As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, more and more of us will be looking to keep our bills low and cut back where possible.
Your water bill can often feel impossible to reduce, as everything from putting a wash on to having a shower inflates the charges. However, it is possible to cut back without having to forgo necessities.
Users on TikTok have been sharing their top tips for reducing water bill, including simple habits to get into that can save you a surprising amount of money.
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1. Use the small button on a dual flush toilet
Bathroom expert Warren Kinloch, from high quality bathroom supplier Bathroom Deal, said: “This hack from TikTok’s @ThatPropertyGuy is great, and not one that many people consider. There is a huge difference between the amount of water used, and the amount you’re charged each month, when pushing the small or large buttons on a dual flush.
"The smaller button uses much less water, around 4 to 6 litres per flush, whereas the larger button can use up to 9 litres. I would recommend using the smaller button as often as possible to cut down your water usage and bill.”
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2. Save the cold water from when your first turn your shower or bath on
Although outdoor temperatures are slowly rising, it's still not uncommon to be stood waiting for your shower to warm up for at least a few seconds. Instead, keep a handy container in the bathroom, and direct those first few seconds of cold water into there so you have some water on hand without going to the tap.
Kinloch said: "This viral hack from TikToker @annamasiello has over 4.8m views, and I can completely see why! This user clearly has a love for sustainable living, and the tip she offers here is a great way to save money on your water bills.
"When you first turn on the shower or bath, and you’re waiting for the water to warm up, collect the cold water in a container to reuse! You can use this to water plants or even put it through a filter to drink. This is a fantastic zero waste solution.”
3. Re-use your bath water through your outside hose
This is a great alternative for people who prefer a bath to a shower, but still want to get the most out of their bathroom water.
Kinloch said: "TikTok user @Nancy_Birtwhistle explains this perfectly in her video of the hack originally used in the 1970s. You can use your hose pipe to go from the full bath and out into your garden to water the plants.
"You can also use it to wash your patio or even your car if the hose is able to reach!”
4. Use a shower timer
If you often find yourself day-dreaming in the shower, it's more than your time you're spending in there. Kinloch reveals that reducing your shower time by one minute can save you more than £70 each year.
He said: "There are some great TikTok videos of people starting to use shower timers. While you can purchase them from most home stores, you can just as easily use your phone and jump out of the shower once the timer goes off."
5. Check your toilet for leaks
Kinloch said: "Whilst you can purchase leak detectors, TikToker @mitchcouch shares an ingenious hack meaning you can check for toilet leaks regularly with something you’re likely to already have - food colouring!
"Pop a tiny squirt of green or blue food colouring into the tank and wait to see if this transfers to the toilet boil. If it does, this indicates there’s a leak. You can get it checked and sorted quickly so it doesn’t cost you more in the long run!”
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