Martin Lewis Shares Free Water-Saving Devices To Reduce Household Bills

Martin Lewis, the well-known money-saving expert, has highlighted numerous free water-saving devices available to households that can help reduce both water and energy bills. These freebies, offered primarily through UK water companies, provide practical solutions for conserving water without requiring significant investment from consumers.

Water-Saving Freebies Available to Households

According to Martin Lewis, there are currently hundreds of thousands of water-saving freebies available through water companies across the UK. The exact devices and availability depend on location, as each water company offers different incentives and tools. These freebies are designed to help households reduce their water consumption, which in turn can lower both water bills and energy costs since much of the water used in homes requires heating.

The primary platform for accessing these freebies is SaveWaterSaveMoney.co.uk, where users can enter their postcode to determine what devices are available in their area. This service is not limited to water meter customers, meaning households with any type of water billing arrangement can potentially benefit.

Types of Free Water-Saving Devices

Several specific water-saving devices have been mentioned across the sources:

• Shower regulators that maintain pressure while reducing water usage
• Tap inserts to control flow rates
• Garden hose nozzles for efficient outdoor water use
• "Leaky loo" detector strips to identify toilet leaks
• Egg timers that help gauge four-minute showers
• Flush-saving cistern bags like the Buffaloo
• Aerated shower heads worth approximately £30 that provide the same pressure while using less water

Additionally, during winter months, certain water companies offer free insulation kits to prevent pipes from freezing. These kits typically include tap jackets and pipe lagging devices. Nine water companies have been specifically mentioned as offering these winter kits: Southeast Water, Southern Water, South Staff Water, Cambridge Water, Portsmouth Water, Ses Water, Severn Trent Water, Yorkshire Water, and Hafren Dyfrdwy.

The Connection Between Water and Energy Savings

Martin Lewis emphasizes that reducing water consumption can lead to savings on energy bills as well. Since a significant portion of water used in homes requires heating, using less hot water directly reduces energy consumption. This dual benefit makes water-saving devices particularly valuable for households seeking to reduce overall utility costs.

Lewis explains: "Even if you don't have a water meter remember much of the water we use is heated so we pay to heat it so if we use less hot water it helps on your energy bills too."

Water Meters and Potential Savings

Martin Lewis also provides guidance on water meters, suggesting that some households could significantly reduce their bills by switching to a metered system. He notes that households with fewer residents than bedrooms, particularly in England and Wales, are likely to benefit from water meter installation.

To determine whether a water meter would be cost-effective, Lewis recommends using the water meter calculator on ccwater.org.uk, the website of the Consumer Council for Water. This calculator helps users evaluate whether installing a water meter would result in savings.

For those who apply for a water meter, Lewis notes that they typically have up to a year to change their mind if they find it doesn't suit their needs. In cases where water companies cannot install a meter, customers can request an "asset charge" which estimates water usage based on property factors.

Process to Access Free Water-Saving Devices

The process to access these free water-saving devices is straightforward:

1. Visit SaveWaterSaveMoney.co.uk
2. Enter your postcode to determine available devices in your area
3. Request the specific devices that would be most beneficial for your household
4. The devices are typically delivered directly to your home at no cost

This service is available through the majority of UK water companies, with nearly one million water-saving devices currently being distributed to customers.

Seasonal Considerations for Water Conservation

Martin Lewis has particularly highlighted the importance of water conservation during winter months when freezing pipes can become a significant problem. The free winter insulation kits mentioned earlier are designed specifically for this purpose, helping prevent the expansion of water in pipes that can lead to burst pipes and expensive repairs.

Lewis explains: "Frozen pipes can be a nightmare every winter - but as temperatures have plummeted to sub zero in recent weeks, they are more of a concern than ever. When your pipes freeze, the water inside them starts to expand. This can stop your heating and hot water from working efficiently, and if the pipes burst, they can be very expensive to fix."

Quantifying the Potential Savings

While the articles don't provide specific figures on potential savings from individual devices, Martin Lewis emphasizes that the cumulative effect of using these free water-saving devices can result in substantial bill reductions. He describes water as "the forgotten utility" noting that "water bills can be big" and that the available freebies represent a significant opportunity for households to reduce expenses without investment.

Broader Benefits of Water Conservation

Beyond direct financial savings, the use of these water-saving devices contributes to environmental conservation by reducing overall water consumption. This is particularly important in areas facing water scarcity or where water resources are under stress due to climate change or population growth.

Conclusion

Martin Lewis has brought attention to the substantial number of free water-saving devices available through UK water companies. These practical tools, ranging from shower regulators to pipe insulation, offer households an opportunity to reduce both water and energy bills without any upfront cost. By utilizing resources like SaveWaterSaveMoney.co.uk and ccwater.org.uk, consumers can identify which devices are available in their area and determine whether switching to a water meter would be beneficial. The dual focus on immediate cost savings and long-term environmental benefits makes these water conservation initiatives particularly valuable for households seeking to manage their utility expenses more effectively.

Sources

1. Martin Lewis explains simple tricks to save on water bills
2. Martin Lewis reveals how thousands of Londoners can claim free home gadgets
3. Martin Lewis' important water meter advice
4. Martin Lewis' key money-saving advice
5. Martin Lewis' money-saving message
6. Cut your water bills with Martin Lewis' advice
7. Martin Lewis shower hack for energy savings