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3 Ways Your Plumber Can Save Water in Your Bathroom

Tua Fuga • 23 March 2021

Older bathrooms often work just fine; however, their fittings and systems might not actively save water. You might use more water in this room than you strictly need to.

You might not be ready to install a new bathroom just yet, but you can take some steps to reduce the amount of water you waste in the room. Your plumber can help you adapt current systems and install water-saving devices. You'll use less water and reduce your utility costs.

Where can your plumber help you make useful savings? See three ways.

1. Your toilet

Older toilets usually work on a single-flush system. Whenever you flush the toilet, it delivers the same amount of water. This system wastes water — you don't need a full flush every time you use the toilet.

If you buy a new toilet now, then it should come with a dual-flush system. These toilets give you a choice of two types of flush. One uses a lot less water than the other does, so you control how much water you use. If you get into the habit of using the smaller flush, you use a lot less water. Even the bigger flush uses less water than a typical single-flush toilet.

You don't have to install a new toilet to take advantage of dual-flush savings. Your plumber might be able to change the internal flush mechanism of your existing toilet. Here, you use a dual-flush conversion kit to replace your single-flush mechanism. You get the benefits of dual-flush savings without having to install a new toilet.

However, you can't use a conversion kit on all toilets. If your toilet isn't suitable, your plumber can help you put a water control device in your cistern.

These devices reduce the amount of water in each flush by displacing or trapping water in this tank. They aren't as effective as a dual-flush conversion, but they help you use less water until you're ready to upgrade.

2. Your taps

You can also take steps to reduce water consumption from some of the taps in your bathroom. For example, low-flow taps use water more efficiently. These taps mix air in with their water. They then let out less water when you turn them on.

However, you might not even notice the difference. The taps run less water but the air that mixes in gives the water more volume. You'll feel like the taps are giving you enough water at the right flow rate.

If you don't want to replace your taps, then you can sometimes add aerator caps to their spouts. These devices also aerate the water to make its flow stronger. They aren't necessarily as efficient as low-flow taps; however, they do make a difference.

While both these options save water, you probably don't want to use them on bath taps. While you won't notice an aerated flow in your basin, you will notice it in a bath. The bath will take a lot longer to fill.

3. Your shower

While a shower uses less water than a bath, it is still a source of water waste. You should look at changes that make the system more efficient.

For example, you can replace your current showerhead with a more efficient one. You can buy low-flow or aerated heads that work just as well as regular ones but use less water.

Your plumber can also help you set up a shower timer if you want to reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower. These timers control the shower's operation. Once you've had your allocated time, the device switches off the water.

For more advice on how to waste less water, contact S. P. K Plumbing & Civil. We can help you choose and install water-saving devices. If you decide that it's time to renovate, then we can also help you design and install a new bathroom.

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5 Ways to Protect Your Hot Water System

by SPK Plumbing • 17 June 2021

Conduct regular hot water system maintenance. Below is a guide with five tips to help protect your hot water system and avoid significant issues.

Why Install Decentralised Hot Water Systems in Your New Apartment Block?

by Tua Fuga • 5 February 2021

If you're building a new apartment block, then you have to find the best way to get utilities into each apartment. When it comes to hot water systems, you might have to choose between a centralised or decentralised system. While many blocks use a central hot water system, a decentralised option has some advantages. How does this system work and what are its benefits?

Should You Choose a Gas or Electric Instantaneous Hot Water System?

by Yellow SEO • 18 December 2020

If your home needs a new hot water system, an instantaneous water heater can be an excellent investment. These unique water heaters can provide hot water moments after you activate a hot tap or shower. However, if you do choose an instantaneous hot water system for your home, you will need to decide whether you want an electric or gas-fired system. Each type of heater comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so familiarising yourself with these pros and cons in advance can help you make an informed decision. Gas instantaneous water heaters Gas instantaneous hot water systems receive power from natural gas or propane and are suitable for larger homes with substantial hot water requirements. Many gas-fired systems can provide several gallons-per-minute of hot water, making them an excellent choice for larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms or kitchens. Gas instantaneous water heaters may also be the best choice if you are concerned about running costs. If your home connects to a natural gas pipeline, a gas heater will usually be significantly cheaper to run than an electric equivalent. Bear in mind that natural gas prices can vary from place to place, so you should check natural gas prices in your area before choosing a gas model for economic reasons. However, you might have a price to pay for low running costs and large amounts of hot water on demand. Gas instantaneous water heaters are a lot more mechanically complex than their electric counterparts and will usually cost more to purchase and install. They will pay for themselves over time with their low running costs and may represent a better long-term investment for your home. Gas-powered systems also often require more maintenance than electric models, and you will need to install vent pipes to prevent dangerous combustion by-products (such as carbon monoxide) from leaking into your home. These vent pipes will also need maintaining and periodical checking for leaks. Electric instantaneous water heaters While electric instantaneous hot water systems are often not as powerful as gas-powered systems, modern electric models can still provide enough hot water for most households. They do not require any venting, and the heaters themselves are more compact than gas-fired models, so electric instantaneous water heaters may be the better choice for smaller homes and apartments. Electric instantaneous hot water systems may also be more suitable for environmentally conscious homeowners. While electric hot water systems are not as powerful as gas-powered water heaters, they use their power much more efficiently and will put a smaller dent in your home's overall energy efficiency rating. They are less expensive to purchase and install than gas heaters and can be a better choice if you need to replace your existing heater on a tight budget. Under certain circumstances, they can also be more cost-effective to run. If you choose a gas water heater for a home that lacks a natural gas connection, you will have to rely on propane, which can be much more expensive (especially if your home lacks an on-site propane storage tank). However, the cost of installing an electric instantaneous hot water heater can skyrocket if you live in an older home with dated electrical infrastructure. An electric instantaneous heater will require at least 100 amps of electric power to run properly, and Wollongong's relatively cool winter climate can increase electrical demands even more. If your home's existing electrics cannot handle this added power draw, they will need upgrading from a professional electrical contractor. This can be an expensive project and may make installing an electric system more costly than choosing a gas-fired system instead. You have many reasons to choose either type of instantaneous hot water system. If you need any more advice on which type of instantaneous hot water system is best for your home and circumstances, contact the water heater professionals at S. P. K Plumbing & Civil for expert advice and recommendations.