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Creative Water-Saving Ideas for the Summer and Beyond

9th April 2025

Water might seem like an endless resource in the rainy UK, but don’t let those grey clouds fool you. The UK is facing increasing pressure on its water supply. Add to that the recent leap in water charges, and it’s a great idea to save water wherever you can.

Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and fixing leaky taps are obvious water-saving tactics, but there are some less obvious, more novel ways to reduce your water footprint - many of which are easy, affordable, and even a bit fun.

Install a shower timer – with a twist

We've all heard about timing our showers, but why not make it a game? Invest in a timer that plays music for a limited time (say, 4 minutes). When the music stops, so should your shower.

Harvest rainwater – stylishly

Forget bulky water butts. Today’s rainwater harvesters are sleek, space-saving, and come in designs that look more like modern planters than plumbing equipment. If aesthetics mean a lot to you, go for options that blend beautifully into your garden.

Switch to water-smart tech appliances

Energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines are becoming more mainstream - but some models go the extra mile. Look for eco-cycle settings and machines with automatic load sensing. Brands like Bosch and Miele have models that use less than 7 litres per cycle!

Get creative with grey water

Grey water (used water from baths, sinks, etc.) can be reused for flushing toilets or watering plants. While full grey water systems can be expensive, there are budget-friendly options like bathwater siphon pumps or portable grey water diverters that let you redirect used water for gardening.

Ditch the hose and say “hello” to the olla

An olla is a porous clay pot that you bury in your soil. Simply fill it with water, and it will slowly release moisture directly to the roots where it's needed most. They’ve been used for centuries in dry climates—and they’re catching on in the UK among permaculture and allotment enthusiasts.

Choose native plants

Native plants like foxgloves, primroses, and heather are adapted to the UK’s climate and require less watering. Plus, they support local wildlife.

Catch the cold

Instead of letting the tap run while you wait for the water to warm up, catch that clean, cold water and use it to fill the kettle, water houseplants, or rinse vegetables.

Don’t forget the basics

While dripping taps aren’t exciting, they do waste a huge amount of water; if you notice the washing bowl filling up by itself, or you have a constant drip, contact a local plumber and get it fixed.

Small actions really do add up. If every UK household made just a few of these changes, we could collectively save billions of litres of water every year. Whether you’re sprucing up your garden, upgrading your appliances, or just trying to shorten your shower songs - know that you’re helping to secure a sustainable water future for the UK.

Do you have your own water-saving solution? Let us know on Facebook or X.

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Looking for more plumbing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common plumbing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What should I do if I have a blocked drain or sink?

Start with a plunger - create a good seal and use firm, steady pressure. For a kitchen sink blocked with grease, bicarbonate of soda followed by vinegar can help. If that's not shifting it, a drain snake reaches further down the pipe. Go easy on chemical drain cleaners as they can damage older pipes and rarely sort the root cause. If the blockage keeps coming back, affects more than one outlet, or you're getting unpleasant smells, call a plumber rather than trying to patch up the problem.
How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak?

The most obvious clue is a water bill that's gone up without any change in your usage. Beyond that, listen out for running water when everything's turned off, and watch for damp patches on walls or ceilings nowhere near an obvious water source. A quick self-test is to turn everything off and watch your water meter - if it's still moving, there's a leak somewhere. Tracking down exactly where it is usually needs a specialist detection kit, which a plumber can bring in without having to rip everything up.
What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

Turn off your stopcock straight away - you'll usually find it under the kitchen sink or where the mains water enters the property. Once it's off, open your taps to drain what's left in the system, switch off the boiler if you can do so safely, and mop up any standing water before it reaches electrics or flooring. Then call a plumber. With burst pipes, the faster you act, the less damage you'll be faced with.
What is a gas safety certificate and do I need one?

A Gas Safety Record is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after checking that all your gas appliances, flues, and pipework are safe. Landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales are legally required to get one every year and give tenants a copy within 28 days. For homeowners it's not a legal requirement, but getting a check done alongside your annual boiler service is a smart idea, particularly in older properties. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the work or issue the certificate - you can check anyone's registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
Why is my water pressure low and can a plumber fix it?

Low pressure usually comes down to one of a handful of things: a stop valve that's not fully open, limescale build-up in older pipes, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or an issue with your water provider's mains supply. In most cases a plumber can sort it - though if the problem is with the mains itself, you'll need to contact your water company first. Either way, don't just live with it - ongoing low pressure can sometimes point to something more serious.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing or just repairing?

If it's under ten years old and it's one specific fault, a repair usually makes sense. If it's over fifteen, has needed multiple fixes recently, is making strange noises, or your energy bills have crept up for no obvious reason - replacement is probably the better investment. A useful rule of thumb: if the repair would cost more than half the price of a new boiler, it's probably time to replace it.
How often should I get my plumbing inspected?

There's no legal requirement for homeowners, but every two to three years is a sensible habit - especially in older properties or hard water areas where limescale builds up over time. Your annual boiler service covers some of the associated pipework too. And if anything seems off between inspections - odd noises, discoloured water, unexplained damp - don't wait. Get it looked at sooner.
Why do my pipes make a banging or knocking noise?

That banging sound (sometimes called water hammer) usually happens when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected, sending a pressure wave through the pipes. It's most common after flushing the toilet, shutting a tap sharply, or when a washing machine valve closes. Pipes that aren't properly secured can also knock against walls or joists. It sounds alarming but it's often an easy fix - a plumber can figure out whether it's a pressure issue, a faulty valve, or just some loose pipework.

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