Expert Opinion

Elissa Foster, Head of Sustainability at Who Gives A Crap tips on how to conserve water in the bathroom

Elissa Foster

  • Fixing hidden leaks: Let’s begin with the humble toilet. It may be our sacred throne, but it’s not always without flaws. Make sure to check your toilet for any leaks that might be wasting water unnecessarily. You can do this by putting 4-5 drops of food colouring in the toilet tank – if the food colouring appears in the toilet bowl, this is usually a sign of a leak. Make sure to contact a professional to help fix the problem.
  • Innovate your flush: When it comes to our favourite seat in the house, you can save water by giving it a glow-up. Thanks to innovative technology, dual flush systems will allow you to choose a short flush, when you don’t need a longer one. The cost of this system might be an up-front investment, but will reduce your excess water wastage and save you flushing money down the pan in the long run.
  • Shower power: Showers are a relaxing place to decompress, but can be a serious drain for water in the home when left running for too long. Shorten the length of your shower by a few minutes to show you’re conscious of the amount of time you are spending in there. You can also take preventative measures by installing a water-saving showerhead or flow restrictor that can be purchased online from the likes of Amazon or Screwfix from just £10.
  • Consider your tap: Of course, you can easily save water by turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth, and when it doesn’t need to be running. But to go the extra mile, why not invest in a clever water saving tap or nozzle that offers low water consumption features? You can purchase these from the likes of Amazon or Victoria Plumbing starting from as little as £10.
  • Plug, plug, plug!: It can be tempting to let the bath run to the correct temperature before putting in the plug, but this is not necessary. Put the plug in the bath before turning the tap on, and allow the water to run and heat up as it fills. It will still be nice and warm once the hot water begins to infiltrate the cold. You can also save by only filling the bath half-full.
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