Water-Saving Plumbing Ideas

Water consumption is a big issue for all Australian households - we feel the pinch when water prices creep up. As local plumbers, Rose Bay Plumbing is not immune to the rising costs. However, we can all do quite a bit to keep water consumption in check and help make water bills slightly more reasonable. So, here are some top water-saving plumbing ideas (several of which revolve around water leak detection) for your household this summer. We hope they go a long way in saving you a pretty penny, and helping the planet at the same time! 

Rainwater tanks 

Rainwater tanks in Sydney can be a great option for saving water - not to mention dollars! Collecting all that ‘free’ water and putting it to good use (as opposed to letting it run down the drain) is a savvy move. Just plant some native flora around the base, and in no time, you’ll have a lovely garden area that is also working hard for you! 

Stop toilet leaks 

You might not think it, but the toilet is the single biggest water guzzler in most households. Why? Because it is used more frequently than more obvious suspects, such as the dishwasher and washing machine. It is therefore imperative that the toilet be in tip-top working condition. We’re available for all toilet repairs. So avoid figuratively flushing your money down the loo, and give us a call! 

Check for leaking taps, pipes and drains 

Leaking taps, blocked drains or a burst pipe can result in money pouring down the plughole. Wondering how to fix a leaking tap? This is something you can do very easily under your own steam. Simply go around the home paying attention to all the taps, pipes and drains. Look for any quiet pooling of water, listen out for that tell-tale drip. A leaking tap, pipe or drain is losing you water and money, and it’s such an easy fix! 

In some instances, you may be able to fix the leak yourself. However, by all means, contact our team of professional plumbers if this looks like it’s a bigger problem (or you simply don’t have the time or tools for the job). We’re more than happy to come take care of it for you. Indeed, perhaps it’s a good opportunity to conduct a root risk analysis, as well (see below)! 

Call us for a root risk analysis 

Sydney trees are spectacular, and we certainly appreciate them in the middle of summer when we need as much outdoor shade as possible. Next time you’re outside, look up and see how expansive the tree canopies are. Now imagine that same mass, but as the root system underground. You start to get an appreciation for just how busy it is under the surface. Those roots are working hard to stretch further and further out in search of more nutrients and water, and that’s where the problem lies. 

Very little gets in the way of a determined root system, including Sydney sewer pipes. On their quest to grow, these roots don’t go over or around when they can bulldoze right through - and that’s precisely what they do. The result can be an inordinate loss of water - and you might not know about it for some time. If left unchecked, a pierced drain can escalate into a full-blown plumbing emergency and result in a drain plumber conducting major drain repair or pipe relining. 

A way around this is to conduct a root risk analysis, something our professional plumbers are well-versed in doing. It does not take long at all. We use innovative, purpose-built technology to survey precisely what is happening underground on your property. We then provide you with a report and talk you through the options. If roots are already damaging your pipes, you’ll be losing money hand over fist, and you will want to put a stop to that quick smart. If we can see this has not yet happened but is imminent, you’re in an excellent position. You can choose to act before you start losing a small fortune. Trust us when we say this is one of the smartest things you can do to save money and hassle in plumbing costs and repair work. 

More ideas to save water at home

OK, so we’ve shared our plumbing advice with you. However, there are some really quick and easy additional wins regarding ideas that save water at home. These include:

• Being shower savvy. What do we mean by this? Well, keep your shower time to a minimum - having an egg timer is always a good way to take care of this. Showers can sometimes become a sanctuary, and we understand that for busy parents, in particular, this can be one of your few moments of ‘me-time’. Be conscious of how much time you spend in the shower, though, and don’t get caught up in daydreaming. Otherwise, dollars will fly down the drain! 
• Another great shower water-saving idea is to keep a bucket in the area to collect water, rather than have it all simply flush away. You can then use this to water the plants (provided it’s not soapy!) or wash the car, for example. 
• Put a bucket in the sink as well. Can you tell we’re big bucket fans?! Seriously, though, that’s such an easy win. Keep your bucket in the sink to collect ‘incidental’ water use, such as when you wash your fruit and veggies. Again, you can use the water you save for things like filling the iron, washing the car, watering the garden, etc. 
• Brush your teeth with the tap off - this one is self-explanatory! 
• Make sure your washing machine and/or dishwasher are as full as possible before you turn on a load. 

Contact us 

Have these water-saving plumbing ideas helped motivate you to save money and water in the home? We hope so. If you have any plumbing issue, just call our Rose Bay Plumbing services for a no-cost, no-obligation quote seven days a week (and during public holidays); we’d be delighted to hear from you.