Six essential plumbing tips businesses can’t afford to miss this Water Saving Week

WaterSafe is urging businesses and organisations to get a conversation flowing with an approved plumber to save water, energy and money during Water Saving Week (17–21 May).

The UK register of approved plumbers is partnering with water efficiency experts Waterwise to support their annual campaign, which this year focuses on reducing water use by businesses and organisations.

The campaign is encouraging everyone to have conversations about saving water and how this can also save energy and money on metered bills – playing an important role in helping the UK reduce its carbon footprint.

Around a third of all the water supplied in the UK is used outside homes, in businesses, hotels, gyms etc and non-domestic water use is responsible for 28 million kg of CO2 emissions every month.

That’s why WaterSafe, which is promoted by all the UK water companies, is supporting Waterwise’s call to ‘Talk to your approved plumber about saving water’ on Wednesday 19 May during Water Saving Week.

Plumbers approved on the national WaterSafe register are a great port of call to help businesses looking to save water and energy as they are all trained in the water regulations, which not only protect the quality of drinking water, but help avoid water waste.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said: “WaterSafe is proud to support Water Saving Week for the sixth year running as saving water is so important as we start to feel the effects of climate change.

“Having a conversation with an approved plumber is a great starting point for anyone responsible for water efficiency in their workplace or community.

“Plumbers registered with WaterSafe are supported by their local water company – so it makes good business-sense to tap into their knowledge, especially when it comes to using water-saving fixtures and fittings.

“Putting simple water-efficient measures in now will also help you save money and protect the environment by getting closer to net zero carbon emissions.”

Award-winning WaterSafe approved plumber Steve Bartin recommends getting started with the following top tips:

• Fix leaky or dripping taps  – one leaky tap alone can waste up to 5,500 litres of water a year – which all adds to your business’s water bills if you’re on a meter.
• Do a leaky loo test  – around 1 in 10 of toilets at work are wasting water.
• Ask for a water audit with your local water company or retailer to help break down your water usage.
• Consider water-saving fixtures and fittings such as taps and showers with flow restrictors or aerators, which use less water.
• Know where your building’s stop tap is to turn your water off in an emergency, such as a burst pipe.
• Research water- and energy-efficient bathroom products by checking the Unified Water Label.

Waterwise’s Managing Director, Nicci Russell, said: “WaterSafe plumbers are in the frontline of supporting us all to save water, so we’re delighted to be teaming up with them again for Water Saving Week.

“Water scarcity is a challenge right here, right now, right across the UK – we all have a part to play in making sure we don’t waste water, so there’s enough to go round people, the environment and wildlife. Can you imagine a world without water?

“Simple steps we can all take at home and at work can help and a conversation with your plumber is an easy way to start that journey.”

Listen in to conversations with WaterSafe plumber Steve Bartin and WaterSafe Director Julie Spinks on saving water at watersafe.org.uk/water_efficiency.

Businesses and organisations wanting to know more can also sign up to a free webinar with Waterwise, in partnership with WaterSafe, on Wednesday 19 May at 2pm: bit.ly/3xH97KV

To talk to a qualified, approved WaterSafe plumber visit watersafe.org.uk.