The Hidden Cost of Household Water Waste: How Much Are Brits Flushing Away?

4th Sep 2025

We all have our daily bathroom routines – washing our hands and hopping in the shower, maybe even a couple of times a day. But some seemingly innocent habits could have a bigger impact than you'd expect – not only on your local water supply but also on your bank account.

With water and energy bills rising across the UK, it's more important than ever to be aware of how much we're wasting.

In this guide, we'll break down how much money Brits are flushing down the drain, and Brian Toward, CEO here at Wholesale Domestic, will weigh in to show you simple steps to save water and your hard-earned cash.

How much water is wasted in the UK (and why)?

On average, each person in the UK uses around 152 litres of water every day. Of that, a significant chunk – around 47 litres – is wasted due to inefficient appliances, poor plumbing, and habits we often overlook. That's not just a loss of precious water; it's money down the drain.

Brian says: "A lot of the time, we don't think about the little things that waste water in the bathroom. But with bills going up, even wasting a few extra litres here and there adds up over a year. The good news is, it's easy to make changes once you know where to look."

How to reduce water waste

1. Think before you flush

Flushing the toilet is one of the sneaky ways we accidentally waste water. Whether it's getting rid of a single tissue after blowing your nose or a quick flush after spot-cleaning your toilet, those small actions can inflate your water bill over time.

The average cost of tap water per litre in the UK is 0.3p, which might not seem like much, but it can quickly add up. Modern cisterns use around 5 litres per flush, which means it will cost you around 1.5p each time. If you flush unnecessarily daily, you could be wasting up to £5.50 yearly. And older toilets use around 9 litres, which is almost £10 a year wasted!

In a household of four, that adds up fast – with modern toilets you're looking at around £22 a year, while older models could mean nearly £40 a year literally going down the drain.

Brian points out: "It's easy to forget that flushing every little thing adds up over time. While £5 a year might not sound like much, imagine that multiplied by every flush in a busy household. More importantly, flushing single-use items like wipes or sanitary products can lead to bigger problems, like a blocked toilet and costly repairs."

2. Turn off the tap

You've likely heard this one before, but it's easy to forget sometimes: turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save you a surprising amount of water. In fact, a running tap can waste up to 6 litres of water every minute. If you leave it running for just two minutes twice a day when you're brushing your teeth, you're wasting 24 litres daily and 8,760 litres each year. That's enough to fill over 100 bathtubs!

Simply switching it off while brushing is over 7p per day saved, which adds up to around £26 a year. Now think about if there are four people in your household all doing the same – that's over £100 a year saved, just by turning off the tap.

Brian explains: "Leaving the tap running while you brush your teeth might feel like a harmless habit, but it really adds up over time. And, of course, this tip doesn't just apply to brushing your teeth – keep the tap off when washing your face, shaving, or doing anything else where you need water but not actively rinsing or using it."

3. Shower smarter

We've all been guilty of letting our shower run a little longer than needed from time to time, but did you know that shortening your shower time could help you save water, energy, and ultimately, money? Taking a four-minute shower can help you save around 50 litres of hot water.

Although four minutes might sound like a rush, it's enough time to wash your hair, clean your body, and turn off the shower when you're done. If you struggle with keeping time, Water Aid has a handy 4-minute Spotify playlist to help you know when it's time to get out of the shower.

Another great way to reduce your water bill is to switch to a low-flow shower head. These use around 6 litres per minute, compared to the 10-15 litres used by standard models. Over a 10-minute shower, this can reduce your water usage by up to 90 litres!

Brian explains: "Aim to keep your showers short and sweet. Try to keep the water on for only four minutes, and consider switching to a more water-efficient showerhead. Don't forget to turn the shower off while you're applying shampoo, conditioner, or shower gel. You'd be surprised how much more you can save with just a little effort."

And it's not just showers – baths also use a lot of water. A typical bath can use about 80 litres, which is double the amount of water needed for a six-minute shower.

Running the perfect bath is very relaxing and can be great for your health, so you don't have to cut baths out of your routine entirely. But swapping one bath per week for a four-minute shower can save you up to £10 a year on your energy bills.

4. Fix any drips

Leaks and drips might seem like small issues at first, but over time, they can lead to more water waste than you might think. A leaking tap or toilet can waste up to 400 litres of water daily, translating to hundreds of pounds on your annual water bill. Older properties are more prone to leaks due to wear and tear, but it can happen in any home.

Brian advises: "A small leak in a toilet can waste a lot of water before you even realise it's there. To check for a leak, you can add a few drops of food colouring into the toilet cistern. If the colour appears in the toilet bowl without you flushing, there's a leak somewhere that should be fixed. The good news is, many water suppliers will repair leaks for free, so it's worth getting in touch with them if you find one."

If you have a dripping tap, you can often fix it yourself by replacing the tap washer.

Frequently asked questions

How much does water cost in the UK?

The cost of water in the UK varies by region, but on average, water bills are calculated based on the amount of water you use. Most water companies charge around 0.3p per litre, so every time you flush, use the tap, or take a shower, the water you use adds up.

How do you reduce your water bill?

Reducing your water bill starts with making minor changes to your bathroom habits.

Brian adds: "Look at your bathroom as the first place to make changes when trying to shave money off your water bill. Fixing any leaks, upgrading your fixtures, and making simple changes to your bathroom habits can all help to bring your bill down and also have a positive impact on the environment."

How can I monitor my household water usage?

“One of the easiest ways to monitor household water usage is to regularly check your water meter,” says Brian. “If you don't have one, many water suppliers offer smart meters that can show you how much water you're using in real time. A lot of these meters also have useful features to warn you if your usage is getting too high, helping you dodge unwanted surprises when the water bill lands on your doorstep."

What are the most common causes of water wastage in the home?

"Some of the most common culprits for wasted water are actually simple habits," explains Brian. "One of the biggest offenders is leaving taps running while brushing teeth or doing the washing up."

"Other common causes include faulty or leaking plumbing, like dripping taps or leaking toilets. It can really cost you in the long run.”

“A lot of water is wasted in the garden, too. Over-watering your lawn or using hoses without a trigger nozzle can lead to using more water than you’d expect."

Save money on your bathroom with Wholesale Domestic

Small changes in your bathroom can lead to big savings on your water and energy bills. From replacing old taps and toilets to installing more efficient showerheads, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your bathroom while saving money in the long run.

At Wholesale Domestic, you'll find everything you need to transform your bathroom. Whether you're looking to reduce water waste or simply refresh your space, we've got you covered.

For more bathroom inspiration and helpful tips, check out our blog or contact us today for more advice on making the most of your space.