Discussing the importance of water conservation in household plumbing systems, RWC’s Eric Winter, EMEA Director of Product Development (Valves), explains how installers can make a genuine impact.

Every day, the average person in the UK uses around 142 litres of water. Whether that’s to shower, flush the toilet, wash clothes, or prepare a meal, having a reliable supply of clean water is essential. The demand is only growing for this valuable resource, as the population expands and environmental changes place greater pressures on supply.

To conserve resources, water companies are actively reducing consumption across the network, having reduced leakage by 43% since the 1990s according to Water UK. While maintaining the 500,000km of water pipes makes a significant contribution towards water conservation, there are things that can be done within individual properties that can collectively make a positive impact.

With more than 25 million homes across the country, buildings represent a significant proportion of our collective water usage. As well as playing a vital part in achieving the UK’s sustainability targets, the efficiency of our homes also extends to water usage. By implementing water saving measures, water usage – and wastage – can be reduced to minimise environmental impacts and conserve resources. This includes installing water metres to accurately monitor consumption, through to using water wisely at home.

Let’s explore some of the ways in which installers can support their customers to manage – and even reduce – their water consumption, having a positive impact on sustainability, and reducing monthly bills.

Fit for efficiency
Plumbing systems are an essential part of a home, ensuring safe and reliable access to water. Alongside this core function, systems also contribute to the overall efficiency of a home – from the point of installation through to everyday usage.

To create systems that prioritise performance through water conservation and reliable performance, installers need to pay particular attention to the valves that maintain flow rates. Flow regulation valves, such as the Floreg Isolating Valve from Reliance Valves, can be installed to ensure the flow of water is maintained at the desired level – avoiding excessive volumes of water from being pulled through.

Aside from flow regulation valves, the solutions used by plumbers can directly impact the installation and efficiency of systems.

Plastic pipes and fittings have become the preferred choice amongst many installers, particularly in new build homes, underpinning system performance and durability for decades to come. Plastic push-fit connections deliver leak-tight seals – which can be made without the need for tools. This makes plastic components easier to work with, even in parts of a system where access is difficult. Alongside fittings, polybutylene pipe from JG Speedfit supports the installation of flexible and durable pipe, contributing to stronger and more efficient plumbing and heating systems using longer pipe runs and fewer connections.

While the primary purpose of plastic is to underpin performance and reliability through straightforward installation, it also supports water conservation across systems.

Alongside the practicalities of working with plastic solutions, the material itself doesn’t oxidise or corrode when used with water and air. This, alongside its ability to accommodate fewer connections, makes plastic pipes and fittings less susceptible to leaks over time.

Minimise leakage
When it comes to conserving water, reducing the potential for leaks to occur within a plumbing system is essential. Millions of litres of water are lost every year to leaks, occurring from burst pipes through to leaking appliances – and the damage caused sees insurance companies pay out almost £2 million a day (Association of British Insurers).

To mitigate against leaks, the WRAS-approved MultiSafe Leak Detection System from Reliance Valves supports installers to provide more efficient, reliable and sustainable systems.

By detecting leaks in the plumbing system, MultiSafe is able to send real-time alerts to building owners and shut off the water supply, avoiding further leakage and damage. In turn, this allows a professional to assess the system and identify potential failures, providing a solution before more water is lost. But that’s not all the system does to conserve water. Suitable for use in all buildings – including domestic, high rise and commercial – the MultiSafe brings peace of mind to occupants, underpins water conservation efforts and mitigates the risk of costly water damage.

Through RWC’s family of brands, including JG Speedfit and Reliance Valves, installers can prioritise system performance and sustainability, promoting water conservation as part of an efficient design.

To find out more, visit www.rwc.com/uk