Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures Save Water and Energy: This Is How

Saving water and energy is a smart and eco-friendly decision for your finances and the environment. Low-flow plumbing fixtures present an effective solution to reduce water consumption without losing performance. Find out about the perks of water-efficient fixtures, how they compare to older models and effective strategies to conserve even more water in your everyday habits.

How Much Water Can Low-Flow Fixtures Use?

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures began picking up traction around the 1990s. The popularity was particularly driven by heightened awareness of water conservation needs and our environmental footprint. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated maximum flow rates for faucets, showerheads and toilets in the United States, promoting the prompt adoption of low-flow fixtures. This early framework helped establish more efficient plumbing technologies focused on lowering water consumption while preserving performance.

Consider how much water low-flow fixtures need compared to their traditional counterparts:

• Faucets: The conventional designs of most faucets run at about 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), whereas low-flow faucets cut this down to 1.5 gpm or less without sacrificing water pressure.
• Showerheads: The industry standard for showerheads was 2.5 gpm. Low-flow designs for showerheads reduce water use to 2.0 gpm or less.
• Toilets: Old toilets may use up to a maximum of 7 gallons per flush (gpf). By comparison, the current federal standard maximum is 1.6 gpf, with a number of dual-flush models needing as few as 1.28 gpf.

The Designs Behind Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures have different design options to retain performance while also cutting back on water. Here’s how they do it:

• Aerators: A number of low-flow faucets and showerheads feature aerators, a component that mixes air with water to preserve the water pressure while still lowering the volume of water needed.

• Flow restrictors: These devices limit the amount of water that moves through the fixture while preventing a major drop in pressure.

• Dual-flush technology: Some toilets have two flush controls—one for liquid waste using less water, and one that’s larger for solid waste. This optimizes water use based on necessity.

Four Advantages of Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Switching to low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets can benefit you in a number of ways:

1. Decreased water waste: The EPA’s Water Sense program has estimated that you can save 700 gallons of water per year by upgrading the existing faucets in your home with new, low-flow versions.
2. Smaller water bills: Low-flow fixtures help decrease your monthly utility bills by using less water. As a matter of fact, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead can save 4 gallons of water every time you shower, which can really add up across its service life.
3. Also lowers water heating costs: Using less water for daily chores also means you use less hot water, which means another boost to your savings by reducing hot water costs.
4. Extended plumbing system life span: Less water flow also reduces wear and tear on your plumbing system, hopefully lengthening its life and reducing the need for repairs.

Tips for Saving Even More Water

While these water-saving fixtures are highly effective by themselves, you can take additional steps to conserve water every time you use them. Here are some tips:

• Take shorter showers: Even if you own low-flow showerheads, you still waste a lot of water when you take too long. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two preserves water and limits energy use.
• Turn off the water whenever you brush your teeth: Try and only leave the tap on if you’re actively using it. If you step away from the sink or take the time to actually brush your teeth, turn off the faucet so you don’t waste water.
• Use dual-flush toilets efficiently: The dual-flush design only works for you if everyone at home knows how to use it. Stick to the half-flush button for liquid waste and only select the full flush for solid waste. Certain handle-flush toilets now have dual-flush functionality. A quick flush uses less water, while keeping the handle depressed releases the standard amount of water to clear solid waste more effectively.
• Don’t flush trash: Toilets are only designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else always wastes water and increases the risk of clogs. Do your water bills a favor by only disposing of facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls and all other non-flushable products in the trash.
• Try and resolve leaks right away: Even low-flow fixtures can leak, wasting more water and hamstringing efficiency. Set aside some time now and then to check for leaks and address any you find to sustain your water conservation efforts.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Installation Today

Ready to lower your water usage and save money? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help! We install quality low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets to promote water and energy conservation. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can depend on us to follow through on the promise of exceptional products and services you deserve. As soon as you’re ready to ask about a free quote for installing low-flow plumbing fixtures or would like more water conservation tips, please contact us today.