Saving water at home: 7 concrete plumbing tips

Water is still relatively cheap in Belgium, but that is changing. The price per m³ has been climbing 4-6% per year since 2023. At the same time summer drought has become a fixture in West Flanders. The good news: seven concrete plumbing interventions can cut your water use by 25-30% — without comfort loss.

1. Aerated water-saving shower head

A standard shower head uses 12-15 L/min. A good aerated water-saving head sits at 6-9 L/min while keeping the jet pattern strong. Investment: €30 – €80. Payback: 4-8 months for a family of four.

2. Aerators on every basin tap

An aerator at the end of a basin tap halves the flow without you noticing. €5 each, fitted in 30 seconds. Start here — low effort, high impact.

3. Dual-flush on every WC

Older cisterns flush 9-12 L per pull. A modern dual-flush switches between 3 L (small) and 6 L (large). For a family of four: up to 25,000 L saved per year.

• Stop-set in existing cistern (€15): saves 30-40%
• Swap to new dual-flush (€80 – €200): saves 50%
• Full concealed system with plate (€250 – €500): saves 50% + cleaner look

4. Catch leaks early

A dripping tap or badly-set WC float adds up to 5-15 m³ of lost water per year — just because nobody heard it. Run the meter test monthly (see our blog post on hidden leaks).

5. Rainwater for WC and washing machine

For a single-family home, a 5,000 L rainwater tank (€2,500 – €4,500 installed) covers 30-40% of consumption. WC, washing machine and outdoor tap on rainwater = the biggest impact in a typical home.

6. Water-efficient washing machine and dishwasher

At replacement: an A-rated dishwasher uses 9 L per cycle, a 15-year-old model 22 L. Over 10 years that is 23,000 L difference. Washer the same: A-rated at 45 L per cycle, old models at 80+ L.

7. Shorter showers — measure yourself

A shower timer (€15 – €30, beeps after 4 or 5 minutes) does more than a good intention. In families with teenagers, this single device makes the difference between 380 and 280 litres per day.

We are happy to help with the big interventions (rainwater tank, full dual-flush retrofit). For the quick wins (aerators, shower head) you do not need us — but let us know if you want a recommendation on which brand we suggest.