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A few simple changes around your home and garden will set you on the path to water conservation (and hopefully a cheaper water bill as a result). There’s no need to pre-wash dishes before loading in the dishwasher – a quick wipe of bigger food bits will do. Keep your shower time to four minutes – set a timer or use a shower radio and time your wash to the length of a song. And while you wait for the hot water to come up to temperature, catch it in a bucket to use in the garden – but don’t use water captured during your shower as it will be full of soap.
D.I.Y. a greywater hose that connects to the washing machine and directs water to your lawn. Georgia Liversage at Holman says not to use this on edible or flower beds. “Opt for a low-phosphorus washing powder and try to reduce the amount you use,” she says.
Otherwise, use a bucket and treat the greywater before putting it on your garden, says Angie Thomas of Yates. “There are special greywater additives to help neutralise the effect of alkaline soaps and detergents on soil pH, that also contain calcium to help reduce the negative effects of greywater on soil quality, and a biocide to help kill unwanted microbes,” she says. “Don’t store untreated greywater for more than 24 hours (due to the potential growth of microbes) or use it to water edibles. If watering native and other phosphorus sensitive plants with greywater, use a low- or no-phosphorus detergent.”
When watering your garden, make sure every drop goes where it’s needed. “Water as close to the roots as possible,” says Georgia. “We suggest using a dripping hose laid across a garden bed.” If buying a sprinkler for lawns, look for one with a wind-resistant jet spray. Set timers to water in the coolest part of the day. “You can choose from manual, digital, bluetooth or wi-fi tap timers or controllers, for backyards that may have multiple watering zones,” says Georgia.
To help save water in the home, check the water efficiency of your bathroom fittings. Dual-flush toilets have been standard for quite some time, but if yours is a single flush, you may be able to change it – Bunnings can organise installation of a replacement toilet*.
Modern shower design has also made great strides and a replacement showerhead may be a straightforward retrofit with enormous benefits to both your water and energy bills. Showering has the potential to significantly add to your household water consumption, says Andy Grigor of Caroma. “So having a water efficient shower could have a big impact.”
If your home is fitted out with inefficient fixtures, try these easy solutions. Install aerators – these screw onto the end of taps and give you the feel of a generous flow without using loads of water. Some even swivel, which is a great bonus function for rinsing the sink. Flow restrictors are a simple solution for the shower when you don’t want to replace the showerhead. One of these little discs is affordable, quick to install and restricts the water flow to as little as six litres per minute.
If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, check the water efficiency rating (WELS), says Liam Gregory, Bunnings national kitchen and laundry buyer. “Look for machines with load-sensing technology, which adjusts the water level based on the size of the load, with shorter cycle lengths and settings for smaller loads,” he suggests. Then it’s all about how you use your machine. “Aim to do full loads of laundry to make the most efficient use of water; pre-treat stains to reduce the need for additional wash cycles; and for delicate items or small loads, consider handwashing,” says Liam.
*Note: Not all services are available in all stores; conditions apply.
Take the hard work out of garden irrigation with a tap timer.
Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Photo Credit: POPE Drip Eze® Drip Irrigation Tube
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
