Save Water, Save Money: Plumbing Upgrades for an Eco-Friendly Home

Save Water and Money with Smart Plumbing Upgrades

Melbourne households use significantly more water than they need to. Ageing fixtures, inefficient hot water systems, and undetected leaks are responsible for a large portion of residential water bills — and many of the fixes are straightforward and cost-effective. Here's what ATC Plumbing recommends for Melbourne homes looking to reduce water consumption.

Fix Leaks First

A dripping tap wastes up to 20,000 litres of water per year. A leaking toilet can waste double that — often silently, with no visible drip. Before spending money on new fixtures, have a plumber check for leaks throughout the property. A dye test on your toilet cistern takes two minutes and can reveal a leak you'd never know was there. See our guide on how to check for a water leak at home.

Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rated tapware, showerheads, and toilets can reduce water consumption significantly without affecting performance. A 3-star rated showerhead uses around 7 litres per minute compared to 15+ litres for an older unrated unit. ATC Plumbing supplies and installs a full range of WELS-rated fixtures for Melbourne homes.

Hot Water System Efficiency

Older gas storage hot water systems heat water continuously, losing heat through the tank walls and wasting energy. Upgrading to a continuous flow (instantaneous) gas system or a heat pump system reduces both energy consumption and the amount of water wasted while waiting for hot water to reach the tap. Heat pump hot water systems are also eligible for Victorian government rebates — see our heat pump hot water guide for the full details.

Rainwater Tanks

Rainwater tanks connected to toilet flushing, laundry, and outdoor irrigation can reduce mains water consumption by 30–40% for a typical Melbourne home. ATC Plumbing designs and installs compliant rainwater systems — from compact slimline tanks for smaller properties to larger systems with pump and filtration for whole-home use. Tank installations must comply with Melbourne Water requirements and include a compliant first-flush diverter.

Irrigation Systems

A properly designed drip irrigation system delivers water directly to plant root zones, eliminating evaporation and runoff. Paired with a rain sensor and timer, a good irrigation system uses a fraction of the water that hand watering or sprinkler systems consume. ATC Plumbing designs and installs zone-specific irrigation for Melbourne gardens of all sizes.

Start With a Plumbing Assessment

Not sure where to start? ATC Plumbing can carry out a water efficiency assessment of your property — checking for leaks, assessing fixture ratings, and recommending the upgrades that will give you the best return. Call 1300 282 758 to arrange an assessment across Melbourne's south-east.

Related reading: https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/post/are-rainwater-tanks-making-a-comeback-in-melbourne (rainwater tanks Melbourne), https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/post/save-water-save-money-transform-your-garden-with-a-site-specific-irrigation-system (irrigation systems), https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/post/hidden-water-leaks-5-signs-you-need-leak-detection (signs of hidden water leaks), https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/post/installing-an-electric-heat-pump-hot-water-system-a-smarter-choice-for-your-home-in-victoria-austr (heat pump hot water). See https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/services/hot-water-systems.