both water and energy consumption.