Tag: WaterSafe

It’s World Toilet Day!

Do you have a leaky loo? Check now to save money and protect the environment

To celebrate World Toilet Day (19 November), WaterSafe and Waterwise are sharing a new, short video showing how to check for leaking toilets:

Up to 1 in 20 toilets leak, with some losing up to 400 litres of water a day – the same amount a three-person household uses daily.

This waste impacts household water bills and contributes to unnecessary carbon emissions from treating and delivering water.

The video, released by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, provides a straightforward method to check for leaks:

  • Place a square of toilet paper at the back of the toilet bowl
  • Leave it overnight
  • If it’s wet or torn by morning, the toilet is leaking and needs fixing.

Residents are urged to contact a WaterSafe-approved plumber to repair any leaks.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, emphasises the importance of addressing this issue: “Leaky toilets are a hidden problem in many homes, but they can be easily fixed.

“By taking simple steps to check for leaks, homeowners can save money and help protect our precious water resources. We’re excited to share this video and encourage everyone to act.”

Chloe McFarland, Campaigns Manager at Waterwise said: “At Waterwise, we’re passionate about the small actions that can have a big impact when it comes to saving water.

“A leaky toilet can go unnoticed, but it is so easy to check for – and easy to fix! Catching leaks early can help you avoid unexpected costs and reduce water waste.”

Watch the video on WaterSafe’s YouTube channel or visit www.watersafe.org.uk to find out more or find a local approved plumber.

WaterSafe is a free online search facility funded by the water industry to help customers find competent and qualified plumbers, water supply pipe installers and other water services specialists in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Waterwise is a leading authority on water efficiency in the UK.

Campaign launched to protect Scottish drinking water from illegal use of lead solder

WaterSafe, the national register for approved installers, is today launching a campaign in Scotland to protect consumers from lead in their drinking water caused by the illegal use of lead solder.

The campaign, launched during the World Health Organisation’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, is calling for all plumbers and installers to pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder.

The use of lead solder in drinking water systems is illegal. Despite this, a survey of plumbers shows a number are still using lead solder in drinking water systems and two-thirds carry it in their bags.

Lead can dissolve into drinking water and if it builds up in the body it can cause health issues, particularly in babies and young children.

WaterSafe, in partnership with the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) for Scotland, is also urging people in charge of buildings to always check plumbers working on their drinking water system only use lead-free solder or fittings which don’t need solder.

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said: “Always using lead-free solder is the only safe option, which is why WaterSafe is calling for installers to sign our pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder. This is a simple step all installers can take to safeguard public health.

“We’re also urging anyone who has work being done on their drinking water plumbing, particularly people in charge of nurseries and schools, as well as landlords, health organisations and local authorities to ask their plumber which type of solder they are using to make sure it’s lead-free.”

David Reynolds, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland, said: “I am delighted to support this excellent initiative encouraging behavioural change that protects public health today and for future generations.”

WaterSafe, which is supported by all UK water companies, including Scottish Water, and the DWQR, recommends only employing approved plumbers and installers qualified in the water regulations which are designed to protect drinking water quality.

A separate survey of WaterSafe members showed much higher awareness of the dangers of lead solder.

To find out more about the lead-free initiative or find a local WaterSafe-approved plumber, visit the WaterSafe website.

For more information on lead and drinking water contact Scottish Water for advice and new guidance from the Government on lead is available here.

Tag your tap to prevent a water emergency this winter

Scottish households are being urged to tag their stop tap this winter as part of the Met Office’s WeatherReady campaign.

As households up and down the country are getting ready for Christmas, they are being encouraged to write the details of a WaterSafe-approved emergency plumber on a spare Christmas gift tag and attach it to their property’s stop tap.

Knowing where your stop tap is and how to turn your water supplies off could help prevent flooding and damage if a pipe freezes or bursts and having the number of a qualified and insured plumber to hand could save the day in an emergency.

Only 34 per cent of Scottish households currently know how to find and use their stop tap to turn the water off in case of a burst pipe, according to research by the national register of approved plumbers WaterSafe. It’s often found under the kitchen sink, but could also be in a kitchen cupboard, bathroom, or garage.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, said: “Our research shows that not only do only just over a third of Scottish residents know how to find and use their stop tap, but 16 per cent of residents have had a burst pipe in the past, so it’s a real risk in wintry weather.

“Pipes freezing and bursting can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses, but taking simple steps such as knowing where your stop tap is can limit any damage.

“Writing the details of a local WaterSafe-approved plumber on a gift tag and attaching it to the stop tap means people will be able to isolate their water supply and know who to contact should they experience a problem with their property’s plumbing.

“We’d also encourage people to insulate outside pipes and taps, as well as any pipes in unheated areas of the home such as the loft.”

Met Office Head of Warnings Chris Walsh said: “Winters in the UK usually include a wide variety of weather and this winter looks likely to be no exception.  

“To keep on top of the weather conditions it’s important to stay up to date with the forecast and National Severe Weather Warnings in your area.

“There are simple and cost-effective things everyone can do to prepare for any severe winter weather. Including plenty of useful and creative weather hacks out there that can help people to avoid disruption and make the most of winter weather.”

For further advice on winter-proofing your plumbing, or to find an approved plumber, visit www.watersafe.org.uk/winter.