Blog>How-To Guides>How to reduce water bills
Last updated: 30 August 2024
How to reduce water bills
With water costs rising, discover ways to reduce your water bills and create a more eco-friendly home.
With water costs set to increase over the next five years, it's worth looking at how you can reduce your water consumption and therefore your bills.
Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do yourself to reduce your water usage, as well as some larger jobs that require the help of a tradesperson.
Keep reading for all our practical tips on reducing water usage – from free water-saving gadgets to upgrading your appliances. We also share advice on other ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
Why should I reduce my water use?
Reducing your water usage is a win-win. Benefits include:
Saving money on your bills
Improving your home's energy efficiency
Increasing the value of your home with more permanent changes, such as installing a smart eco shower or a soakaway
Making your home more eco-friendly
Trial a water meter to reduce water bills
While you can't shop around for the best water supplier rates, you can consider trialling a metered supply if you haven't already done so.
With a metered supply, you'll only pay for the water you use. So the less you use, the less you'll pay.
Meanwhile, with rates (unmetered), you pay based on the size of your home. This means there is no extra cost if you use more than the average home but no savings on your water bill if you use less.
Water meters are free to install, and you can switch back after two years if it's not right for you. A quick word of warning, though – if you have more people living in your house than bedrooms, you may spend more this way.
Top tip – Most water suppliers now offer many free water-saving gadgets to help you save water (and money!). More on that next.
Saving water in the bathroom
Switch to showers
Did you know showers use far less water than baths do? Better still, by timing your shower to four minutes, reports suggest you could save over £100 on your yearly water and energy bills.
Ask your water supplier if they offer free shower timers to keep you on track.
Shower smarter
Consider adding low-flow showerheads, which some water suppliers give away for free. These nifty water-saving devices add air or jet water through smaller shower head holes.
You can also consider upgrading to a smart shower with an eco mode to help reduce water wastage.
Change your taps
Fitting low-flow, high-efficiency aerator inserts to taps can cut water usage by 4%. It may not sound like a lot, but it soon adds up, and some water suppliers offer inserts for free.
Also, make sure to fix any leaking taps straightaway. A leaky tap can waste up to a bathtub's worth of water every week!
Switch the tap off when brushing your teeth
Did you know you could save over 5,000 litres of water per person each year simply by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth?
Upgrade your toilet
Consider installing dual flush toilet converters so you can choose from a small or large flush.
You can also purchase grey water diverters to recycle shower water and use it to flush the toilet.
Toilet installation cost in the UK in 2026
Wondering how much it costs to install or replace a toilet? Explore toilet installation costs, plumber rates, replacement prices and fitting costs.
Saving water in the kitchen
Go eco
If you have a dishwasher and washing machine, select the eco setting. This uses less energy and water but achieves the same washing result as an average daily cycle.
Only boil what you need
Think twice before emptying your kettle and refilling it with fresh water for a cuppa. Reboiled water will taste just the same. Or boil the exact amount of water you need.
Switch to efficient kitchen appliances
If your budget allows, upgrade to a modern washing machine and dishwasher. You'll use less water and less power than your old counterparts.
You could also save water by switching to a smaller washing machine model. Even though a 12KG washing machine is 50% bigger than an 8KG model, it uses 65% more water!
Install a more efficient boiler
With a more efficient boiler, you'll have hot water straight away. This means less running the tap and waiting for it to heat up (and less water wasting!).
How much does a new boiler cost in the UK in 2026?
Our comprehensive guide outlines the average cost of a new boiler, running costs, and potential additional expenses to budget for.
Saving water outside
Get a rainwater tank
With rain falling for nearly 160 days every year in the UK, there’s a great opportunity to use rainwater for other purposes. Installing a rainwater tank can give you free water for flushing toilets, watering the garden, washing laundry, and more! Depending on which water supplier you're with, they might offer water butts for free.
Use a watering can
Swapping a hose or sprinkler for a watering can massively reduce the amount of water you use.
Install a soakaway
If your home has a soakaway to help drain rainwater rather than letting it go into the mains sewer, you could be eligible for a rebate from your water supplier.
Our step-by-step guide explains how to install a soakaway in your garden.
Other ways to make your home more energy efficient
Making your home more energy efficient overall can really help to save money on your bills and future proof your home.
Consider some of the following:
Solar panels
Another great way to lower your utility bills is to install solar panels for renewable energy. Though costly to install, they will save you money in the long run, and you'll be doing your bit for the planet.
Buying guide: Helping you to choose your solar panels
Here, we outline all you need to know before you buy solar panels for your home.
Insulation
Draught-proofing and insulating your home can save you up to 15% yearly on heating and cooling costs. Upgrading your loft insulation offers the most immediate results.
Air source heat pumps
If you’re looking for a clean way to heat your home and save more money on your utility bills, an air source heat pump could be the answer.
Find professionals to help reduce water bills
Whilst some of the practical tips above can be completed yourself, some will require the skills of a qualified builder or plumber.
Use our free search feature to find a reputable tradesperson in your area to help you reduce your water bills.
