Saving water in a renovation project
Climate change is an irrefutable fact. Drought is no longer a threat, it is a reality that can be seen every day in fields and mountains. A conscious use of water and the rest of natural resources is a must. In Molins Design we want to do our bit and we will do it the way we know how. This time we want to explain how to save water in an integral reform project.
It is clear that most of the water consumed in a household is consumed in 2 basic rooms: the bathroom and the kitchen. In these two rooms, cleaning, hygiene and cooking tasks that require the use of water are carried out. On the other hand, in the rest of the home there are appliances that consume water and can also help to save water.
Some facts and figures on water
The National Statistics Institute reports that average household water consumption in Spain was 133 litres per inhabitant per day. This figure should be placed in the year 2020, which is the latest year for which data is available. It is true that the awareness campaigns have worked because in 2001 this consumption was around 165 litres per person per day.
Despite this, the quantities are far from what would be ideal. The World Health Organisation WHO states that the ideal average consumption per person per day should be around 50 litres.
Thus, households need to have water-saving systems in place. They should also have efficient air-conditioning systems and appliances. Home renovations should be built with these figures in mind. Changes should affect the structure of the homes and also the way the facilities are used. Let’s take a look at these water-saving actions in a complete renovation project.
Ideas for saving water in a renovation
Most of the recommendations we are going to offer from Molins Design are focused on bathrooms and kitchens. Undoubtedly, these are the spaces where devices can be installed to achieve considerable savings.
The planet will feel it and so will our wallet because the bill will be lower.
Saving water in the bathroom renovation
The bathroom consumes 70 % of the water used in the average household. The toilet takes 30%, the shower another 30% and the remaining 10% is consumed by the washbasin.
1.- Installations
To begin with, it is essential to check the state of the installations. The plumbing professional should locate possible leaks and replace any pipes that are pitted or leaking. Another interesting tip is to install stopcocks in each bathroom of the house. In this way, the supply can be cut off in that area if a fault occurs.
2.- Taps
The most suitable tap system for saving water in a house renovation project is the mixer tap. In addition, it is interesting to opt for models that incorporate 2 pressure levels. In this way, the first opening will offer a medium and sufficient flow. If more quantity is needed, the second level will have to be activated by simply raising the piece a little more.
On the other hand, thermostatic taps are also a great choice. They regulate the water temperature and reduce consumption by eliminating the water tempering phase. These taps offer savings of between 6% and 16% compared to conventional taps.
Finally, electric taps or taps with a presence sensor are also very interesting. The tap only lets the water run if it detects hands. Not a drop is lost.
One last piece of advice on taps: always fit aerators or flow restrictors. You save up to 50% when mixing air.
3.- Shower instead of bathtub
If you are looking to save water in an integral reform project, it is imperative to install a shower instead of a bathtub. According to experts, a conventional bathtub needs 200-250 litres to fill.
A 5-minute shower, on the other hand, only uses about 70 litres. So there is no argument here.
In addition, a bathtub always reduces the available space in a bathroom the most. Showers are easier to clean and also more accessible for older people. And most importantly, they are much more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
4.- Water-saving cistern
The cistern is another accessory that can help save water in an integral reform project. On average, every time we flush the toilet, 12 to 15 litres are lost. In this case, it is best to install dual flush or interruption flush cisterns.
The first model has 2 flush buttons that flush more or less water. In the second model it is possible to interrupt the flushing of water.
Finally, there is a last option that is becoming more and more common. This consists of using the grey water from the washbasin to fill the cistern tank.
The kitchen is another area where water is used on a daily basis. And not only directly from the tap over the sink, but also in the operation of various household appliances.
To begin with, the kitchen tap should be a mixer tap and should include an aerator or flow limiter. If a pull-out model is installed, it is advisable for it to have a hydro-efficient head.
On the other hand, household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers should have a good level of energy efficiency. A+++ models are the most efficient. They should also be used with common sense.
The dishwasher should be run when it is full. And remember that washing dishes by hand wastes an average of 85 litres. The dishwasher, on the other hand, uses an average of 15 litres.
Finally, the washing machine should have the option of adjusting the amount of water to the weight of the load of laundry.
Saving water in an integral reform can and should also affect the exterior areas of the house. If you have a garden, at Molins Design we always recommend installing automatic or drip irrigation. It is a way of not wasting water during irrigation.
On the other hand, if you have space, you can design and install a rainwater collection tank. This can be used to hydrate plants or for cleaning pavements.
Finally, it is true that natural grass has a high aesthetic value, but it is also true that it needs a large amount of water for irrigation. There are high quality artificial grass models on the market with a texture and feel very similar to natural grass. And with a minimum watering to refresh it, it is enough.
So far we have talked about the water that can Saving water in a complete renovation project has been completed. However, it is also advisable to carry out some actions to promote savings during the work.
It is a good idea to tell workers and professionals to wash tools in buckets filled with water and not under the tap.
It is also possible to recycle the water from this washing to incorporate it in the formation of plaster or cement.
In addition, always avoid pouring glue, grease, oil or paint down the drain. This will prevent the pollution of rivers and wells.
