Martin Lewis, the UK-based money saving expert, has highlighted a range of free water-saving devices available from water companies that can help households lower their water and energy bills. According to Lewis, over 600,000 free water-saving gadgets are currently available from water firms across the country, with availability varying by region and provider. These freebies are designed to reduce water consumption, which in turn can cut energy costs since much of the water used in homes is heated. Lewis emphasizes that water bills are often overlooked as a significant household expense and refers to water as the "forgotten utility."
In addition to general water-saving devices, Lewis has drawn attention to specific winter-proofing kits aimed at preventing frozen pipes, which can lead to costly repairs. These kits include items such as tap jackets and pipe lagging. Nine water companies are offering 70,000 such winter insulation kits, distributed through the Save Water Save Money initiative. The participating companies include Southeast Water, Southern Water, South Staff Water, Cambridge Water, Portsmouth Water, Ses Water, Severn Trent Water, Yorkshire Water, and Hafren Dyfrdwy.
Households can access a variety of free water-saving products, such as: - Shower heads that regulate water usage - Tap inserts - Garden hose nozzles - Toilet system bags - Leaky loo detector strips - Shower regulators - Four-minute shower egg-timers - Flush-saving Buffaloo Cistern Bags - Aerated shower heads worth approximately £30
To find and claim these freebies, households are advised to visit the website SaveWaterSaveMoney.co.uk and enter their postcode. The site provides access to region-specific offers from local water companies. It is noted that even households without a water meter can benefit from these devices, as reducing hot water usage directly lowers energy bills.
Lewis also provides guidance on water meter installation, which can lead to significant savings for some households. He recommends using the Consumer Council for Water website (ccwater.org.uk), which features a water meter calculator. This tool helps determine whether a meter would be cost-effective based on household details. Generally, households with fewer residents than bedrooms are likely to save money with a meter. If a meter cannot be installed, customers can request an "asset charge," which calculates charges based on the estimated water usage, linked to the property's value.
When applying for a water meter, customers typically have up to one year to change their mind, provided they are not compelled to have one installed. Lewis stresses that these strategies—installing a meter, using free water-saving devices, and preventing frozen pipes—collectively contribute to reducing household expenses.
The advice is particularly relevant during periods of rising living costs and sub-zero temperatures, when frozen pipes become a greater concern. By taking advantage of these free resources, households can manage their utility bills more effectively without incurring additional costs.