How to Save Water at Home: 20 Tips to Reduce Your Use

Water, water, everywhere – but not forever, right? Despite how freely it flows from our taps, water is a precious resource that we’re all responsible for conserving. Whether you’re motivated by environmental concerns, rising utility bills, or simply the challenge of living more sustainably, learning how to save water at home is an easy and impactful place to start. The best part? These strategies won’t just help the planet, they’ll also give you that nice, fuzzy feeling every time you realise you’re doing something good. Today, we’re diving into 20 tips to help reduce your water use – because every drop counts.

1. Fix Those Leaks: The Drips Add Up

The leaky tap that keeps you up at night is more than just an annoyance – it’s a potential water-wasting monster. A single dripping tap can waste up to 13,000 litres a year. One of the easiest ways to save water at home is to fix leaks as soon as you notice them. Whether it’s a tap, a shower head, or a toilet, plugging those leaks will stop gallons of precious water from literally going down the drain.

2. Install Low-Flow Fixtures: The Efficient Upgrade

If you haven’t already switched to low-flow fixtures, it’s time to hop on this eco-friendly bandwagon. Low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets use significantly less water while still getting the job done. For example, a low-flow shower head uses about half as much water as a standard one, without sacrificing water pressure. This small upgrade can make a huge difference in your overall water consumption and really help you to save water at home.

3. Take Shorter Showers: Time is of the Essence

We all love a good long, hot shower, but cutting your shower time by just a few minutes can save a significant amount of water. If you’re used to a 10-minute shower, try trimming it down to five. To keep yourself on track, consider using a waterproof shower timer – it turns conserving water into a game where the reward is both saving cash and the planet.

4. Only Run Full Loads in Your Dishwasher and Washing Machine

Dishwashers and washing machines can be surprisingly water-efficient, but only if you use them wisely. Make sure to run these appliances only when they’re full to maximise water and energy use. A half-empty dishwasher or washing machine uses the same amount of water as a full one, so if you’re running it half-empty, you’re wasting a lot of potential savings.

5. Ditch the Hose, Use a Broom

Instead of using a hose to wash down driveways, patios, and sidewalks, grab a broom. Sweeping can get rid of dust and debris without using a single drop of water. It might seem like a small change, but it’s one of those easy ways to save water at home that adds up over time – plus, it’s a decent mini workout!

6. Install a Rain Barrel: Nature’s Free Water Supply

Let’s be honest – here in the UK, we’re not exactly short of rain. As such, if you have a garden or back yard, installing a rain barrel is a fantastic way to save water. Collecting rainwater and using it to water your plants not only reduces your water bill but also ensures that your garden gets a steady supply of chemical-free water. It’s like having your own personal reservoir, and the plants will love you for it.

7. Use a Dual-Flush Toilet: Two Buttons, Less Waste

Standard toilets use a lot of water per flush—far more than is necessary most of the time. A dual-flush toilet offers two different options: a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. If you’re thinking about how to save water at home in a big way, upgrading to a dual-flush toilet can save thousands of gallons per year.

8. Turn Off the Tap While Brushing Teeth

If you leave the water running while brushing your teeth, you’re wasting up to 18 litres of water every time. Make it a habit to turn off the tap while you’re scrubbing those pearly whites. It might not feel like a lot, but those litres add up  – especially in a household with multiple people brushing twice a day – and make a huge difference when trying to save water at home.

9. Water Plants in the Morning or Evening

Watering your garden in the middle of the day is one of the quickest ways to waste water. During the heat of the day on  warm summer days, much of that water will evaporate before it ever reaches the roots. Watering in the early morning or late evening reduces evaporation and ensures that your plants get the most from every drop. Smart, simple, and effective.

10. Switch to Native Plants: Nature Knows Best

If your garden is packed with thirsty plants that need constant attention, it might be time to re-think your landscaping. Native plants are naturally adapted to your local climate, which means they need less water and are generally more resilient. By landscaping with native species, you can save a lot of water while still having a beautiful garden.

11. Cover Pools to Reduce Evaporation

If you’ve got a pool, you’ll know that water loss due to evaporation is a real issue. Covering your pool when it’s not in use can save thousands of litres of water every year. Pool covers are an easy solution that also keeps debris out, making maintenance easier. It’s a win-win for both water savings and pool upkeep.

12. Keep Cold Water in the Fridge

Instead of letting the tap run until the water turns cold enough to drink, keep a jug of water in the fridge. This simple step will save water at home and give you refreshing cold water on demand – perfect for those hot summer days when every drop feels precious.

13. Use a High-Efficiency Washing Machine

If it’s time to replace your washing machine, look for a high-efficiency model. High-efficiency washing machines use significantly less water and energy than older models, and they’re better for your clothes, too. It’s a simple upgrade that can save thousands of litres of water each year.

14. Adjust Your Sprinklers

If you have a sprinkler system, make sure it’s only watering the areas that need it. Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid watering paths, driveways, and other non-essential surfaces. Also, check regularly for leaks or broken heads – an unchecked sprinkler leak can waste an astonishing amount of water.

15. Wash Vegetables in a Bowl

Instead of washing vegetables under a running tap, fill a bowl with water and rinse them there. This not only saves water but also gives you an easy way to reuse the rinse water – use it to water plants and you’ve got double the conservation points.

16. Insulate Your Water Pipes

Want hot water faster? Insulating your pipes is the answer. When your pipes are insulated, you don’t need to run the tap as long to get hot water, which saves both water and energy. It’s a simple upgrade that pays off quickly in both comfort and conservation.

17. Use a Dishwasher Instead of Hand-Washing

This one might seem counter-intuitive, but using a dishwasher can actually save more water than hand-washing – especially if you have a water-efficient model. As mentioned above, the key is to only run it when it’s full. So, if you’ve been hand-washing every cup and plate, it’s time to load up the dishwasher and let technology do the work to save water at home.

18. Set Lawn Mower Blades Higher

When you mow your lawn, keep the grass a little longer. Taller grass retains moisture better, which means you’ll need to water less often. Setting the mower blades higher is a surprisingly effective way to save water at home, and it keeps your lawn healthier, too.

19. Opt for Showers Over Baths

A quick shower uses significantly less water than a bath. If you’re serious about reducing your water usage, trade those long, leisurely baths for shorter showers. You can still relax – just make it a steamy, efficient zen zone instead of a water-wasting soak.

20. Reuse Water When You Can

When you’re waiting for the shower to heat up, place a bucket under the stream and collect the cold water. This water can be used to water plants, clean, or even flush the toilet. Every bit counts, and reusing water that would otherwise go to waste is a fantastic way to reduce your use.

Save Water at Home: Small Changes, Big Difference

Trying to save water at home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With these 20 simple tips, you can significantly reduce your water usage and contribute to a healthier planet – all while saving a bit on your utility bill. Whether it’s fixing a leak, taking shorter showers, or making simple changes in your daily habits, every little bit counts when it comes to preserving our most valuable resource.

The beauty of learning how to save water at home is that each change you make leads to a ripple effect. You’ll not only conserve water and reduce waste, but you’ll also inspire those around you to think about their own habits. Together, we can all make a big difference – one drop at a time.