22 ways to save water consumption in your home. Or how to reduce utility bills.

Alexander Georgievich Kondratiev

An electrical engineer by training, he worked as an electronics engineer, chief engineer at a food company, and general director of a construction organization.

Regular increases in utility tariffs force owners to save water. There are many ways to rationally use water in everyday life. If you use them regularly, they can help you save up to 10,000 rubles a year.

These are absolutely legal methods, but they only work in apartments with meters.

Wash

Washing clothes is quite expensive. At first glance, it is difficult to save money on it, because all the work is done by the washing machine.

However, after carefully studying the instructions, you can understand how to save:

• Do not use long washing cycles at maximum temperature. This is not beneficial in terms of water and electricity consumption;
• Do not wash small amounts of items;
• Wash stained and worn laundry by hand before putting it in the machine. This will allow you to select the economy mode. To wash, use a high-quality stain remover;
• Do not use the double rinse mode, most often there is no point in it;
• Perform washing with a fully loaded drum;
• Do not use gels or low-quality powders. They are difficult to rinse, and prolonged use will cause gel particles to settle on the drum and other parts of the machine. What worsens the washing parameters;
• Use the “quick wash” mode with a water temperature of 30C.

These techniques will save up to 10% of water.

Cooking and washing dishes

Cooking food does not require as much water as washing it. However, there are ways to reduce consumption here too.

Do not defrost food under running water. Remove food from the freezer ahead of time. This will not only preserve water, but also beneficial substances will remain in the products.

Install a two-bowl sink. Soak dirty dishes in one, and use the second for rinsing. The savings will be significant if there are many people in the family. Use warm water to rinse.

If there is no special sink, dirty dishes can be washed in a basin. At the same time, you should not rinse the dishes under a strong jet pressure. This does not facilitate quick rinsing of dishes, but increases consumption.

Economical shower heads

With regard to shower equipment, the issue of reducing the amount of water consumed is especially acute. For proper washing, a sufficiently strong pressure is always required, which, in turn, inevitably leads to overspending. Therefore, in the production of modern watering cans, special attention is paid to water-saving technologies. All kinds of flow limiters are quite common today.

In this case, various options are possible:

Insert with holes. The function of a limiter is often performed by an insert installed directly in front of the watering can, in which there are holes of a certain diameter. Since the throughput of such an insert is significantly lower than that of the shower head itself, the use of such an element allows you to reduce water consumption.

Silicone ring built into the watering can. You can limit the maximum flow using a silicone ring that is built into the watering can. The product has sufficient elasticity and is able to respond to increased pressure. At this point, it takes on a flatter shape, as a result of which the hole in the watering can narrows. Thus, by reducing the pressure, much less water is wasted.

Eco mode switch. The flow may be temporarily limited when using a watering can equipped with a special switch located on the body. In this case, there is no need to change the mixer settings or resort to other complex manipulations. The user can switch to economical water consumption mode at any time using a switch. If necessary, it is quite easy to restore the previous settings in the same way.

Aerators for shower heads. In shower heads, as well as in faucets, aerators can be installed, due to which air bubbles are formed in the water. Air significantly increases the volume of the jet, thereby reducing the consumption of resource consumption. When using aeration technology, the shower not only becomes economical, but also causes a pleasant tactile sensation.

Ecojet. Often, modern models of shower heads use the “eco-jet” method. In this case, the equipment is equipped with a water-saving mechanism, which is controlled using a rotary ring. When selecting Eco mode, half of the water outlets are completely closed, resulting in a reduction in flow volume of exactly 50%.

Bath, shower and other procedures

It is a known fact that taking a bath requires a lot of liquid. If you take water procedures in the shower, the consumption of cold and hot water will be reduced significantly.

Installing a thermostatic mixer will eliminate temperature changes. If you use a low-flow watering can that allows you to select a mode, you can realize additional savings.

Taking a shower instead of a bath allows you to reduce consumption from 150 to 30 liters per procedure.

A lot of water is wasted when brushing your teeth. Turn off the tap while cleaning. Use a glass when brushing your teeth.

A combined hot and cold water tap can save up to 3 liters per turn on. With separate taps, it takes time to adjust the temperature of the liquid.

Often, to reduce flow, a pedal is used that shuts off the water.

Of course, such savings only make sense in an apartment with meters.

Magnet is illegal!

Often consumers resort to installing neodymium magnets on water meters . When water passes through the device, it begins to rotate in the opposite direction.

As a result, a situation of unaccounted consumption is created. Due to the revealed fact of using magnets on water meters, the consumer faces a fine. Its size is 10 times higher than the water tariff.

The consumer may also be charged with theft. In this case, he may be prosecuted. It can consist of either a fine or imprisonment.

You should only resort to legal methods of saving , since unauthorized attempts to reduce water consumption are quickly identified by the Criminal Code, after which consumers face liability, including criminal liability.

Water recycling system

Such eco-gadgets are popular in Europe, but you can also find them in our retail chain. The recycling system allows you to use water economically. It is connected to the sink in the kitchen and bathroom. It is a filter system with storage. Turns on when rinsing dishes or rinsing in the shower. Although the system has filters, you should not send water with detergents into it. They are poorly filtered.

This liquid can be used for technical needs. For example, in a private house for washing a car, watering plants. If there is a lot of secondary water, you can connect a hose to the drain tank, which will further reduce consumption.

How to save water in the kitchen? Really effective ways

The kitchen is also a waste of water resources. We cook every day, wash dishes and hands. What ways have helped me save water in such processes?

1. We put a nozzle with a sprayer on the faucet. These heads, like shower heads, are sold in stores. They work exactly the same way as the ones I wrote about above - they spray water in large droplets. There is no discomfort with such a spray, but the savings are good!

I wash dishes for about 10 minutes, 45 liters of water are spent at a time. 200 per day , since I take into account washing dishes - three times, plus the additional use of the tap when cooking and rinsing glasses and mugs during the day. With a regular tap, the volume of water consumed is twice as much, approximately 400 liters. It turns out that we have to pay 2 times less for water from the kitchen tap. We pay for 73,000 liters, not 146,000 .

1. Wash dishes immediately after eating. I learned this to save money! Previously, dishes were dumped in the sink, and washed only after a couple of hours. The food, accordingly, dried out during this time, and more water was spent on washing. Cleaning fresh food from dishes is easier and faster!
2. Afterwards, I persuaded my husband to buy a dishwasher! It was my dream! I really wanted such an assistant for a long time, even before saving water. But somehow everything was not up to her: loans, mortgages, and there are only three of us in the family - we don’t mess around too much. But the three of us learned how to dirty so many dishes that even six people couldn’t handle it. Salads, first, second, husband eats one, son eats another, I eat third! A lot of utensils are used when cooking! Finally, the cherished day of buying a car has arrived! We went to the store, I chose, my husband paid! Hooray! As it turned out, the machine is not only a helper in the household, but also a great way to save water! With its help, water is wasted 5 times less! So per year we paid for 14,600 liters of water used for washing dishes.
3. Installed a filter on the faucet. We used to use a jug to purify water for drinking. But sometimes it would sit with us for a day, and then it would be poured out and refilled with fresh water. And before filling the jug, I had to let the water run for a few seconds. By installing a filter on the faucet itself, these costs stopped. This saves more than 3 cubic meters of water per year.
4. When cooking, I close the tap. Now that I have a dishwasher, I started cleaning vegetables in the basin. This is also great for saving water. You pour water into a basin, wash the vegetables there before peeling, and then simply rinse them in running water.

Cistern with two buttons

A lot of liquid is lost when flushing the toilet. Each button press consumes 10-15 liters. Some owners place a bottle of water inside the tank to reduce consumption. Thus, they achieve a reduction in losses by 1.5 liters with each flush.

But this figure can be significantly reduced if you use a tank with two keys. This tank operates in two modes. When you press the first button, a small amount of liquid is drained.

Depending on the toilet setting, 2-5 liters are flushed. And when you press the second button, the tank drains the water into the toilet in full.

Advantages of installing water meters

According to the Federal Law on Energy Saving No. 261-FZ of November 23, 2009 , all payments for resources, including water supply, must be carried out according to meter readings. In new buildings, water meters are installed before the buildings are put into operation.

In older housing stock, payments for water are charged according to consumption standards, unless apartment owners themselves think about purchasing individual devices. We have provided recommendations for choosing a suitable water meter here.

Installation of water meters is carried out by employees of the relevant services. Each device is supplied with a passport and a certificate of conformity, which is certified by a body accredited by Gosstandart

Experts strongly recommend thinking about installing water meters, because they have a number of undoubted advantages:

• A standardized payment is charged for each tenant registered at the address, even if he does not live in the apartment. And when the device is running, resource consumption is determined according to its readings, regardless of the number of people registered in the apartment.
• Actual water consumption is usually much lower than the upper limit of the norm.

It is worth adding that saving is important not only from the point of view of the family budget. Water is a non-renewable natural resource, the effective use of which contributes to the creation of a favorable environmental situation and protection of the environment.

Thinking about buying a meter? In this case, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best flow meters according to customers.

Smart touch faucet

Engineers have come up with various gadgets to reduce consumption with foot pedals. But a more effective device is a touch mixer.

This “smart” gadget turns on the water only if a person brings his hands to it. An induction nozzle is built into it, which responds to changes in the magnetic field.

It changes when a person brings his hands to the tap. It fires and water is supplied. With such a gadget you can achieve up to 50% resource savings. The introduction is hampered by the high price of the mixer.

How to use the infrared sensor

A modern water saving device - an infrared sensor - will teach you how to save water. Many have seen and used such a device in shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, public toilets and the like. The infrared sensor can be installed at home.

Infrared mixers have some advantages:

• saving water;
• strength;
• durability.

Why is water consumption decreasing? A large amount of resources is spent while a person brushes his teeth, shaves, washes dishes, does not want to dirty the faucet with dirty hands, or is simply lazy. This problem goes away on its own with an infrared sensor. When you raise your hands, you turn on the water, when you remove it, it turns off.

Faucet with infrared sensor

Sensor advantages:

• efficiency: per family, water savings per month will be 10 cubic meters. The faucet does not leak or drip. With a water meter, you can get bills several times lower than usual;
• durability of the device: it does not have a valve that needs to be constantly turned, there are no parts that can wear out and fail;
• safety: water is supplied from the tap at the optimal temperature, it is impossible to get burned. The faucet has a built-in temperature regulation system, which is especially useful in families with children;
• disinfection: since people do not touch the tap with their hands, there is no possibility of transmitting bacteria to each other through household means. Personal hygiene is maintained.

Flaws:

• expensive compared to a regular faucet. The solution is to purchase an attachment with an infrared sensor for a regular mixer;
• difficulty in maintenance. Few plumbers will be able to repair such a system. But warranty service is usually provided for up to 10 years.

Due to the high cost of the device, it is recommended to buy a separate infrared nozzle for an ordinary mixer. Technical characteristics allow it to be installed on most modern cranes. The installation process is not difficult; you can do it at home without calling a specialist. Water savings begin immediately after installing the sensor.

The touch sensor has several modes. Its sensitivity is adjustable from 5 to 25 cm. Installation instructions are quite simple:

• the old aerator is removed;
• an adapter is placed in its place;
• the adapter is fixed with a special key;
• the fixing nut is screwed on top;
• the nozzle is adjustable.

Automatic mixer installation diagram

Other tips for saving water

Saving water is achieved by using the simple methods described above. But significant savings can be achieved in other ways:

• When washing your car, do not use a hose. One or two buckets of water are enough for this.
• If you bathe children together, it is more fun and costs will be reduced.
• In summer, put a bottle of water in the refrigerator. This will allow you not to drain the water in order to get a cold drink.
• After turning off the water, wait for your neighbors to drain it.
• Use lever mixers. They mix liquids faster.
• Do not rinse laundry under running water. Use basins for these purposes.
• Insulate hot water pipes. This will allow you to maintain the required temperature longer.
• Make sure your plumbing is in good working order.
• When cooking and cleaning floors, use cheap, cold water.

Rules for the provision of services by management companies

It is useful for users to know that according to Resolution No. 307/23.05.2006 “On the procedure for providing public services to citizens”; No. 176-FZ/29.06.15 “On amendments to the Housing Code of the Russian Federation and certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation,” residents have the right to demand compensation from the management company for services of inadequate quality.

Invoices issued by service providers must be paid on time. It is also advisable to monitor the tariffs, which may change periodically

The acts indicate that hot water should have a temperature of 60-70 °C. If this regime is not maintained, then for each degree below the norm, 0.1% of the current tariff is calculated. If the water runs with low pressure - approximately 25% of the established norm - payment for each hour is also reduced by 0.1%.

The provided breaks in the water supply are a total of no more than 8 hours per month or 4 hours continuously. A planned shutdown can last no more than two weeks, and in the event of an accident on the highway, no more than one day.

If rusty water or liquid with an unpleasant odor comes in, residents have the right to file a complaint against the management company about poor quality of utility services. In this case, you can apply not only for reimbursement of funds paid, but also for compensation for harm to health.