PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2026 Showers& Enclosures 19


Water-saving without


compromise


Water effi ciency is no longer a background issue reserved for policy documents and new build specifi cations. Here, Dan Martin from Mira explains how it’s starting to infl uence real decisions on real jobs, and installers are increasingly the ones dealing with the consequences.


when trying to reduce overall consumption. The simplest approach has


Dan Martin Head of installer communications at Mira Showers


T


he direction of travel is clear. Regulations around water use are tightening, and showers are under


the microscope. While much of the focus has started in new homes, the reality is that these changes ripple quickly into the wider market, shaping what products are available, what gets specifi ed, and what customers come to expect as standard. Much of this sits within Part G of the Building Regulations, which sets limits on water use in homes. While the detail largely aff ects how homes are assessed and specifi ed, in practical terms it means increasing focus on the performance and water use of everyday fi ttings – particularly showers. For installers, the key isn’t memorising regulation clauses. It’s understanding what’s changing, how it aff ects performance on site, and how to handle conversations with customers who still expect a great showering experience.


Cutting water waste Showers are one of the highest water-using features in any home. From a regulatory point of view, that makes them an obvious starting point


often been to reduce fl ow rates, but installers know that the reality isn’t that straightforward. A shower that looks effi cient on paper doesn’t always behave effi ciently in use. If performance drops, temperature takes too long to stabilise or fl ow feels underwhelming, users adapt. They use the shower for longer, keep adjusting controls or turn temperatures higher than they otherwise would. That behaviour doesn’t just


undermine the intended water savings; it frequently leads to dissatisfaction and callbacks. In some cases, fi ttings get blamed when the underlying issue is that the product was never designed to perform properly under real-world conditions.


Real-world impact This gap between compliance and actual use is where installers feel the pressure fi rst. You fi t what’s specifi ed, it technically meets requirements, but the customer still isn’t happy with how it feels day-to-day. As water effi ciency targets become more demanding, installers are being asked – often implicitly – to make


that won’t feel outdated or need replacing in a few years’ time and, crucially amid a cost-of- living crisis, help to save them money in the long run. These conversations position the installer as an advisor rather than just a fi tter, which builds trust and often leads to better- value installs.


Considering the cost Another part of the picture customers increasingly recognise is running cost. Long or ineffi cient showers don’t just waste water, they waste heated water. That has a direct impact on energy use, especially as more homes move towards tighter effi ciency standards and alternative heating systems. Showers that respond quickly, and hold temperatures consistently, help keep shower times sensible without anyone having to think about it. For installers, that translates into fewer complaints and a product that performs as expected long after install day.


Water efficiency isn’t just another challenge to work around. For installers who approach it in the right way, it’s an opportunity to stand out


that compromise work. The diff erence now is that better solutions are emerging, designed to deliver controlled performance rather than simply restricting fl ow. Fast temperature response,


stable control and consistent pressure all help prevent users compensating with longer showers. That makes a genuine diff erence to water use without sacrifi cing comfort, and crucially, without creating problems for the installer after handover.


Explaining benefi ts There’s also a commercial upside for installers who get ahead of this shift. Water effi ciency can sound like a downgrade when it’s framed as restriction, but most customers are open to spending more on their bathrooms if they understand the benefi t. When the conversation moves


away from litres per minute and towards comfort, reliability and future-proofi ng, better- quality mixers are much easier to justify. Customers may not follow regulatory updates, but they do understand the benefi ts of choosing products


 Designed to maintain strong performance while reducing water use, modern mixers help deliver a comfortable shower without compromise


Futureproof Manufacturers are already responding to these pressures by developing showers and mixers that work within tighter water expectations while maintaining performance. Newer options, such as our new React Mixer (see also page 24) refl ect this shift by balancing effi ciency with the way people actually shower, rather than relying solely on fl ow restriction. The system is engineered to deliver the feeling of up to 25% more power without using any extra water, making 6 litres per minute feel more like 8 litres per minute. For installers, the important point isn’t branding, but confi dence. Products designed for future regulations reduce the risk of problems later and help ensure today’s installs won’t feel compromised as standards continue to evolve.


Added value As water effi ciency becomes a bigger part of everyday bathroom decisions, installers are playing more of an infl uential role than ever. Most customers rely on the advice of the person fi tting the shower. Installers who understand what’s coming, and can explain it clearly without making it feel technical or restrictive, are better placed to protect their reputation, increase job value and deliver installations that genuinely work in the real world. Water effi ciency isn’t just another challenge to work around. For installers who approach it in the right way, it’s an opportunity to stand out – by fi tting showers that feel right today and remain compliant tomorrow. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/29


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