CUT WATER BILLS
greedy consumer of water, though the latest machines are not as thirsty as older models.
For example, a dishwasher would use 50 litres a cycle in 1976, while a new model uses 10 litres – less than washing by hand.
When making a meal, always use a lid on your saucepan as this makes the water boil faster and less of it is wasted as steam.
As much as ten litres of water goes down the kitchen plug-hole every day while we wait for tap water to run cold for a drink – or for it to heat up.
Project analyst Charlotte White says: ‘It sounds mad but keeping an empty plastic bottle by the sink to collect this water means nothing goes to waste. You can then simply pop it in the kettle or provide some water for thirsty potted houseplants.’
When making a brew you should only fill the kettle to what you need, as otherwise you ramp up your energy bill.
HARVEST GARDEN RAIN
FOLLOWING the driest winter for 20 years, the Environment Agency says rivers and reservoirs are below average for this time of year.
Hosepipe bans could be introduced later this summer, so it is vital gardeners are prepared.
It is unlikely to be anywhere near as bad as the summer of 1976, when people were encouraged to shop their neighbours if they were seen using a hosepipe, while police patrols issued offenders with £400 fines.
Charlotte White recently completed a geography degree at the University of Portsmouth, where she wrote a dissertation on water use. She says: ‘One of the key areas I have found where waste can be avoided is using natural rainwater to feed the garden rather than using a hosepipe.’
A great place to start is installing a water butt or two in the garden. Your house roof can collect 50,000 litres of rain in a year, so catching some for the garden provides a great source of free water.
Charlotte, 22, who lives in Earls Barton, Northamptonshire, adds: ‘I have put a couple of water butts in the garden and fill a pond with natural rainwater that can also be used to water plants. My home has a water meter installed so this saves money as well.’
A sprinkler can use 1,200 litres of water an hour. You make huge water savings by using a watering can. As much as 100 litres of ‘grey’ water can be collected from a bath and there is no reason why this cannot be used in the garden. Relatively drought resistant bedding plants such as alyssum, geranium, marigold and petunia can colour the garden without being too thirsty.
Many people over-water their garden. If you put a spade in the ground and the soil is damp, it does not need watering. It is also best to water in the evening, not during the day when water is more likely to evaporate.
INSURE AGAINST DAMAGE
ACCIDENTAL damage is the biggest reason for households to claim on their home insurance policy.
Home insurer Zurich says that the average water damage claim from burst pipes is £2,790. A dripping tap can lead to the loss of up to 48 litres of water a day and if not fixed can lead to bigger problems, such as damage to floor and walls. The first step is to rummage under the kitchen sink and see if you can find a stop tap for the water supply. Websites such as DIY Doctor can help.
Equipped with an adjustable spanner and screwdriver you may be able to solve the problem yourself by slowly dismantling the tap from the top. Photograph each step if unsure about how to put it back together again. A new 50p washer may be the answer. If still dripping after putting the tap back together and turning on the stop tap, it is time to call an expert.
Phil Ost, insurance expert at Zurich, says: ‘Doing a job yourself can be cheaper but understand your limits. Call your insurer to see if you are covered for accidental damage if you are not sure.’
Water companies are responsible for sorting out leaks beyond the boundary of your house. Inside your property boundary you may be covered by your home insurance – but it is vital to check.
Specialist insurers such as HomeServe can provide cover against problems such as burst pipes caused by frozen water. Such cover also insures against boiler breakdowns – for £14 a month. But check to see if you are covered by your home insurance policy as this usually works out cheaper.
Insurance is also vital if damage is done to your home due to subsidence, often caused in dry spells when moisture is sucked from the ground. Make sure you are well covered by your home policy as costs to rectify problems can soar to as much as £50,000.