Flow Reducers – The Smart Way to Save Water and Energy at Home

Water is one of our most precious resources – yet in the UK, millions of litres are wasted every day through overuse in households and businesses. At EasyWaterCalc.co.uk, we’re passionate about helping you save both water and money through smart solutions. One of the simplest and most effective tools to achieve this? Flow reducers.

What Are Flow Reducers?

Flow reducers (also known as flow restrictors or aerators) are small, inexpensive devices that limit the amount of water coming out of taps and showers without noticeably affecting performance. They work by either narrowing the pipe opening or mixing air with the water stream, reducing flow while maintaining water pressure.

Why Use Flow Reducers?

Using a flow reducer is a simple way to:

  • Save Water – Reduce your water usage by up to 50% in taps and showers.

  • Lower Bills – Less water used means reduced water bills, and less hot water means energy savings too.

  • Protect the Environment – Every litre saved helps reduce the energy used in water treatment and heating, cutting your carbon footprint.

  • Improve Efficiency – In many cases, reduced flow can actually improve comfort, such as softer showers and less splashing at the sink.

Where Can You Use Them?

Flow reducers can be installed in:

  • Bathroom taps

  • Kitchen taps

  • Showerheads

  • Toilets (dual flush systems or retrofit kits)

They're quick to install and compatible with most standard UK plumbing fixtures.

How Much Can You Save?

Here’s an example from our calculator at EasyWaterCalc.co.uk:

  • A typical UK household of 4 using standard taps and showers may use over 150 litres per person per day.

  • Installing flow reducers can cut that by 30–50 litres per person daily.

  • This could lead to annual savings of £50–£150, depending on your water and energy tariffs.

Are There Any Downsides?

Very few. While some older systems might not be compatible or might experience a slight drop in pressure, most modern UK plumbing can accommodate flow reducers easily. In areas with very low water pressure, some testing may be needed to find the optimal device.

How to Choose the Right Flow Reducer

Use our tools on EasyWaterCalc.co.uk to:

  • Estimate your current water usage

  • Compare savings with and without flow reducers

  • Get recommendations for the best flow rate (measured in litres per minute) for each outlet

Final Thoughts

Flow reducers are a cost-effective and low-effort way to reduce water use in your home. Whether you're looking to save on bills, conserve water, or improve your home's sustainability, they're a smart choice.

Try our free calculator today at www.easywatercalc.co.uk to see how much you could save by adding flow reducers to your fixtures.