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Use water wisely, says CIPHE

Summer’s weather outlook is dry, and although many sun worshippers will rejoice at this news, minimal rainfall can cause problems around our homes, especially if a drought occurs and restrictions on water use are imposed throughout the UK.

Danny Davis, Operations Manager for the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), stresses the importance of treating water with reverence: “Water is a precious resource, so we should all be mindful of how much we use. It’s obvious that by having a shower you will save water in comparison with having a bath. However, some showers also use a lot of water. If a shower fills an 8-litre bucket in less than 40 seconds, you could benefit from replacing the showerhead with a water-efficient model. Electric showers are the exception though, as they are not suitable for flow restricting showerheads.”1

His advice is especially poignant for homeowners and renters who have water meters installed, as with a heightened recognition for water waste and the incorporation of efficient technologies, it’s possible to reduce one’s carbon footprint and utility bill simultaneously.

Davis goes on to address water leaks, reminding people to think about the accumulation of odd drips: “A dripping tap can waste more than 60 litres of water per week if it isn’t rectified. If you have a water meter installed this will certainly push up your bills, so you will be losing money as well as wasting water. Just think, if it continues over a long period – say three months – you could be paying for 720 litres of unused water.”

He also speaks about making the most of the rainwater we do see this summer by recycling it for other purposes around the home: “A water butt is a great way to collect rainwater. You can use it to water your garden or wash the car. If you do use a hose, use a trigger gun that you can direct and switch off. Lawns may turn brown but don’t need watering – they will recover when it rains.”

Davis’ final piece of advice is to always use a professional plumber when addressing water issues in the home. We’ve put together a list of the safest methods to use in your search for a qualified plumber »


1 CIPHE, 2015. The outlook is dry!. [Online] Available at: http://www.ciphe.org.uk/professional-members/news/the-outlook-is-dry/. [Accessed 15th July 2015].

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