Bathrooms Feature


Interiors 25


Making the right splash


With the desire to develop sustainable solutions increasing, managing water usage is more important than ever. Sophie Weston of Twyford takes a look at recent water-saving innovations.


W


ater scarcity is a growing global concern, and buildings play a crucial role in water consumption. Of course, manufacturers are responding, and signifi cant innovation has been evident in water


effi ciency measures. Key industry stakeholders, from specifi ers to installers, now have access to a wide range of products and technologies, from water saving toilets to taps with built-in technology. T e key is in incorporating technologies that do not require major change


from users, because evidence shows that there will be little change if leſt to user habits. However, it’s important to reassure tenants that even small changes in the


bathroom can have a signifi cant impact on water consumption. For instance, brassware like the infra-red spout has built-in water-saving technology, allowing the customer to have better control of their water consumption. Infrared taps are proximity-activated, eliminating the risk of accidentally leaving the water fl owing. Taps fi tted with this technology will usually halt the water even for the briefest of absences, such as when reaching for the soap. T e toilet fl ush is one area that has been a real focus of development, and it


is easy to see why when you consider that more than 11 billion litres of potable water are used in buildings in the UK every day, and over a third of that is used to fl ush toilets. On average, a full fl ush toilet uses 13 litres of water per fl ush compared to a dual fl ush toilet, which uses four to six litres, making dual fl ush technology one of the most eff ective ways to reduce water consumption. Manufacturers are increasingly producing dual fl ush plates and cistern


systems that feature water saving as standard. T is uses four or 2.6 litres for each fl ush; that’s 60% less water than a standard toilet.


Water saving cisterns are only the fi rst step; maintenance and upkeep are essential factors


However, water saving cisterns are only the fi rst step. Maintenance and


upkeep are essential. T e integrity of washers in valves and fl at rubber seals can degrade over years of usage, so remind your tenants to check their WCs for running water in the bowl when the toilet has not been fl ushed. To help tenants reduce water usage in the shower without compromising on


performance, showers fi tted with a regulator or aerator are recommended. An aerator combines air with water to give the feeling of power while regulators place an upper limit on fl ow rates. Despite a shower using less water than a bath, most customers still like the


choice. Manufacturers are continuing to develop space saving tubs with a lower water capacity, providing the perfect option for residents who want to save water while still enjoying the occasional soak.


PUBLIC SECTOR T e pressure on public sector projects shows no sign of letting up, with ageing buildings, dwindling budgets and increased regulatory demands all coming together to create unique challenges for landlords and operators.


Housing Management & Maintenance August/September 2025


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36