How Much is That Dripping Tap Really Costing You?

Ever wondered what that annoying drip-drip-drip from your tap is really costing you? It’s a small problem that can have a big impact on your water bill, your energy bill, and the environment. Let’s dive into how much that dripping tap might be costing you in wasted water and cash.

The Numbers Behind the Drip

A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but those drips add up. On average, a tap that drips once per second wastes about 5 litres of water a day. That’s a whopping 1,825 litres over a year! To put it into perspective, that’s enough water to fill over 20 standard bathtubs.

The Local Impact: Poole, Bournemouth, and Christchurch

If every household in Poole, Bournemouth, and Christchurch had just one dripping tap, the numbers become huge. With approximately 172,000 households across our area, a single dripping tap in each home would waste around 313 million litres of water per year. That’s a colossal amount of water and money going down the drain! 

The National Impact

Now if we scale that up to the UK the numbers become staggering. With approximately 27 million households in the UK, a single dripping tap in each home would waste around 49 billion litres of water per year. That’s a massive amount of water and money going down the drain! This highlights the importance of fixing those leaks not just for your wallet, but for the environment too.

The Cost of Wasted Water

Let’s talk money. Using our area as an example, and based on the 2025/26 charges, Bournemouth Water bills £1.44 per cubic metre (1,000 litres) for supply, and Wessex Water charges £2.80 for sewerage. That brings the total to £4.24 per cubic metre if you're on a metered supply.

Based on this, a single dripping tap wasting 1,825 litres a year could cost you around £7.74 annually. It might not sound like much – but that’s just one tap.

Now scale that up across BCP. If every household had just one dripping tap, we’d be looking at over £1.3 million in wasted water every year. Across the UK, the figure could climb to more than £200 million. Fixing a drip might seem like a small thing, but it really does add up.

Hidden Costs and Environmental Impact

Beyond the direct cost of water, there are other factors to consider. If the dripping tap is hot, you’re also wasting energy – and that’s where the costs can really skyrocket. Heating water is one of the biggest energy uses in homes, and a dripping hot tap can add a considerable amount to your energy bills.

There’s also the environmental aspect. Water is a precious resource, and wasting it isn’t just bad for your wallet – it’s bad for the planet too. Fixing that drip is an easy way to do your bit for the environment.

Time to Fix That Drip!

So, what can you do? The good news is that fixing a dripping tap is often a straightforward job. In many cases, it’s just a matter of replacing a worn washer or O-ring. If you’re handy, you might be able to tackle it yourself. If not, give us a call – we’re always happy to help.

If you’re in Bournemouth, Poole, or Christchurch and need a reliable plumber, look no further. At Plumberly, we pride ourselves on delivering quality service and fixing plumbing problems quickly and efficiently.

Call us on 01202 985368 or book online.

Ps why not check out some of our great reviews on our Plumberly Google page.

PPs Did you also know we're a Checkatrade approved plumber? See our profile here.