When winter hits Perth, there’s nothing worse than stepping into a cold shower – except maybe the shock of your next power bill. As plumbers, we see it every year: hot water systems working overtime, chewing through energy and cash. But a few simple changes can keep your hot water flowing efficiently and your bills under control.
Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes
Most people don’t realise how much heat is lost between the system and the tap. If your hot water pipes are exposed – especially in older homes – they can lose heat fast, meaning your system works harder to keep up.
Our tip? Wrap any exposed pipes in foam insulation. It’s cheap, easy to install, and stops heat escaping before it even reaches your tap.
Check the Temperature Setting
Your hot water system should be set to around 60°C at the storage tank. Any higher and you’re just wasting energy (and increasing the risk of scalding). If your water feels way too hot, or you’re constantly adding cold to make it comfortable, it’s likely set too high.
Note: Don’t try adjusting this yourself unless you know what you’re doing – some systems need a licensed plumber to change the setting safely.
Install Efficient Showerheads
Standard showerheads use around 15–20 litres per minute. A water-efficient one can bring that down to 6–9 litres, without sacrificing pressure. That’s less hot water used every time someone jumps in the shower — which adds up fast for families.
We can install these in minutes, and most of the time they pay for themselves within a few months on your energy and water bills.
Need a Hand?
If your system’s struggling this winter, or you’re keen to lower your bills, give us a buzz at Drains Plus. We’ll make sure your hot water setup is running smart, not hard.
