Seven water saving hacks to help households reduce costs

Britons are being urged to consider water conservation measures as water bills are expected to increase by an average of £86 in 2025.

Savings experts at insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk have shared their top tips to help households reduce water usage and keep costs down.

Over the next five years, water bills are set to rise by an average of £31 a year, but the more water a typical household uses, the higher their water bill will be*.

However, regular home maintenance and identifying small yet costly faults could save Britons from a noticeable increase in their water bills.

It’s important to check for pesky leaks under sinks, baths, and behind appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Addressing leaks can save money as well as further damage to the home.

Small changes, like adjusting the amount of water used to fill the sink and ensuring the washing machine is full before running a cycle, can all help reduce water consumption.

Using efficient appliances like low flow shower heads and installing soft flush toilet systems can also further reduce water wastage.

Ian Wilson, insurance and savings expert at Tiger.co.uk said: “If times weren’t already tough enough, the upcoming increase in water bills over the next few years is sure to add more pressure.

“Some simple yet effective tips for saving money on your water bill begin with checking for hidden leaks that could be driving up costs and causing damage to your home.

“Refining your water usage – such as taking shallower baths, shaving a few minutes off your shower time, and ensuring taps are fully turned off – can lower your bills more than you would expect.

“Additionally, reusing water wherever possible can make a significant difference. For instance, saving rainwater in a water butt can help reduce costs when watering the garden in the spring and summer.”

Seven Tiger Tips for Saving Water:

• Check for leaks

​​Anywhere with pipes or pipe joints can pose a risk of leaking, leading to wasted water and potentially costly issues. Inspecting under sinks, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers can help identify problems early on and prevent an increase in water bills.

• Prevent drips

Ensure taps are turned off fully and not left running. Also checking for any small faults like worn or old tap washers which can lead to a continuous drip, so regular maintenance is essential in order to conserve water.

• Efficient shower head

There are various types of water saving shower heads, from those that regulate the water flow and aerating shower heads, which mix air with water droplets making it seem like more water is flowing.

• Soft flush toilet

Dual flush toilet systems are common in modern homes, offering a lighter flush to clear waste efficiently whilst preventing unnecessary excess water usage.

• Collect rainwater

Collecting rainwater in your garden can be useful in the summer, reducing the need to use a hose pipe so regularly. Rainwater can be stored in water butts and used for water plants, washing cars, and cleaning mucky pets.

• Consider wash cycles

Running the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads helps reduce the number of cycles, which can save both water and money.  Also, ensure that you use the most efficient setting, such as a quick wash, when appropriate.

• Don’t overfill

Whether you’re filling the kettle for a cup of tea or running a cosy bubble bath, overfilling could be racking up your water bill. Be mindful to only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need and opt for shallower baths where possible.

Tiger.co.uk helps households across the UK compare and find savings on all sorts of everyday bills such as utilities and home insurance