How to use less water Water-saving gadgets
The Hippo Water Saver toilet cistern device
Toilet cistern devices
- Hippo Water Saver (£8.94 for a pack of three)
- Save-a-Flush (£1.44)
You may not have to buy a water-saving toilet cistern device. Most water companies offer them free of charge.
How they work
Water-saving cistern devices are liquid or granule-filled bags that are placed in the toilet cistern to reduce the volume of water available for each flush.
Performance
The Hippo Water Saver is a tough water-filled polythene bag. The Save-a-Flush is a perforated polythene bag containing water-absorbent granules that swell in size over time.
Both are easy to install and require no plumbing skills – the Hippo saves around 2.5 litres a flush, whereas the Save-a-flush only saves about 0.5 litres (less than the one litre claimed).
Verdict
Both products save water, although the Hippo saves more. But any submerged object would do - a few handfuls of marbles will achieve the same effect.
The Interflush water saving toilet gadget
Flush-modifying devices
- Interflush (£14.95)
- Mecon Water Saver (£17.50)
How they work
These gadgets modify the flush mechanism so it can be stopped when you wish, rather than always producing a ‘full’ flush.
Performance
Both require a little ‘plumbing’ but nothing too serious. The Interflush only fits cisterns with front-facing handles, and once installed means the flushing action stops when the handle is released. The Mecon can only be fitted to a cistern with a spare hole on the front – a button is mounted here that interrupts the flush when pushed.
Verdict
Both devices can save water, but need to be used properly – savings are therefore variable. The Interflush is the better device here as just releasing the handle will cut the flow, whereas the Mecon requires an additional button push to achieve the same thing.
Water-saving shower heads
The Ecocamel shower head saves water by mixing air with the water
How they work
These eco-conscious bathtime gadgets use various technologies to reduce the flow of water to save on the total amount used. For example, some mix air with the water in the shower head, while others 'pulsate' the water. You can find out more in our section on water-saving shower heads. We've also carried out First look reviews of two eco shower heads: the Ecocamel water saving shower head and the Nordic Galant shower head.
Performance
Fitting these shower heads couldn't be simpler, just unscrew the old shower head and screw on the new one. We found that they all tend to reduce the water flow significantly, but the level of comfort varied. Some were a bit noisy, too.
Verdict
We can't really see the point of these products. A similar effect could be had by spending less time in the shower and, indeed, you may just find it takes longer to shower properly with these replacement heads, which would negate any water saving in the process.
Various other devices are available to reduce shower water use, such as a shower timer or a 'Showersave'. You can often get these free from your water company.
- Find out more about how to save water in the bathroom
- Read our first look of water-saving shower heads
- See what other water saving products are right for your home
