As part of the Government’s commitment to reduce the amount of energy we use, eaga have one free ShowerSmart valve to give away to every household in Great Britain. This small gadget prevents unnecessary waste of water when using your shower. It’s free, simple to use, saves money and is also green. It’s got to be a Generous action.

So how does it work?
Basically, it creates a constant flow of 7.7 litres per minutes, giving a full, even jet with less fluctuation in the speed of the water flow from your shower. And a more efficient shower means that you will save energy.

When the item is delivered, it includes a measuring bag. To see if your shower would benefit from using it, simply put the showerhead into the bag, turn on the shower for five seconds and then switch off the shower. If the water level in the bag is above the printed measuring line, then your shower unit is not efficient and you will benefit from installing the unit. If the water level is below the line, then you have an efficient shower and there is no need to install the unit.

And how do I install it?
To install it, simply unscrew the shower hose, put in the red fibre washer between the unit and the taps, screw the unit onto the taps, and on the other end screw the shower hose on to the top of the unit. Job done. The water flow remains strong and is sufficient for a good shower.

So how can I get hold of one?
You can claim a free unit – plus some energy-saving lightbulbs if you are over 70 or, alternatively, are claiming one of the following benefits or credits: income support, housing benefit, council tax benefit, income based Jobseeker’s Allowance, attendance allowance, disability allowance, industrial injuries disablement pension benefit, war disablement pension, pension credit, child tax credit, or working tax credits. But it seems like most of us can claim a free unit (minus the bulbs) even if we’re not over 70 or on these benefits.

What could I save?
A two-person household could save more than 12,000 litres of water a year by using the ShowerSmart – and, at current prices, this will mean a saving of roughly £20 each year on gas bills and (assuming your water is metered) a saving of £20 on your water bill per year. This equates to over a tonne of carbon dioxide over products lifetime.

In summary:

• Save up to £600 over the product’s lifetime.
• Save up to £20 per year* on fuel bills.
• Save up to £20 per year* if your water is metered.
• 15 Year manufacturer guarantee.
• Easy self-installation.
• Suitable for use with non-electric mixer showers or bath/shower mixer taps, provided they run off the mains water pressure.
• Works by regulating the water flow, saving you water, energy and money.

*Based on a 2-person household. Source: The Building Research Establishment

Apply for your free eaga ShowerSmart here now. Or visit eaga.com/showersmart or ring free on 0800 953 0033 quoting reference ‘ShowerSmart-RF’.

NB. The makers indicate that the unit is not suitable with electric showers, showers with multiple jets or rainwater showers.

Here’s a related video.

Shower shorter from Generous on Vimeo.