New homes are designed to be as efficient as possible, with every aspect carefully considered during the specification and installation stages to deliver the highest standards for occupants. Alongside adhering to Building Regulations, however, efforts can be made to make homes even more sustainable – including promoting water conservation.

Everything from climate change through to growing populations is having a direct impact on water resources. Currently, the average person in the UK uses around 140 litres of water per day, but ambitions to build more efficient new homes would bring that figure down to 125 litres per day. 

With water conservation being all about controlling water usage in order to manage consumption and reduce wastage, it is installers who have a key role to play in making these ambitions a reality.

Conserving water means considering a home’s water system as a whole, and the best place to start is at the source, where water first enters the property. To maximise control over the system, the installation of a pressure reducing valve (PRV) at this point is highly recommended. While not currently a requirement for housebuilders, this addition can set the standard for future-proofing homes.

Ultimately, as well as reducing mains pressure, and protecting the mains supply from potential surges from the network, PRVs also stabilise the flow rate. When referencing the effect of the set pressure against flow rate potential, water usage volumes can be calculated accurately, therefore underpinning efficiency.

To ensure water usage remains consistent, a PRV can also be used in conjunction with the MultiSafe Leak Detector – an innovative leak detection and water management system from RWC’s Reliance Valves range. By continuously monitoring and measuring the flow rate and pressure against pre-set consumption levels, the device accurately monitors usage in real-time. In practice, this helps to safeguard plumbing systems and identify the potential for system failures and leaks, ultimately contributing to more efficient water usage.

For homeowners, the benefits of stabilising the water pressure and flow rate are clear to see. As modern appliances are designed for efficiency, it is possible to accurately predict usage across a property. Taps, for instance, usually use around six litres per minute, while toilets will use between six and nine litres per minute.

Based on this understanding, installers can use a PRV to accurately accommodate these requirements at the entry point of the house, ensuring no fluctuations above these points when appliances are in use. 

Alongside the clear environmental benefits of conserving water, managing consumption in this way can even lead to lower, more consistent bills – a tangible benefit of an efficient home.

Find out how RWC, through its family of brands including JG Speedfit and Reliance Valves, are supporting improved home efficiency at www.rwc.com/uk