A water efficiency group that includes Waterwise, Thames and SES Water has teamed up with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) in a bid to banish leaking toilets.
Between five and eight per cent of homes have a leaky loo, according to data from Waterwise, of which 95 per cent are dual-flush.
The alliance between the UK Water Efficiency Strategy Steering Group and the BMA’s members was formed in response to feedback that certain types of flush mechanism on toilets were prone to leaks.
The results of water saving audits carried out by plumbers, which found that certain flushers were problematic, were shared in a database with the BMA and its members, leading to models prone to leaking being removed from the market.
The manufacturers committed to improve the designs of toilets to make than more efficient.
Speaking at Waterwise’s 2021 conference, SES’ water strategy manager Alison Murphy described results from customer feedback that showed variations between the buttons on dual-flush systems were considered confusing. She said this resulted in water being wasted but suggested design changes could improve the situation.
Work between the BMA and the steering group will ensure it is clearer when to use each button on a dual-flush system.
A leaking toilet can waste hundreds of litres of water a day if left unrepaired but many homeowners an unaware of the leaks.
Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, said the organisation has launched a campaign called Get Lavvy Savvy to show people how to look after their toilet including checking for leaks.
Andrew Tucker, water efficiency manager and leaky loo champion at Thames, said making choices simpler for consumers is key to saving water and money. “Every drop of water saved means more stays in rivers and other waterways to support wildlife including birds, fish and insects which are all vital for a healthy ecosystem.”
The BMA created a voluntary labelling scheme for bathroom products in lieu of a mandatory version for all household goods.
Thames’ own data from water meters showed 16 per cent of London dwellings never stop leaking through inefficient products including toilets. When made aware of the issue 55 to 60 per cent of those billpayers immediately fixed the leaks.