Cape Town is in the middle of a massive drought, so everyone needs to save water. Having a mixer in your shower enables you to turn the water on and off in short bursts, minimising the water usage. However, if you don't have a mixer, it is quite expensive to install one, and having to constantly open and close two taps and regulate the temperature is just not feasible.

Installing a small ball-valve inbetween the showerhead and the water pipe allows users to open the taps to the desired temperature, but cut off water supply with the flick of a switch. So you wet your body, turn the water off, soap, turn water on to rinse (apparently the technique is called a "Navy Shower/Military Shower").

It takes about 5min to install, and costs under R70, and by monitoring my water use, it is evident that it saves a LOT of water!

Step 1: What You Need

A shower
An in-line ball-valve with a male and female side (15mm diameter) (Here's one I found online, but any plumbing/building supplies store should be able to help you)
Thread seal tape
Optional: Water saving showerhead or InLine Flow Controller

Step 2: Thread Seal Tape Clockwise Around the Male End of the Ball Valve

The thread seal tape helps to avoid water leaking through. It helps to put the thread on in a clockwise manner, because that is the direction that you will fasten it onto the showerhead.

Step 3: Fasten the Ball Valve to the Showerhead

Step 4: Wind Thread Tape Around the Pipe in the Shower in a Clockwise Manner

Step 5: Attach the Showerhead With Ball Valve to the Shower Arm

Step 6: Showering

When showering, first open both taps until the water reaches a comfortable temperature. Then use the newly installed valve tap to cut off the water to the showerhead when not needed (e.g. when soaping).